AJ Styles says the one thing that would bring him out of retirement is a chance to tag with his sons, and that it would have to be on a big show rather than an independent date.
Styles retired in January, losing to GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble, and was announced for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 the following month. His eldest son Avery, 19, made his professional debut in June.
Asked on his own podcast whether he would ever go back, Styles turned the question round on his co-host before answering it.
“How long is it going to take my son or sons to get into a position where I’m able to do this show with them that matters? If it doesn’t matter, I’m gonna be honest with you, I’m probably not gonna come back for an indie show. I mean, even if it’s with the rest of all my boys, I’m probably not going to do that.”
“I don’t mind being a special guest and like a manager kind of thing. But if I do come back, hopefully I’m not 60, and it’s on a big show. I would definitely. Who would not? What father wouldn’t want to come back and tag with his sons?”
He was clear that it is not something he can plan.
“So I don’t know if that opportunity will come, because it depends how long it’s going to take them.”
The other obstacle is a physical one, and he did not dress it up.
“The idea of getting back into ring shape. That kind of scares me. It’s just to get in the ring shape that you know you’re capable of needing to do it. That’s gonna suck.”
“The older I get, the less cardio I have. I’ve realised that I don’t run anymore. I walk, because that’s what old people do.”
Styles has four sons. Avery debuted on June 26 for Squared Circle Action in Georgia and has since worked dates for Game Changer Wrestling. Styles has spoken elsewhere about the pressure the surname puts on him and about wanting him to take fewer unnecessary risks.
