Ever since John Cena retired AJ Styles has been in heated feud with Gunther. A few weeks ago Gunther defeated AJ Styles on Raw, but a different camera angle revealed that Gunther actually tapped out during the match, but the referee didn’t see it.
Following the controversial finish to their match on Raw, AJ Styles demanded a rematch with Gunther. The Ring General told AJ that he would only get his rematch if he put his career on the line at the Royal Rumble, and AJ agreed.
AJ Styles looked emotional as he walked down the ramp and made his way to the ring. The fans loudly chanted “AJ Styles” after the bell rang as AJ and Gunther wasted no time getting into the match.
Styles immediately targeted Gunther’s calf as soon as the match started. After a few minutes Gunther started to dominate the match and the fans responded by chanting “f*** you Gunther.”
Eventually Styles managed to lock in the Calf Crusher and he rolled Gunther back to the middle of the ring as Gunther tried to get to the ropes. However, Gunther locked in a sleeper and got out of the Calf Crusher. Styles then locked in a sleeper of his own, and Gunther got out of it and applied the sleeper again before AJ threw him to the outside. Styles followed up by launching himself over the top rope as he connected with a Phenomenal Forearm on Gunther.
Back in the ring Styles connected with a powerbomb on The Ring General, but Gunther kicked out at two. AJ went to the apron and hit a springboard 450 then connected with the Styles Clash and Gunther somehow managed to kick out.
AJ went for a Phenomenal Forearm and Gunther countered with a sleeper. They were struggling with each other and the ref got backed into a corner as Gunther grabbed him. While the ref couldn’t see Gunther hit AJ with a low blow followed by a powerbomb for a two count.
Gunther stomped AJ in the corner as the referee tried to separate them. The Ring General told AJ to give up as he struggled to get to his feet. Gunther repeatedly chopped AJ and Styles looked out of it.
The Ring General locked in the sleeper once again and Styles tried to fight out of it, but he couldn’t get out. Styles reached for the ropes, as Gunther pulled him away and locked in the sleeper even tighter. AJ then passed out and the referee called for the bell.
After the match Gunther left the ring and AJ looked shocked. The fans chanted his name as The Phenomenal One got emotional and stood in the ring soaking it all in.
He took his gloves off and almost left them in the ring while the fans chanted “no!” Styles then put the gloves back on and did his signature pose as the fans cheered. He walked up the ramp then looked back one more time before leaving.