AJ Styles’ emotional exit at the 2026 Royal Rumble has sparked a lot of talk about what comes next. Was this the end of a legendary career, or just a pause before one final run?
At the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, Styles went up against Gunther in a high-stakes match. The stipulation stated that if Styles lost, his time in WWE would be over. After a wild match where the 48-year-old briefly thought he had won, The Ring General shifted the momentum towards him with a low blow followed by a powerbomb. Styles ultimately passed out from Gunther’s sleeper hold.
What happened afterward raised even more questions. AJ Styles looked like he was about to leave his gloves in the ring, which is considered a traditional sign of retirement. However, he stopped at the last moment, put them back on, and walked away.
Styles hasn’t given a clear answer since. Although he previously said that 2026 would be his year of retirement, after his match with Gunther, he appeared on What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon and said, “I don’t know…never say never, right? That’s the saying. I think everybody’s allowed at least once coming out of retirement. I’m not saying that I’ll do it anytime soon.”
He kept things vague. That only added more fuel to the debate around his Royal Rumble loss.
Debate Emerges Over How AJ Styles’ Career Could End
Now, former TNA president Scott D’Amore shared his thoughts in a personal blog, calling the situation “perplexing.” While noting that the door was “certainly left open, at least a few inches,” D’Amore said he has a hard time believing a career like Styles’ would end this way.
D’Amore praised The Phenomenal One as one of the most important wrestlers of the modern era, comparing his influence to legends like Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair. He called Styles the heart and soul of TNA and a major influence on today’s wrestling style, with stars like Seth Rollins and Will Ospreay often naming him as an inspiration.
While admitting he hasn’t spoken directly with Styles, D’Amore tossed out a few possibilities, anything from a short WWE return, maybe costing Gunther in a big match at WrestleMania, to a behind-the-scenes role as a producer.
He even mentioned dream scenarios like appearances in TNA, New Japan, or AEW, and some fantasy matches like AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe one last time and Styles against Kenny Omega and others who idolize him. However, D’Amore stressed that it was just hopeful speculation.
For now, Styles’ future is still unclear. His Royal Rumble exit doesn’t feel like a final goodbye, more like a pause.
Read More: WATCH: Roman Reigns Makes Heartfelt Tribute To AJ Styles After WWE Retirement
