As noted earlier, a deleted social media post from WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura has generated speculation regarding the retirement date of AJ Styles. Nakamura posted on Instagram earlier today regarding a conversation in which Styles confirmed that the upcoming Royal Rumble event would serve as the site of his final match.
The Deleted Instagram Post
Following their match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal on January 24, Nakamura posted on Instagram about his history with Styles. The caption detailed a request from Styles for Nakamura to translate a message intended for Japanese fans during a recent WWE tour.
Within the post, Nakamura wrote that Styles explicitly told him he had “chosen the WWE Royal Rumble to be the site of his last match.” Nakamura subsequently removed the post.
The details in Nakamura’s deleted post align with prior reporting on Styles’ career trajectory. PWInsider.com reported that Styles was expected to conclude his in-ring career before WrestleMania 42, with the Royal Rumble cited as a potential location for his retirement match. This was known months ago so the retirement plans have been set in stone for a while. Of course, there’s always a chance that plans could change but that seems unlikely at this point.
Styles on Physical Toll and Retirement
Styles has frequently addressed the physical toll of his career and his desire to retire while still mobile. In recent interviews, Styles has stated that his body “does not recover” the way it once did, citing the accumulation of injuries over a career spanning more than two decades. He has emphasized a goal to retire on his own terms to ensure he can remain active with his children.
“I want to be able to play with my kids and not be in a wheelchair,” Styles has noted in past media appearances regarding his exit strategy. “I want to finish up while I can still go.”
Styles is scheduled to face Gunther at the Royal Rumble next Saturday. Fans can view the event live on Peacock in the United States and Netflix in international markets.
