AJ Styles’ Future Said to Be a “Major Point of Conversation” in AEW – Last Saturday at the WWE Royal Rumble, Gunther defeated AJ Styles in a match that was framed as the end of Styles’ in-ring career. While the bout itself was presented as a definitive retirement moment, discussions surrounding Styles’ future reportedly intensified behind the scenes across multiple promotions in the days leading up to the event.
According to Fightful Select, Styles’ contract status became a significant topic of conversation backstage in AEW. The outlet had previously reported that Styles’ WWE deal was expected to expire in February 2026, though they were unable to confirm whether an extension had been finalized. Fightful noted that during last Wednesday’s episode of AEW Dynamite, Styles’ future was described as a “major point of conversation” among talent and staff, with widespread speculation about what might come next. Despite the chatter, as of Tuesday, there was no indication that AEW had made any formal offer to Styles.
The report also addressed speculation regarding potential work outside WWE. WWE sources indicated that if Styles had wanted to appear for TNA Wrestling, he would have been permitted to do so while still under WWE contract. A source within TNA believed that Styles may have quietly extended his WWE deal prior to the Royal Rumble, although that belief was not independently confirmed. New Japan Pro Wrestling was also said to have interest in possibly using Styles, particularly as the company continues to deal with roster turnover and talent departures.
Further insight into Styles’ mindset was included in the same report. One WWE source familiar with the situation stated that regardless of what happens next, Styles “very much” had control over how his WWE retirement would be handled. Another source added that while WWE would be more than willing to continue working with Styles in some capacity, he has been clear internally about his feelings toward retirement.
As of now, Styles’ long-term future remains unresolved publicly, but it is clear that his status continues to be closely monitored across the wrestling industry, even as WWE presented the Royal Rumble match as a closing chapter to his legendary in-ring career.
AJ Styles’ Future Said to Be a “Major Point of Conversation” in AEW
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