Triple H Discusse AJ Styles’ Retirement Plans – Paul “Triple H” Levesque has confirmed that ongoing discussions have taken place with AJ Styles regarding the opponents he wants to face before bringing his in-ring career to an end.
While speaking on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, Levesque was asked whether Styles’ match against Gunther at the Royal Rumble could realistically be his final bout. Staying within storyline, Levesque acknowledged the stakes of the match while also offering insight into Styles’ mindset as he approaches the final phase of his career.
“We’re going to have to see,” Levesque said. “You know, AJ Styles has not made it a secret this year, 2026, is going to be his last in-ring year. But he has a lot of goals and a lot of people — I know he’s with me every week making a list of people that he would want to face and that he wants to meet in the ring before he retires.”
Levesque then addressed the storyline tension surrounding Gunther, whose recent run has been defined by ending the careers of legendary opponents. That history played a major role in Styles’ decision to put his own career on the line.
“But as Gunther was disrespecting John Cena about doing the one thing he said he would never do, which is quit or give up, Gunther made [Cena] do that in his final match,” Levesque continued. “AJ Styles has taken offense to that. He put his career on the line against Gunther, saying that if he can’t beat him, if he can’t end this streak for Gunther, then he’s done.”
Levesque made it clear that, from a personal standpoint, he hopes Styles’ career does not end this weekend.
“I, for one, hope that that doesn’t happen. I hope AJ Styles continues because he’s an incredible talent. But if it does, what an unbelievable run he’s had.”
Styles vs. Gunther takes place Saturday in Saudi Arabia as part of the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. With Gunther having already retired Goldberg and John Cena, WWE recently filed a trademark for “Career Killer,” signaling a continued emphasis on that aspect of his character.
If Styles survives the Royal Rumble, his final match remains undetermined. The only certainty he has publicly stated is that his retirement will take place sometime in 2026.
Triple H Discusse AJ Styles’ Retirement Plans
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