CM Punk added another layer of intrigue to the ongoing discussion around AJ Styles’ future during a recent media appearance, while making it clear he doesn’t have a definitive answer himself.
His comments arrived as speculation continues following Styles’ loss at the Royal Rumble and the uncertainty surrounding his next steps.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Feb. 4, Punk addressed questions regarding Styles’ retirement from professional wrestling or whether he has simply finished his run with WWE.
CM Punk downplayed the idea that he had clarity on the situation. However, he acknowledged a private conversation with Styles that he refused to elaborate on. “Who knows? I don’t know. I know what he told me behind the scenes, which is nobody else’s business,” Punk said.
CM Punk Addresses AJ Styles’ Retirement Talk amid Private Conversation
Punk’s remarks followed AJ Styles’ Royal Rumble match against Gunther, where Styles put his career on the line and ultimately lost after Gunther put him to sleep.
That result immediately sparked debate about whether the match marked the end of Styles’ in-ring career. Punk avoided confirming that outcome. Instead, he suggested that nothing about Styles’ future should be considered settled.
While keeping details private, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion briefly joked about the possibility of Styles returning in the future for a high-profile street fight, framing it as a hypothetical rather than a prediction. The comment reinforced his broader message — that retirement talk around Styles may be premature, even if nothing is guaranteed.
Recent reporting from Fightful Select adds context to Punk’s stance. According to the report, Styles’ in-ring WWE career appears to have concluded. Moreover, an extension to his WWE contract has not come to light. His deal would likely run through February 2026 and sources note that the former TNA star has handled his exit largely on his own terms.
For now, AJ Styles’ competitive future remains unclear. Punk’s comments neither confirmed nor denied retirement, but they underscored that whatever comes next is a decision Styles intends to control privately.
READ MORE: Update on AJ Styles’ Future After WWE Retirement — Report
