So, AJ Styles retires. Let’s be honest, it stings a little, right? For years, he’s been the guy to watch, that wrestler who could make anyone look good and deliver a match of the year candidate seemingly at will. But the wrestling road is a tough one, and even the most phenomenal careers have to wind down eventually.
The End of a Phenomenal Era
Yep, it’s official: AJ Styles retires from full-time competition in WWE. The whispers had been circulating for a while, especially after his reduced schedule lately. His last few appearances have been…well, let’s just say they haven’t been the epic battles we’re used to. A few tag matches here, a brief feud there. Nothing that screamed “final chapter.” That’s kinda how he wanted it, though. Understated. Classy. Very AJ.
Why now? Probably a mix of things. Father Time’s undefeated, as they say. He’s been wrestling at an elite level for over two decades, and the wear and tear definitely adds up. Plus, he’s got a family. Anyone who follows him knows that being a dad and husband is his priority. The constant travel of the wrestling world? Not exactly conducive to family life. Maybe he just wants to spend more time at home, coaching his kids’ sports teams or just, y’know, being present. You might also enjoy: House of the Dragon Season 2: Title Change, Dorne, Targaryen Returns. You might also enjoy: Annie Awards 2024: Live Winners List (Updating Now!).
And injuries. Let’s not forget those. Pro wrestling is brutal. The bumps, the bruises, the occasional (or not-so-occasional) broken bone…it all takes a toll. He’s been lucky to avoid any major, career-threatening injuries, but the smaller ones? They add up, too. No shame in hanging up the boots while you’re still relatively healthy. Smart move, if you ask me.
From Georgia to Global Icon: The Pre-WWE Years
Before he was electrifying WWE crowds, AJ Styles was tearing it up in TNA/Impact Wrestling. That’s where a lot of us first saw him, right? Flying around the ring like a human highlight reel. Remember the “X Division”? That was his house. He was the face that ran the place, and he put on some absolute clinics against guys like Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels.
He wasn’t just an X Division guy, though. He evolved. He became a main eventer, a multi-time champion, and the standard-bearer for that company. He had some amazing feuds with Kurt Angle, Sting, and even Jeff Jarrett (yeah, I said it). Those matches were intense, personal, and showcased just how versatile he was as a performer. Plus his work over in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) was nothing short of legendary. Leading the Bullet Club? Iconic. His matches with Hiroshi Tanahashi? Must-see TV (or, you know, streaming).
The thing about AJ’s journey is that he wasn’t supposed to make it this big. Let’s be real. He wasn’t the biggest guy, the most conventionally handsome guy, or the guy with the “perfect” wrestling look. But he had something else: undeniable talent. He was so good, so innovative, and so damn exciting to watch that he forced everyone to take notice. He defied expectations, broke down barriers, and proved that hard work and dedication can take you to the very top – even if you don’t fit the “mold.”
Making it Phenomenal: The WWE Chapter
What surprised me was that His WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble? Electric. That pop was insane. Nobody expected it. Seriously, nobody. Here was this guy, who’d been a star everywhere except WWE, suddenly showing up and looking like he belonged on the biggest stage of them all. It was instant validation. Proof that all those years of hard work had paid off.
And he didn’t disappoint. Not even a little bit. His feud with John Cena? Classic. Their matches were incredible, a masterclass in storytelling and in-ring action. He beat Cena clean! Twice! That’s how you establish someone as a top-tier threat. Their rivalry just showed the world that AJ was here to stay. And then there was his run with the WWE Championship. He beat Dean Ambrose (or Jon Moxley, depending on your preference) for the title and had a long, dominant reign. He proved that he wasn’t just a flash in the pan; he was a legitimate main event player.
He even mixed it up with Roman Reigns (multiple times). Those matches were brutal, physical, and showcased a different side of AJ. He wasn’t just the high-flying daredevil anymore; he was a cunning strategist, a ruthless competitor who was willing to do whatever it took to win. His character evolved over time, too. He went from being the cool, confident babyface to the cocky, arrogant heel, and back again. He could play any role, and he always nailed it. That’s a sign of a true pro.
Hall of Fame Bound? Absolutely.
Is there any question? Seriously, is there even a shred of doubt that AJ Styles deserves to be in the WWE Hall of Fame? No. Absolutely not. He’s a first-ballot, no-brainer, lock. His contributions to the wrestling industry are undeniable. He’s a multi-time world champion, a main event headliner, and one of the most influential performers of his generation. He’s just been that good.
When will it happen? Probably sooner rather than later. My guess? Next year. It makes sense. Give him a year or so to decompress, then bring him back for a hero’s welcome. As for who inducts him? That’s a tough one. Maybe Shawn Michaels, given their history? Or maybe someone from his TNA days, like Christopher Daniels or Samoa Joe? Or even his good buddies, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. Whoever it’s, you know it’ll be a heartfelt speech.
And his speech? I can already picture it. Humble, grateful, and probably a little bit funny. He’s always been good at connecting with the audience, and I’m sure he’ll deliver a memorable speech that celebrates his career and thanks everyone who helped him along the way. It’ll be epic, I guarantee it.
Remembering the Phenomenal Moments
Okay, let’s talk matches. Narrowing it down to just a few is tough, but here are some must-watch AJ Styles classics:
- AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Christopher Daniels (TNA Unbreakable 2005): This is widely considered one of the greatest triple threat matches of all time. Non-stop action, innovative spots, and incredible chemistry between all three guys.
- AJ Styles vs. John Cena (SummerSlam 2016): This was their first big match in WWE, and it didn’t disappoint. A back-and-forth battle that proved AJ could hang with the best that WWE had to offer.
- AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (WrestleMania 34): While some people felt this match didn’t quite live up to the hype, it was still a great encounter between two of the best in the world. Plus, the post-match heel turn by Nakamura was a memorable moment.
- AJ Styles vs. Pete Dunne (Survivor Series WarGames 2023): A recent classic that shows Styles still has it. The match really lets Dunne shine, too.
- AJ Styles vs. Roman Reigns (Extreme Rules 2016): An incredibly physical match with a lot of brutal spots.
Most of these are available on the WWE Network or Peacock, so go check them out! You won’t regret it. Seriously. They’re all incredible.
What’s Next for ‘The Phenomenal One’?
So, what’s next for AJ Styles? Coaching at the Performance Center? Maybe. Commentary? He’s got the charisma for it, that’s for sure. Acting? Who knows! He’s got the look and the personality to make it work. Maybe he’ll just focus on his family and enjoy his well-deserved retirement. That’s cool too.
But here’s what I really think: We might see him pop up for occasional appearances down the road. A surprise Royal Rumble entry? A one-off match against a young up-and-comer? Never say never. In wrestling, anything is possible. But no matter what he does next, his legacy is secure. He’s one of the greatest of all time, a true legend, and an inspiration to wrestlers all over the world.
His impact on professional wrestling will be felt for generations to come. He proved that you don’t have to be a certain size or look a certain way to achieve your dreams. All you need is talent, dedication, and a whole lot of heart. And AJ Styles has all of those things in spades. So, thank you, AJ. Thank you for the memories, the matches, and the moments. You truly are…phenomenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is AJ Styles really retiring from WWE?
A: Yes, AJ Styles has announced his retirement from in-ring competition in WWE. While he may make occasional appearances, he is stepping away from a full-time wrestling schedule.
Q: When will AJ Styles be inducted into the Hall of Fame?
A: There’s no official announcement yet, but many expect AJ Styles to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in the near future, possibly as early as next year. His contributions to the sport certainly warrant it.
Q: What are AJ Styles’s most famous wrestling moves?
A: AJ Styles is known for several signature moves, including the Styles Clash (a double underhook facebuster), the Phenomenal Forearm (a springboard forearm smash), and the Calf Crusher (a leg lock submission).
