AJ Styles just turned back the clock in a big way.
During his entrance at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Styles surprised the crowd by wearing a mask—his first time doing so since his days in New Japan Pro Wrestling. The gear choice wasn’t just symbolic; it was a throwback that longtime fans immediately recognized, and Michael Cole made sure to point it out on commentary, noting that Styles hadn’t worn a mask since leaving NJPW.
This unexpected throwback came after Styles had already revealed earlier in the day that he’d be debuting new ring gear—originally made for the Royal Rumble—for his match with Shinsuke Nakamura. While that tweet teased something special, the mask brought an entirely new layer of nostalgia and intensity to the moment.
For fans familiar with Styles’ NJPW run, the masked entrance was a signature visual during his time with the Bullet Club. Bringing it back for this match—with retirement rumors swirling—gave the showdown with Nakamura a sense of finality and full-circle energy.
Do you think AJ Styles is teasing retirement, or was this just a powerful nod to his roots? Let us know what you think in the comments.
