By Andrew Ravens
Copyright newsweek
Two-time WWE Champion AJ Styles has officially announced that he will be retiring from professional wrestling. “The Phenomenal One” confirmed that his legendary career will come to an end in 2026.
Styles made the stunning announcement during the official WWE Crown Jewel pre-show. He was in Perth, Australia, to promote his match at the premium live event, which takes place in just over 24 hours.
More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match
While discussing his upcoming match against the retiring John Cena, Styles revealed that his own time in the ring is also coming to a close. He cited his age and a desire to spend more time with his family as the reasons for his decision.
“I’m getting old folks. Listen, if I can find the fountain of youth and take a couple of sips, I will wrestle for the rest of my life. But I am getting older, the fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer,” Styles said. “I need to spend time with my family… In 2026, I will retire.”
Styles is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of his generation. He rose to international fame in TNA, became a leader of the Bullet Club in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and made a shocking debut in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble. Since then, he has won the WWE Championship twice and had a memorable rivalry with John Cena.
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT – JANUARY 28: A WWE logo shines from the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and board of directors following allegations of sexual assault in a Connecticut lawsuit. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her.
His retirement announcement adds another layer of historical significance to his upcoming match against Cena. The bout is one of the final matches of Cena’s own retirement tour.
AJ Styles’ announcement is the latest major news story heading into what is shaping up to be a historic Crown Jewel event tomorrow. His match against John Cena is now one of several marquee bouts with massive expecations, alongside the champion vs. champion clash between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns’ grudge match against Bronson Reed.
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