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AJ Styles Feels WrestleMania Has 'Lost Its Luster'
Retiring at Royal Rumble was 'poetic' for Styles, who made his WWE debut at that event
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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During an appearance on the WWE Raw Recap, AJ Styles said he chose to retire at the Royal Rumble instead of WrestleMania because the company's biggest yearly event has "lost its luster a little bit." Styles felt retiring at the Rumble, where he made his WWE debut in 2016, was more "poetic" for him.
Why it matters
Styles' comments reflect a growing sentiment among some wrestlers and fans that WrestleMania, once considered the most prestigious event in WWE, has lost some of its luster and prestige in recent years. This could signal a shift in how WWE approaches and markets its biggest show of the year.
The details
Styles was asked why he chose to retire at the Royal Rumble instead of WrestleMania. He said the Rumble was "special" to him since that's where he made his WWE debut in 2016, and retiring there felt "poetic." Styles also stated that WrestleMania "used to be the most prestigious" WWE event, but "it's kind of lost its luster a little bit." WWE held a tribute for Styles on the following Monday's Raw, where The Undertaker announced Styles will be inducted into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. There are reports that WWE wants John Cena to induct Styles into the Hall of Fame.
- AJ Styles made his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble.
- Styles retired at the 2026 Royal Rumble.
- WWE held a tribute for Styles on the February 24, 2026 episode of Raw.
The players
AJ Styles
A former WWE Superstar who announced his retirement at the 2026 Royal Rumble event.
The Undertaker
A WWE legend who announced that AJ Styles will be inducted into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.
John Cena
A WWE legend who is reportedly being considered to induct AJ Styles into the WWE Hall of Fame.
What they’re saying
“WrestleMania, listen, I'm sorry to say, used to be the most prestigious PLE or pay-per-view, whatever you want to call it. But to me, it's kind of lost its luster a little bit.”
— AJ Styles (WWE Raw Recap)
“But as far as the Royal Rumble, well that's special to me. Because that's where I made my debut. So to be able to end where I started, that's poetic.”
— AJ Styles (WWE Raw Recap)
What’s next
According to a report, WWE wants John Cena to induct AJ Styles into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.
The takeaway
AJ Styles' comments about WrestleMania losing some of its prestige reflect a growing sentiment among wrestlers and fans that WWE's biggest annual event may need to be reimagined or revitalized in order to regain its former glory and significance in the industry.
