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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →AJ Styles’s retirement is no longer a future possibility: his final match was against Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble. Styles said he chose the event because it was where his WWE story began, and he later confirmed he did not want a retirement tour.
Did AJ Styles retire?
Yes. WWE said Styles bid fans farewell in his home state of Georgia and announced him for the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The company had first made his planned 2026 retirement public at the Crown Jewel Kickoff event in 2025; the later farewell and his account of the final match show that the plan was carried out. WWE’s Hall of Fame announcement is the official confirmation.
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WWE: Royal Rumble 2022 (DVD) | $13.24 | Buy on Amazon |
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WWE Royal Rumble 2005 [DVD] | $6.48 | Buy on Amazon |
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WWE Royal Rumble - The Complete Anthology, Vol. 2 (1993-1997) | $106.74 | Buy on Amazon |
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WWE: Royal Rumble 2008 | $10.78 | Buy on Amazon |
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WWE: Royal Rumble 2023 (DVD) | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
When was AJ Styles’s last match, and who was his opponent?
Styles’s final match was against Gunther at the Royal Rumble in 2026, according to Styles in a July 21, 2026 interview with Chris Van Vliet. He said the opponent fit the story: Gunther had retired Goldberg and John Cena, so Styles asked, “Why not retire AJ Styles?”
Styles described the finish as passing out in Gunther’s sleeper hold rather than submitting. He said, “I went out on my shield and almost had the ropes.” That is Styles’s account of the match’s ending.
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Why did Styles choose the Royal Rumble instead of WrestleMania?
The Royal Rumble had personal meaning to Styles: it was the event where he debuted in WWE. Asked why he did not wait for WrestleMania, he said, “That wasn’t my pay-per-view or PLE. That’s not where I started.” He added, “I know there’s people who have WrestleMania as their big PLE, but mine was the Royal Rumble.” His choice was about his own connection to the event, not a claim that the Royal Rumble is more important than WrestleMania for everyone.
Styles also said he was 48 when he decided to retire. He told Van Vliet that he could still perform, but did not want to continue until his ability declined. He described the decision as emotionally difficult.
Rank #2
- 30 challengers one ring. The superstars of Raw and smack down! Collide in one of the most anticipated events the year. World heavy Heavyweight championship Match Triple H Vs. Randy Orton Triple threat WWE championship Match JBL Vs Kurt Angle Vs. Big show Royal Rumble Match 15 Raw and 15 Smack Down! Superstars Compete for a shot at Championship Giory at Wrestle Mania 21. Casket match under
Did AJ Styles have a retirement tour?
No. Asked directly whether he considered a tour, Styles replied, “No, not at all. I didn’t need one.” He said it meant a lot to be there for John Cena’s final WrestleMania run, but distinguished that experience from arranging a farewell tour of his own.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is next for AJ Styles?
WWE announced Styles for the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, with The Undertaker set to induct him. WWE describes Styles as a two-time WWE Champion and Grand Slam Champion. Its official AJ Styles profile lists the Styles Clash, Calf Crusher and Phenomenal Forearm among his signature moves.
Rank #3
- Vol. 2 From 1993-97, the Royal Rumble became a key event for Superstars, as well as the first step on the road to WrestleMania. Vol. 2 champions include Yokozuna, Bret Hart/Lex Lugar, Shawn Michaels (also a back-to-back winner) and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: SPORTS/GAMES Rating: TV14 Age: 651191945771 UPC: 651191945771 Manufacturer
In the interview, Styles said he was working with young talent at WWE’s Performance Center and producing matches. Those are his descriptions of his work at the time of the July 2026 interview, not a detailed announcement of a new role or schedule.
Styles spoke about the possibility of wrestling again without announcing a comeback. He said, “Never say never,” noting that a one-match return is sometimes granted. He also described the immediate feeling after the final match as, “AJ Styles is no longer wrestling again.” Neither remark establishes a planned return; the latter was his emotional description after the match, not a formal guarantee that he would never wrestle again.
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Rank #4
- The road to WrestleMania 24 begins at the Royal Rumble, where 30 men compete for a shot at WrestleMania s main event. Superstars from Raw, Smackdown, and ECW compete in one of the most popular events of the year. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: SPORTS/GAMES Rating: NR Age: 651191946488 UPC: 651191946488 Manufacturer No: WWE94648
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