AJ Styles Reveals Why He Retired At Rumble
AJ Styles said he chose to end his in-ring career at the Royal rumble, telling the Monday Night Raw crowd that he retired now so he wouldn’t embarrass himself. The announcement followed his career-on-the-line loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble and caps a run that began in 1998.
Styles wrapped up his active career when he lost to Gunther in a match where his career was at stake; that defeat marked the finish of his match schedule. On Monday Night Raw (February 23), he made the retirement official, left his gloves in the ring and bid farewell to the audience.
The Raw episode became a tribute show, with many former colleagues from TNA and current roster members in attendance and The Undertaker making a surprise appearance to inform Styles that he will be inducted into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame induction is the next confirmed milestone tied to Styles’ career.
Speaking on Raw Recap, Styles explained his timing in blunt terms: "Now is the right time to retire so I don't make a fool out of myself, so I don't embarrass myself. I'm on the verge of doing just that. It's not easy, mind you, but it's time. " The comment echoed an earlier point he made about not wanting to spend months preparing for a match after returning from a foot injury.
Why he picked the Rumble
Styles said the Royal rumble carries personal meaning because it is where he made his WWE debut in the Men's Royal Rumble match in 2016, and he described ending where he started as "poetic. " He also noted that his comeback from injury did not leave enough narrative build for a WrestleMania program, and that WrestleMania had "lost its luster" for him in recent years.
Farewell on Raw and the parting image
On Raw on February 23, Styles left a clear closing image: gloves on the canvas and a final goodbye to the crowd. The segment reunited talent who worked with him in TNA and other stops, and The Undertaker’s visit included the Hall of Fame announcement, giving the farewell a formal endpoint tied to the 2026 induction.
What he said and what’s next
Beyond the on-air farewell, Styles framed the decision as one about timing and pride. He made his in-ring debut in 1998, compiled title runs across multiple promotions, and finished his WWE in-ring run with the loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble. The next confirmed event for Styles is his scheduled induction into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.
