AJ Styles has been wrestling for decades now, but no one can wrestle forever. The Phenomenal One has made it clear that he has more matches behind him than he does in front of him, and he recently announced that he’s planning to retire from in-ring competition in 2026.
While speaking with ABEMA, AJ Styles continued to emphasize that he’s planning to retire as he stated that WWE’s upcoming tour of Japan will likely be his last time traveling to the country as a performer.
“It’s probably my last time as a performer going back to Japan, so I’m really excited to get back. That means I’m gonna hang them up. I’m not gonna wrestle anymore. I’m gonna… soon, I’ll retire and I don’t think we’ll get back to Japan before I retire. I think this might be my last go in Japan as a performer.”
AJ Styles has a big match lined up later this month as he’s currently set to face off against John Cena at Crown Jewel: Perth on October 10th. The former WWE Champion discussed the match and admitted that he didn’t think it was going to happen.
“I am certainly happy for the opportunity to wrestle John Cena on his retirement tour. I did not think this was going to happen, it honestly just came out of nowhere, but I accept it, I want it, and me and John are going to have one last match and it’s going to be incredible.”