AJ Styles Confirms Retirement in 2026: “Before My Body Can No Longer Move”
WWE legend and former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star AJ Styles has officially confirmed that his in-ring career will come to an end in 2026. The 48-year-old, known worldwide as The Phenomenal One, revealed the news during media interviews ahead of WWE’s Super Show Japan on October 17–18 at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Final Japan Appearance
For Styles, the upcoming Super Show Japan will be especially significant. He confirmed it will be his last match in Japan, a country that shaped much of his career.
“I’m really excited. This will probably be my last fight in Japan, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Styles said. “I’ve decided to retire before my body can no longer move.”
Styles, who previously held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship during his New Japan run, made clear that Japan holds a special place in his heart. He praised Japanese wrestling, food, culture, and fans who embraced him during his international rise.
Road to Retirement
Styles has teased retirement before. In June 2024, he hinted at stepping away, only to immediately return in dramatic fashion by attacking Cody Rhodes. But earlier this year, he confirmed that he intends to retire by age 50. An hourglass-themed social media post added fuel to the speculation that time was running out.
Now, he has gone on record with his firmest declaration yet: retirement will come in 2026. He noted that while nothing is finalized, he expects to appear at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas before hanging up his boots.
“I don’t want to show my fans a side of me that isn’t AJ Styles. That’s the main reason,” he explained.
Post-retirement, Styles said he hopes to stay with WWE in some capacity, possibly as a trainer to help develop the next generation of stars.
Crossing Paths With Tanahashi Again
Styles’ career will forever be linked to New Japan rival Hiroshi Tanahashi, who will also retire in 2026. Styles reflected on their battles and praised Tanahashi’s contributions:
“Tanahashi is a truly great wrestler, and I don’t think there are many wrestlers who have contributed to the industry to this extent. I was truly honored to have been able to wrestle with him.”
Though he admitted another match between them is unlikely, Styles said he will be watching Tanahashi’s retirement bout at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2026, with deep respect.
Final Rivalries
Before calling it quits, Styles will lock up with another legend: John Cena. The two are scheduled to face off at Crown Jewel in Australia on October 11, which will also be one of Cena’s final WWE matches. For fans, it’s a fitting clash of eras as two icons wind down their careers.
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AJ Styles is one of the rare performers whose career transcends borders and companies. From his TNA foundation to IWGP Championship runs in New Japan, and finally to WWE, he has delivered match-of-the-year candidates across multiple generations. His decision to step away before physical decline sets in shows the pride he has in leaving on his own terms. With John Cena’s farewell tour and Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Tokyo Dome goodbye, 2025/2026 is shaping up as a bittersweet year for wrestling fans — a year of endings that will reshape the landscape of the industry and WWE in particular.
