BREAKING: WWE plans for AJ Styles retirement revealed & Jacob Fatu's injury update

The Phenomenal one is set to hang up his wrestling boots in 2026!

‘The Phenomenal’ AJ Styles has confirmed his plans to retire in 2026, during the WWE Crown Jewel countdown show. The 48-year-old star has had an illustrious career not just as one of the top names in WWE, but also as the face of TNA Wrestling.

According to a new report, the Stamford-based promotion is said to be starting internal preparations for the eventual retirement of Styles. The Phenomenal one recently competed against John Cena at Crown Jewel to close their iconic feud, where Cena picked up the win.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, there is increasing belief within the promotion that Styles will retire in 2026, following his previous remarks about winding down his career. Meltzer mentioned that discussions are already underway within WWE regarding how to manage AJ Styles’ farewell run. “There is a plan in play for how to handle AJ Styles’ retirement in 2026.” 

Although the details are still being worked out, the promotion has plans to give Styles a memorable send-off rather than a quiet exit from television. “It’s not fully locked in or anything, but the idea is, ‘We’re gonna do something,’” Meltzer stated. The report also added that WWE expects 2026 to be the final year of Styles’ in-ring career.

Jacob Fatu could be out of action for a long time

After being on the shelf for some weeks following his US title loss to Solo Sikoa, WWE started to give a massive push to Jacob Fatu in recent weeks. Fatu is currently locked in a feud with Drew McIntyre, and reports also suggest a future feud with the current Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes.

Rumors have suggested that Jacob Fatu was expected to be part of the Men’s War Games match at Survivor Series, joining CM Punk’s team to face off against The Vision. However, it seems like the promotion would have to change course.

Bodyslam.net reported that Fatu is currently dealing with “a non-wrestling-related injury” that will keep him off television for an extended period, with reports indicating that his absence could stretch into 2026.

Fatu is currently advertised for a clash against Drew McIntyre on tonight’s show of SmackDown. The promotion has not yet commented regarding the report; however, GM Nick Aldis, while announcing new matches, reiterated the Fatu vs McIntyre match, seemingly confirming that Fatu will battle Drew, despite the reported injury.

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