WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Results: AJ Styles' career ends in brutal fashion as Gunther picks up win
(Courtesy : WWE)
AJ Styles faced Gunther in a career-threatening match.
The stakes could not be higher at WWE Royal Rumble 2026. If AJ Styles lost, his legendary WWE career would be over.
As the bell rang, the crowd erupted with loud chants of “AJ Styles,” fully aware they may be witnessing the final match of The Phenomenal One.
AJ Styles and Gunther began cautiously, trading headlocks and counters as the audience buzzes with anticipation. Styles looked sharp early, twisting out of holds, firing off a dropkick, and briefly staggering The Ring General. The energy in the arena swelled as Styles leaned into the moment, clearly feeding off the crowd.
That momentum was shattered when Gunther boots Styles to the floor and launches him into the commentary table. From there, the match turns grim. Gunther brutalizes Styles with chops, barricade whips, and a sternum-first collision into the corner. Styles clutches his ribs, bleeding from the arm, but refuses to stay down as Gunther grinds him with a Boston Crab and relentless strikes.
Styles did fight back with desperation. A Pele Kick rocks Gunther, followed by a sliding forearm, corner clothesline, and an ushigoroshi that earns a near fall. Every offensive burst feels like a plea for survival, not dominance.
Styles repeatedly targets Gunther’s leg, applying the Calf Crusher multiple times. Gunther screamed, clawed for ropes, and even found escape through brute force. A massive powerbomb nearly ended Styles’ career, but he kicked out to a thunderous reaction.
Gunther takes control
Styles just refused to quit. He landed a springboard 450 splash and transitions into a Styles Clash, yet Gunther powers out. The crowd still had little hope. Styles then went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Gunther countered, fought dirty, and stacked him up with another powerbomb. Styles barely survives.
The closing moments were agonizing. Gunther unleashed vicious chops, taunting Styles and telling him not to be “a little b*tch.” The crowd chants “Let’s go, AJ!” as Styles struggled to stand upright. A final Phenomenal Forearm attempt failed, and Gunther traps him in the dreaded Sleeper Hold, the same move that ended careers before.
Styles fought but eventually faded. The referee checked his arm. There was no response.
The WWE career of AJ Styles is officially over.
Winner: Gunther by referee’s decision
Has AJ Styles officially retired from WWE?
Yes. The stipulation stated Styles would retire if he lost, and the referee stopped the match after he passed out.
How did Gunther win the match?
Gunther won by referee’s decision after AJ Styles lost consciousness in the Sleeper Hold.
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