AJ Styles Confirms 2026 Retirement, Says the Countdown Has Begun – AJ Styles has officially confirmed that his in-ring career will come to an end in 2026. During WWE’s pre-Crown Jewel kickoff event in Perth, Australia, the veteran addressed his future, reiterating his plans to retire from active competition within the next year.
“I’m getting old, folks,” Styles said at the media event. “Listen, if I could find the Fountain of Youth and take a couple of sips, I would wrestle for the rest of my life. But, you know, I am getting older. The fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer. And you know what? There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to take care of business. But when business is done, it’s time to take care of his family. I need to spend time with my family. The whole idea with wrestling and having an amazing future in this business is to be able to retire one day. And in 2026, I will retire.”
Styles had previously told Tokyo Sports that his retirement was “certain” and that he expected to step away from the ring within the next year. However, he also made it clear that his exit from in-ring competition wouldn’t necessarily mean leaving WWE altogether. He noted that while nothing has been finalized regarding his post-retirement role, he’s open to mentoring or training younger talent within the company.
Before that time comes, Styles is set to face John Cena this weekend at WWE Crown Jewel: Perth in what’s being billed as the final chapter in their long-standing rivalry. Cena himself is nearing retirement, with reports indicating he has only four WWE appearances remaining after Crown Jewel.
As 2026 approaches, Styles’ retirement plans appear firmly set, though the date and venue of his final match have not been announced. What is certain is that the “Phenomenal One” is preparing to close the book on one of the most celebrated careers in modern professional wrestling.
AJ Styles Confirms 2026 Retirement
