As previously reported, top WWE star and pro wrestling legend AJ Styles has confirmed that he plans to retire from in-ring competition in 2026. However, several talents have returned to wrestling action after announcing their retirement.
Sean Ross Sapp discussed the possibility of Styles leaving WWE to join AEW on the latest edition of Fightful Select Answers, noting that there is a very slim chance of Styles making that move once his current WWE contract expires. Sapp mentioned that Styles' contract is originally set to expire in early 2026, but he is uncertain if WWE has chosen to extend it since then.
Most people close to Styles believe he will finish his career in WWE, as the former WWE Champion has seemed happy in the company. Styles has been discussing retirement as far back as 2019 during his last WWE contract.
Since then, Styles has expressed a desire to remain in WWE, as he enjoys being part of the organization. He joined WWE almost ten years ago, making his debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble PLE as part of the Men's Royal Rumble Match. Later that same year, he won his first WWE Championship by defeating Dean Ambrose at WWE Backlash. In addition to being a former WWE Champion, Styles is also a former Intercontinental Champion and a former RAW Tag Team Champion. He has had a legendary run in TNA Wrestling as well.
