AJ Styles’ emotional exit at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble has become one of the biggest talking points among pro wrestling fans, not just for what happened in the ring, but for what followed behind the scenes as well.
At the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, Styles took on Gunther with his career on the line. Although the veteran had his moments, Gunther came up with some cheap tricks and ultimately put Styles to sleep.
Later, in the ring, AJ Styles teased retirement by looking ready to leave his gloves behind. However, he stopped, put them back on, and walked up the ramp to a loud ovation. That small decision instantly sparked debate about whether this was really the end for The Phenomenal One.
The 48-year-old didn’t give many answers afterward. He avoided confirming a full retirement, and during his recent appearance on What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon, he said, “Never say never, right? That’s the saying. I think everybody’s allowed at least once to come out of retirement. I’m not saying that I’ll do it anytime soon.”
Nevertheless, whether he has actually retired or not, the Royal Rumble exit had a deep, emotional impact on The Phenomenal One.
Emotional Backstage Scenes Ensue Following AJ Styles’ Royal Rumble Match
While Styles tried to stay composed in front of the fans, the emotions hit him hard backstage. While talking to Stephanie McMahon, he revealed that everything caught up to him once he was out of view.
“I was AJ Styles all the way from the end of the match, all the way till I got to the back. First person I hugged was Chris Park, Abyss, and then it was someone and Punk, and a lot of the other guys. I hugged everybody in there, and it was great, right?” he said.
That’s when it really hit. “As soon as I walked around to leave, it freakin’ hit me. So then you see me power walking, a little bit of running to get to where they were stacking the bags because I just made it to my locker room and I thought I shut the door. It didn’t shut apparently,” Styles explained.
As he was struggling to hide his tears, friends like Shane Helms comforted him, telling him, “It was alright. You were good, man. You don’t have to turn your back.” Styles also shared emotional moments with Jolene and Xavier Woods, hugging them tightly because of their long history together. “So many different things. So yeah, it was a special moment,” Styles said.
Whether this was the final chapter or just a pause before one last run, AJ Styles’ Royal Rumble exit showed just how much his career means to him and his fans.
We're going to miss you, @AJStylesOrg ?
— WWE (@WWE) February 5, 2026
The Phenomenal One joins @steph_mcmahon on the latest episode of #WhatsYourStory available NOW wherever you get your podcasts!
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Read More: AJ Styles’ WWE Royal Rumble Exit Sparks Concern About His Career Ending
