AJ Styles Confirms Retirement Timeline After Legendary Wrestling Career

Retirement has been a recurring theme in professional wrestling in recent years. Icons like Sting, Goldberg, and Meiko Satomura have already ended their in-ring journeys, while others such as John Cena and Hiroshi Tanahashi are preparing to step away soon. Now, another legend has made his intentions clear: AJ Styles has officially confirmed his retirement timeline.

AJ Styles Sets a One-Year Window

In an interview with Tokyo Sports on September 26, Styles revealed that his in-ring career will end within the next year.

“I will definitely retire within the next year,” Styles said. “I don’t want the fans to see me as anyone other than AJ Styles. That’s the main reason. I’ve decided to retire before my body can no longer move.”

At 48 years old, with more than 26 years of professional experience, the decision reflects both his longevity and his desire to leave while still performing at a high level. Styles emphasized that he wants fans to remember him in his prime, not as a shadow of what he once was.

A Storied Career Across Promotions

Styles is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation. His career accomplishments span across the globe and multiple promotions:

• Two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW)

• Three-time NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion

• Ring of Honor Pure Champion

• Two-time TNA/IMPACT World Champion

• Two-time Undisputed WWE Champion

And this is only part of his decorated résumé. From his early days in TNA Wrestling, where he became the face of the company, to his shocking 2016 WWE Royal Rumble debut, Styles consistently proved that he could perform at the highest level. His WWE run solidified him as a future Hall of Famer, with world title reigns, memorable rivalries, and a reputation for delivering some of the best matches in modern wrestling.

What’s Next for AJ Styles?

One of the lingering questions is where and how Styles will close out his career. Some fans hope for a short stint in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) to fulfill dream match scenarios against names like Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher, or MJF. However, Styles seems more inclined to stay with WWE.

“I haven’t decided yet, but I think I’ll probably work for WWE,” he said. “It might be good to train young wrestlers to be worthy of being on the main roster.”

This statement suggests that Styles sees his post-retirement role as a mentor and trainer, helping guide the next generation of wrestlers. Given his track record of adapting to different styles and promotions, young talent would gain invaluable insight under his tutelage.

A Wrestler Who Defied the Odds

Styles’s career is also a testament to perseverance. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he didn’t fit the stereotypical mold of a WWE superstar early on. Instead, he built his reputation in TNA and NJPW, becoming one of the world’s most in-demand talents before WWE eventually signed him. By the time he entered the Royal Rumble in 2016, Styles was already a global star — and WWE fans quickly embraced him.

The Final Chapter Approaches

As AJ Styles prepares for the last year of his in-ring career, fans worldwide will be watching closely. Every match now carries added significance, serving as part of a farewell tour for one of wrestling’s most respected figures.

Styles’s impact on the sport is undeniable. Whether remembered for his breathtaking aerial maneuvers, his technical precision, or his ability to adapt and thrive anywhere in the world, his legacy is already cemented.

Fans should celebrate every moment left with Styles in the ring. His story is nearing its conclusion, but his influence will continue long after he hangs up his boots.