AJ Styles Reflects on Choosing Royal Rumble Over WrestleMania for His Final Match
The wrestling world was stunned on January 31, 2026, when AJ Styles faced GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a match that ultimately marked the end of his illustrious career. The contest, billed as a career-versus-career showdown, concluded with Styles losing to GUNTHER after passing out during a sleeper hold, a result punctuated by a controversial low blow from the “Career Killer.” While many fans anticipated Styles’ farewell taking place on the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania, the veteran wrestler revealed a deliberate decision to conclude his journey where it began, a sentiment shared in a recent WWE farewell vlog. This decision, he explained, stemmed from a desire to honor his roots and a feeling that a rushed return from injury wouldn’t do justice to his legacy.
Styles’ career has spanned decades, marked by championships and memorable moments across various promotions, including a significant and impactful run with WWE. The Royal Rumble match against GUNTHER wasn’t just a contest; it was a culmination of a heated rivalry that had been building in the weeks leading up to the event. The animosity between the two wrestlers stemmed from GUNTHER’s dismissive attitude towards wrestling legends, particularly John Cena, a figure Styles deeply respects. This respect fueled Styles’ determination to challenge GUNTHER, even if it meant risking his career. The match itself was a brutal affair, with both wrestlers pushing each other to their limits, ultimately ending in a heartbreaking conclusion for Styles and his fans.
A Career Interrupted, A Different Path to Retirement
The decision to retire at the Royal Rumble wasn’t a spontaneous one. Styles revealed that he had initially planned to conclude his career at WrestleMania 41, a sentiment echoed in the WWE farewell vlog. However, a significant foot injury sustained in October 2024 altered those plans. The injury sidelined Styles for several months, raising doubts about his ability to return to the ring. As WWE.com reported, the injury was severe enough to potentially end his career. Despite a successful recovery and a return to action, including a match against Logan Paul at WrestleMania 41, Styles felt a sense of unease about rushing into a retirement match at the biggest event of the year.
“Everybody wants to retire at WrestleMania, the biggest show of the year that we do,” Styles stated in the vlog. “I was going to do exactly that, but I just came back from an injury that was supposed to retire me. It retires most. Once I got healed up and was comfortable enough running and doing what I need to do to be AJ Styles, it just didn’t feel right to come back for two months just to retire. It didn’t seem right and I thought, what a way to be able to leave on the pay-per-view where you debuted. Hopefully, at the end of this match, I stand up on my own two feet and I throw up the P1 that is on my gloves one more time and I walk.” This quote highlights Styles’ desire for a meaningful and authentic farewell, one that felt true to his journey and his dedication to the sport.
The Rivalry with GUNTHER and the “Career Killer” Persona
The feud with GUNTHER was central to Styles’ final storyline in WWE. GUNTHER had established himself as a dominant force, earning the moniker “Career Killer” after forcing the retirement of wrestling icons Goldberg and John Cena. According to Sports Illustrated, GUNTHER’s victories over these legends were often accompanied by boastful pronouncements, fueling his antagonistic role. Styles took offense to GUNTHER’s disrespect towards Cena, a wrestler he clearly held in high regard, leading to a confrontation on the January 12, 2026, edition of Raw.
During that Raw encounter, GUNTHER escaped a Calf Crusher submission hold, seemingly tapping out in a position obscured from the referee’s view, and subsequently secured a win with a low blow and a Powerbomb. This controversial finish further intensified the rivalry and set the stage for the career-versus-career match at the Royal Rumble. The January 19th edition of Raw saw Styles again confront GUNTHER, ultimately agreeing to the high-stakes match with his career on the line. The stipulation underscored the gravity of the situation and the personal nature of the conflict between the two wrestlers.
The Final Match and Its Aftermath
The Royal Rumble match itself was a grueling contest. Styles demonstrated his resilience and skill, nearly securing victory on multiple occasions. Sports Illustrated detailed how Styles came close to winning with a powerbomb and a springboard 450 splash followed by the Styles Clash, but GUNTHER repeatedly kicked out. The match took a controversial turn when GUNTHER delivered a low blow while the referee’s back was turned, followed by a powerbomb. Despite a last-second kick-out, Styles ultimately succumbed to GUNTHER’s relentless attack, passing out in a sleeper hold, forcing the referee to call for the bell.
Following the match, Styles received a standing ovation from the crowd in Riyadh, a testament to his enduring popularity and the respect he had earned throughout his career. While his time in WWE may have come to an end, the possibility of Styles continuing his wrestling journey elsewhere remains open. Rumors have circulated regarding potential appearances in other promotions, such as TNA or AEW, in 2026, though nothing has been officially confirmed. The future remains uncertain, but Styles’ legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time is secure.
Key Takeaways
- AJ Styles chose to retire at the Royal Rumble, despite initially planning a farewell at WrestleMania 41.
- A foot injury in 2024 played a significant role in his decision, making a rushed return for WrestleMania feel inappropriate.
- The rivalry with GUNTHER, fueled by GUNTHER’s disrespect towards John Cena, led to the career-versus-career match.
- Styles received a standing ovation from fans after his final match, acknowledging his contributions to the sport.
- The possibility of Styles wrestling in other promotions in the future remains unconfirmed.
The wrestling world now awaits further developments regarding Styles’ future. While his WWE career has concluded, his impact on the industry will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to observe if “The Phenomenal One” chooses to continue his career elsewhere, or if he will embrace a well-deserved retirement. The next chapter in AJ Styles’ story remains to be written, but his legacy as a wrestling icon is firmly established.
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