AJ Styles may have lost his career-ending match at the Royal Rumble, but wrestling fans shouldn’t count him out just yet.
The 48-year-old veteran fell to Gunther in a high-stakes bout that was supposed to mark the end of his legendary WWE run.
But in a moment that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, Styles teased leaving his gloves in the ring—only to put them back on.
Now, multiple promotions are reportedly lining up to secure his services, and the wrestling industry is buzzing with speculation about where the “Phenomenal One” lands next.
AEW Backstage Buzz: Everyone Expects a Bidding War
According to Fightful Select, AJ Styles’ retirement became the hottest topic backstage at the January 28 episode of AEW Dynamite.
Talent and staff were openly speculating about what the two-time WWE Champion would do next. The consensus? AEW will absolutely make a play for him if they get the chance.
Styles maintains close relationships with several AEW wrestlers, many stemming from his days on the independent circuit and in Japan. Those connections could prove crucial in any potential deal.
The wrestling community knows that where there’s smoke, there’s fire—and right now, there’s plenty of smoke around Styles and AEW.
NJPW Eyeing a Major Comeback Story
Beyond North America, New Japan Pro-Wrestling is reportedly very interested in bringing Styles back to the promotion where he became a global star.
NJPW is currently losing several key wrestlers and desperately needs a marquee name to fill the void. Styles fits that description perfectly.
The Japan Run That Changed Everything
Styles’ two-year run in NJPW wasn’t just successful—it was career-defining.
He captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship twice and led the Bullet Club, a faction that fundamentally transformed modern wrestling culture. His work rate and match quality during this period cemented his reputation as one of wrestling’s elite performers.
A return to NJPW would bring his career full circle, allowing him to revisit the stage where he proved he belonged among wrestling’s absolute best.
TNA: The Unfinished Business
Then there’s TNA Wrestling, the promotion where Styles first became a household name in professional wrestling.
Styles has repeatedly expressed his desire to have one more match in TNA before retiring permanently. He recently appeared for the company through the TNA-WWE NXT working relationship, fueling speculation about a potential farewell match.
But here’s where things get interesting.
WWE Wasn’t Blocking TNA Appearances
Fightful reported a fascinating detail: Styles could have worked a match for TNA while still under WWE contract if he had pushed for it.
This revelation suggests that scheduling or creative decisions—not contractual restrictions—prevented a TNA retirement match from happening before his WWE exit.
Now that his WWE obligations are behind him, nothing stands in the way of that emotional farewell match TNA fans have been craving.
Triple H Says He’s Done, But Is He Really?
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque publicly stated that Styles is finished competing in WWE rings.
Yet Styles’ ambiguous actions at the Royal Rumble told a different story. That moment when he reconsidered leaving his gloves behind wasn’t just for drama—it was a deliberate signal that his wrestling story might have more chapters.
Traditional retirement symbolism means something in wrestling. When veterans deviate from that script, fans should pay attention.
What Do People Close to Styles Actually Know?
Despite all the speculation and backstage buzz, even those closest to Styles aren’t entirely sure what comes next.
A source close to the veteran wrestler confirmed they knew his WWE in-ring career was ending at the Royal Rumble. However, they admitted being completely uncertain about his future plans.
This uncertainty creates an intriguing situation where multiple promotions are positioning themselves to make offers, but Styles himself may still be weighing his options.
The Realistic Options Breaking Down
Styles faces several compelling paths forward, each with unique advantages:
- AEW: Would offer him competitive matches with former colleagues and friends, plus significant creative freedom
- NJPW: Provides a chance to bookend his career where he revitalized it, potentially working a lighter schedule
- TNA: Allows for the emotional closure both he and longtime fans desire
- Full retirement: At 48, stepping away entirely remains a legitimate option
What makes this situation fascinating is that Styles could realistically pursue multiple options rather than choosing just one.
Why This Matters Beyond Just AJ Styles
Styles’ next move carries implications that extend beyond one wrestler’s career trajectory.
His decision will influence how other WWE veterans view their post-company options. It could also shift competitive dynamics among promotions competing for established stars rather than developing new ones.
NJPW desperately needs star power right now. AEW continues building its roster with proven commodities. TNA seeks legitimacy through nostalgia and legacy moments.
Styles represents the rare wrestler who could meaningfully impact any of these promotions immediately.
The Waiting Game Begins
For now, wrestling fans are left to speculate and wait.
Styles’ ambiguous Royal Rumble exit created exactly the kind of uncertainty that keeps audiences engaged. Whether that was intentional strategy or genuine indecision remains unclear.
What seems certain is that the “Phenomenal One” still has options, interest from multiple major promotions, and apparently some wrestling left in him.
The only question remaining: Where will he show up next, and when will fans see him compete again?