AJ Styles’ WWE Career Hangs in the Balance Ahead of Royal Rumble 2026
LONDON, 31 January 2026 – The wrestling world holds its breath as WWE superstar AJ Styles prepares for a potentially career-defining night at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh. With multiple reports suggesting his in-ring tenure could end imminently, the fate of ‘The Phenomenal One’ is the dominant storyline heading into the event.
The Stakes: A Career on the Line
AJ Styles confirmed in late 2025 that the 2026 calendar year would be his last as an active competitor, dubbing it his “Phenomenal Farewell Tour.” However, the timeline for that farewell may have accelerated dramatically. At the Royal Rumble on 31 January, Styles is scheduled for a high-stakes rematch against Gunther, where a loss would force his immediate retirement.
This narrative gained significant traction after a now-deleted social media post by Shinsuke Nakamura appeared to spoil the retirement date, and further backstage reports indicate WWE officials are split on whether Styles will indeed bow out this weekend. The match represents a brutal full-circle moment for Styles, who made his celebrated WWE debut as a surprise entrant in the 2016 Royal Rumble match.
Recent Form & Road to Riyadh
Styles enters the event on the back of recent televised success. On 11 January 2026, he teamed with Dragon Lee to defeat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) on an episode of *WWE Road to Royal Rumble*. Despite this victory, the overarching presentation of his character in the lead-up has been one of a veteran facing his final chapter, with several of his recent Raw appearances framed as potentially his last.
Speculation has been fuelled by a reportedly “shoot-style” promo aired during a commercial break on a recent Raw, where Styles vented frustrations, adding a layer of legitimate tension to the storyline. Furthermore, a deleted official WWE social media post highlighting the high-stakes nature of the Gunther match has only intensified fan theories that Saturday night could mark the end.
Key Facts & Predictions
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Plan | AJ Styles announced 2026 will be his final year in WWE. |
| Royal Rumble Match | Styles vs. Gunther. Styles’ career is on the line. |
| Betting Odds (Men’s Rumble) | Favourites include Roman Reigns (4/5), Sami Zayn (6/4), and Bron Breakker (2/1). |
| Expert Prediction | CM Punk has publicly predicted Styles will defeat Gunther. |
| Potential Spoiler | A new WWE trademark filing hints at a potential Rumble winner, with multiple signs pointing to Styles losing and retiring. |
The Wider Royal Rumble Landscape
While Styles’ future is the most pressing human story, the event itself is stacked with intrigue. The men’s Royal Rumble match is considered wide open, with Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn, and Bron Breakker leading the betting markets. Other predictions suggest Oba Femi or Trick Williams could make a major impact, and there is rampant speculation about several surprise returns.
The outcome of Styles’ match also has significant ramifications for Gunther, whose path to WrestleMania could be drastically altered by a high-profile victory over a future Hall of Famer under such dramatic circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has AJ Styles officially announced his retirement?
Yes, but not for a specific date. Styles has confirmed that 2026 will be his final year as an active WWE superstar. He has not explicitly stated that the Royal Rumble will be his last match, but the stipulation of his bout against Gunther makes it a very strong possibility.
What happens if AJ Styles loses to Gunther?
According to the stipulated match agreement, AJ Styles would be forced to retire from in-ring competition in WWE immediately following a loss.
When did AJ Styles make his WWE debut?
AJ Styles made his shocking and celebrated WWE debut on 24 January 2016, entering at number three in that year’s Royal Rumble match.
Are there other major rumours for the 2026 Royal Rumble?
Yes. Beyond the Styles situation, major storylines include potential surprise returns, the crowning of a new number-one contender for WrestleMania, and speculation around the future of other top stars like Cody Rhodes and LA Knight.