This week has seen a ton of speculation regarding the future of AJ Styles, uncertainty that WWE appear to be leaning into based on The Phenomenal One’s ‘off script’ promo during the commercial break of the September 8 episode of Raw.
With Styles’ contract reportedly up in early 2026, there are plenty of storyline options at WWE’s disposal if the 48-year-old’s career is set to come to an end.
Here are five potential plans for AJ Styles’ WWE retirement.
5. Anti-Authority AJ Styles
On the September 8 episode of Raw, AJ Styles delivered a promo exclusively to the live crowd in Milwaukee while Raw was on commercial break.
While American viewers were seeing ads however, fans watching elsewhere in the world instead saw what would later be labelled “AJ Styles GOES OFF on Monday Night Raw officials” when it was later shared by WWE.
Since the “pipebomb” would have not likely been shared so readily if it were in fact an unscripted rant from Styles against WWE management – it seems as if the company is leaning into the speculation regarding Styles’ future, something that will come as a relief for fans hoping to see something new and fresh from The Phenomenal One.
Potentially adding a new Stone Cold Steve Austin-esque element to AJ Styles, Styles could continue to take vague shots at Triple H and galvanise fans who enjoy feeding into the anti-authority rhetoric of WWE’s top brass.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Chris Jericho Feud
If rumors are to be believed, Chris Jericho could return to WWE in early 2026 ahead of AJ Styles’ potential contract ending reportedly in February.
Having already tangled with Jericho back in 2016, this time the Y2AJ battle could be entirely different since the roles are reversed.
Fans may remember they started as a tag team before Jericho grew jealous of Styles’ adoration from fans – with Jericho turning on him before the pair faced off at WrestleMania 32.
With Jericho returning as a hero and Styles able to lean into a disgruntled and rebellious role – the pair could make some unlikely magic.
Click the next page button below for more
3. WWE Bullet Club
In AJ Styles’ “pipebomb” moment during the commercial break on the September 8 edition of WWE Raw, he made note that he was all alone, mentioning SmackDown’s Michin as well as released former WWE stars Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson by name.
Throwing up the signature ‘Too Sweet’ hand gesture – perhaps AJ Styles could look to build his own faction ahead of retirement.
Admittedly it is highly unlikely that a WWE faction could be called “Bullet Club” but it seems that the indication would be clear.
Bringing together not only Styles but also next generation stars to carry the alliance forward, it could be very fun to see Styles led a re-imagined Bullet Club faction once again in WWE, only with some actual creative investment in it, unlike the half baked OC group.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Takes Over TNA Wrestling
Speaking of TNA Wrestling – AJ Styles recently made his return to the promotion at the July 2025 Slammiversary pay-per-view.
The appearance marked his first in-person showing for the company since departing in 2013 – with The Phenomenal One rightfully being received like a returning hero to the brand.
With TNA Wrestling continuing to have crossover with NXT, it could make complete sense for AJ Styles to have his own massive storyline – anchored across both NXT and TNA.
Able to tangle with the likes of Mike Santana, Joe Hendry and Trick Williams – Styles would not only be putting on clinics in his retirement run but he would also be building up other stars in the process.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Finally Gets Another Intercontinental Championship Run
While AJ Styles has been actively feuding with Dominik Mysterio over the WWE Intercontinental Championship since the late Spring – he has yet to capture the title, with his chances of doing so now seemingly very slim.
While Mysterio seems set to entertain the likes of Rusev and Penta as potential challengers next, Styles could be reintroduced to the title scene in a few months time.
If he were to capture the IC title and proceed to go on an iconic run with the gold – including defending against high profile names from around the world – it could be an incredible attraction at several events and give him one final taste of title glory that he deserves.
Hosting crossovers with TNA Wrestling, Styles could face opponents from the 20 year old Leon Slater to industry veteran Nic Nemeth but continue to emerge victorious. With NJPW contracts typically expiring in January for talent, perhaps the pull of facing AJ Styles for a program could seal the deal for a new signee or two in the process as well.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…