Swerve Strickland Reacts To AJ Styles Retirement – Speaking at Monopoly Events, former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland was asked whether he is pursuing a match with the retired AJ Styles.
Strickland said he believes he has reached a level where Styles would want to test himself against him. Rather than chasing marquee bouts, Strickland explained that he wants to position himself so that major matches come to him. He also praised Styles’ legacy and credited him with shaping a generation of modern wrestlers.
“At this point, I think I’m becoming something that AJ Styles wants to compete against, instead. I’m pushing myself to be at the top of this game. I’m not chasing after anybody’s matches. I want those matches to chase after me. Happy for AJ, proud of AJ. He’s someone I would study endlessly, alongside Bryan Danielson and that era. Nigel (McGuinness), I looked up to those guys and watched those guys. AJ has earned more than enough in his career to walk away from it or continue on and do something different and unique with the generation of guys he has curated and spawned. His influence spawned an AEW style. (Will) Ospreay, Seth Rollins, myself, Mike Bailey, we’ve all watched and studied AJ. If he wants to take a chance to come to AEW, which he is more than capable and in great shape mentally, hopefully, and physically, from what I view, to compete with All Elite Wrestling. We’re all here, open and waiting if he decides to make that jump,” Strickland said.
While speculation continues among AEW fans about a possible move, Styles remains linked to WWE programming. Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, will feature a tribute to Styles’ career. The broadcast streams live on Netflix and is expected to highlight key moments from his decade-long run with the company.
There is also speculation that Styles could appear before his home-state crowd to address his future and clarify whether the Royal Rumble marked his final match. According to PWInsider.com, WWE attempted to secure a contract extension with Styles before the January event, but the sides reportedly did not reach an agreement.
The show will also feature the return of Brock Lesnar after months away. In addition, 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan is set to announce which champion she will challenge at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches are scheduled as well. On the men’s side, Bronson Reed faces Jey Uso and the Original El Grande Americano. On the women’s side, Raquel Rodriguez, IYO SKY, and Kairi Sane compete for the final Chamber spot.
Swerve Strickland Reacts To AJ Styles Retirement
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