AJ Styles may have hung up the boots, but one SmackDown star is already hinting that at least part of “The Phenomenal One” could live on.
Styles officially retired after his career-ending loss to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble.
He was honored the following night on February 23 in Atlanta with a tribute on Monday Night RAW and was announced as the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. It was a full-circle sendoff — and perhaps the closing of one chapter.
Or maybe just a handoff.
Tama Tonga Jokes About Taking Over the Styles Clash
Tama Tonga, currently aligned with Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline on SmackDown, addressed a fan question during a recent livestream clip. When asked if he would take on one of Styles’ finishers now that AJ is retired, Tonga didn’t shy away.
“You know what, that’s not a bad idea, I will take that,” Tonga said. He added, “I don’t steal, I just take it.”
It wasn’t a formal announcement, but it was enough to raise eyebrows.
Tonga and Styles share a deep history as former Bullet Club leaders in NJPW. Tonga founded the faction in 2013, while Styles took over leadership in 2014 and helped elevate it to global prominence.
Most recently, Tonga appeared during Styles’ RAW tribute alongside Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, marking a rare reunion of original Club members on WWE television.
Styles’ finishing arsenal included the Phenomenal Forearm, Styles Clash, and Calf Crusher. Tonga currently uses a variation of the Hidden Blade called “Cut Throat,” but his comments suggest he may be eyeing a new addition.
Whether it’s a tribute or a takeover remains to be seen. Either way, in WWE, finishers have a way of being passed down — and sometimes taken.
