It’s a Celebration: AJ Styles reveals 2026 WWE retirement plans
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AJ Styles will retire in 2026.
WWE veteran AJ Styles has officially announced that he will retire from in-ring competition in 2026, bringing the curtain down on one of professional wrestling’s most celebrated careers. After nearly three decades of pivotal matches and championship reigns across multiple promotions, Styles intends to walk away on his own terms and on a high note.
At the Six Feet Under podcast, AJ Styles confirmed his retirement plans in a recent conversation, explaining that he has reached all the goals he set for himself in the industry. The Phenomenal One stated that this next chapter is not about departure but celebration.
“It is the opportunity to go out of your way, not because of injury, but standing on your own two feet, and the goal of working is to retire. And to be able to do that, to me, is a celebration,” he said. “So I hope that when it does happen, you guys celebrate with me that I achieved my goals.”
Styles’ decision follows a storied career that spans multiple major wrestling organizations. After making his WWE debut in 2016, he became a two-time WWE Champion, held both the Intercontinental and United States titles, and enthralled audiences with countless standout performances.
His retirement announcement comes in the wake of increased public awareness around wrestler longevity and the physical demands of the sport.
AJ Styles will end his pro wrestling career in 2026
Earlier in his retirement discussion, AJ Styles acknowledged that his current contract is set to expire at the end of 2026 and that he does not plan to re-sign following that date. The decision allows him to close his in-ring chapter on his own terms rather than being forced out by injury or declining performance, a path he described as a full circle achievement.
Styles has also stayed active in WWE storylines even as he plans his exit. In late 2025, he engaged in high-profile matches, including teaming with Dragon Lee to win the WWE World Tag Team Championship on Monday Night Raw.
His on-screen presence and competitive fire remain strong, even as the industry prepares to bid farewell to one of its most respected performers.
The announcement has struck a chord with fans and peers alike. With fellow legend John Cena recently concluding his in-ring career, many view Styles’ impending retirement as the end of another era.
Styles’ evolution from independent standout to WWE mainstay has defined a generation of wrestling enthusiasts, and his final year promises to be a celebration of excellence.
As the wrestling world anticipates 2026, all eyes will be on how WWE honors AJ Styles’ legacy and provides a fitting farewell to a future Hall of Famer.
Is AJ Styles retiring from WWE in 2026?
Yes, AJ Styles has confirmed his plans to retire in 2026, during the WWE Crown Jewel countdown show.
Why is AJ Styles choosing to retire now?
Styles noted that he has accomplished the major career goals he set for himself and wants to finish while healthy and performing at a high level. Retirement in 2026 allows him to walk away on his own terms and enjoy his final year in WWE.
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