AJ Styles Retires, Joins WWE Hall of Fame

The 'Phenomenal One' addresses speculation about a potential jump to AEW

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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AJ Styles has officially retired from in-ring competition and will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Styles addressed rumors that WWE put him in the Hall of Fame to prevent him from signing with AEW, stating that the decision to retire was entirely his own and not influenced by any corporate maneuvering. The 48-year-old veteran explained that he felt he was on the verge of staying at the 'table for too long' and wanted to 'beat the house' by retiring while he could still perform at a high level. Styles also revealed that he has transitioned into a coaching role at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, where he will help develop the next generation of talent.

Why it matters

Styles' retirement and Hall of Fame induction marks the end of an era for one of the most accomplished and respected wrestlers of the modern era. His decision to stay with WWE in a coaching capacity also highlights the company's commitment to nurturing and developing new talent, which is crucial for the long-term success of the organization.

The details

After a storied career that spanned nearly three decades across various promotions, including TNA, NJPW, and WWE, AJ Styles has officially retired from in-ring competition. Styles' final match came at the Royal Rumble last month, where he was defeated by GUNTHER in a high-stakes match. Following his retirement, Styles was honored with a tribute on the February 23, 2026, episode of Monday Night Raw, where The Undertaker announced that Styles would be the first individual inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

  • Styles' final match was at the Royal Rumble last month.
  • Styles was honored with a tribute on the February 23, 2026, episode of Monday Night Raw.
  • Styles will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The players

AJ Styles

A 48-year-old veteran wrestler who has had a storied career spanning nearly three decades across various promotions, including TNA, NJPW, and WWE. Styles has officially retired from in-ring competition and will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The Undertaker

A legendary wrestler who made a surprise appearance on the February 23, 2026, episode of Monday Night Raw to announce that AJ Styles would be the first individual inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

GUNTHER

The wrestler who defeated AJ Styles in his final match at the Royal Rumble last month.

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What they’re saying

“Let me give you something to talk about. So, everybody wants to say, 'Oh! WWE put him [AJ Styles] in the Hall of Fame so that he couldn't go to AEW.' Guys, I am retired from wrestling in the ring. Like, that's all this is. I make my own choices, I make my own decisions. I was ready.”

— AJ Styles (Talk N Shop Live!)

“I am still going to be working with WWE. That's not going to change. I have these dreams of helping out young talent. If somebody is not ready once they get there, it's my job to hopefully help them get to that point to where they can do it, and they are confident when they step into a WWE ring. Being able to help with that is a blessing.”

— AJ Styles (Talk N Shop Live!)

What’s next

Styles will be officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The takeaway

AJ Styles' retirement and Hall of Fame induction mark the end of an illustrious career, but his decision to stay with WWE in a coaching role at the Performance Center shows his commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. This move highlights the importance of veteran leadership and mentorship in the wrestling industry, as Styles looks to pass on his wealth of experience and knowledge to up-and-coming wrestlers.