AJ Styles didn’t wait for WrestleMania. He didn’t hold out for Las Vegas. And according to him, that was by design.
Last month at the Royal Rumble, Styles put his career on the line against Gunther — and lost. Just like that, one of the most decorated careers of the modern era came to an end exactly 10 years after his shocking 2016 Royal Rumble debut.
Appearing on Raw Recap, Styles was asked why he chose to retire at the Rumble instead of holding off for a potential farewell match at WrestleMania 42. His answer turned heads.
“It was coming back from an injury to WrestleMania to a match that, to me, didn’t have much build. WrestleMania, I’m sorry to say, used to be the most prestigious PLE, but to me, it’s kind of lost its luster a little bit. As far as the Royal Rumble, that’s special to me because that’s where I made my debut. To be able to end where I started is poetic.”
That’s not bitterness — that’s perspective. For Styles, the Royal Rumble meant something deeper. It was the place that introduced him to WWE fans. Ending his career on that same stage gave him closure that WrestleMania simply couldn’t.
Gunther’s victory added another layer to the story. Over the past year, he’s taken out legends like Goldberg and John Cena. Styles became the latest — and final — icon to fall.
On the RAW following the Rumble in Atlanta, Styles delivered his official goodbye. After thanking his family and reflecting on his runs in TNA and Japan, he left his gloves in the ring — the universal signal that it was over.
Then came the surprise. The Undertaker walked out and announced Styles as the second inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class, alongside Stephanie McMahon. Reports later indicated Styles wasn’t told in advance, making the emotional reaction completely real.
No WrestleMania sendoff. No drawn-out farewell tour. Just a full-circle ending at the Royal Rumble.
Was AJ Styles right to walk away on his terms at the Rumble instead of chasing one more WrestleMania moment? Let us know what you think.
