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AJ Styles Announces Retirement After Hall of Fame Induction
The Phenomenal One will transition to a coaching role with WWE after his WrestleMania induction.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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AJ Styles has announced his retirement from in-ring competition following his loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble. The Undertaker surprised Styles with the news that he will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas. Styles confirmed on his podcast that he is done wrestling but will stay with WWE to help train the next generation of Superstars.
Why it matters
Styles' retirement and Hall of Fame induction marks the end of an era for one of the most decorated and influential wrestlers of the modern era. His transition to a coaching role will allow him to pass on his expertise to up-and-coming talent, ensuring his legacy lives on within WWE.
The details
Styles lost to Gunther at the Royal Rumble, which he says was his final match as an active wrestler. The Undertaker surprised Styles with the Hall of Fame announcement on Raw in Atlanta, where Styles' family and friends were in attendance. On his podcast, Styles confirmed he is retired from in-ring competition but will remain with WWE to work at the Performance Center and help develop future Superstars.
- Styles lost to Gunther at the Royal Rumble on January 28, 2026.
- The Undertaker announced Styles' Hall of Fame induction on the February 24, 2026 episode of Raw.
- Styles' Hall of Fame induction will take place during WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas in April 2026.
The players
AJ Styles
A veteran wrestler who has had a decorated career in WWE, including winning multiple championships. He is now transitioning to a coaching role with the company.
The Undertaker
A legendary WWE Superstar who surprised Styles with the announcement of his Hall of Fame induction.
Gunther
The wrestler who defeated Styles in his final match as an active competitor.
Paul "Triple H" Levesque
The WWE Chief Content Officer who expressed a desire to have Styles stay with the company in a coaching capacity.
What they’re saying
“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 Podcast)
“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 Podcast)
What’s next
Styles will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas in April 2026.
The takeaway
AJ Styles' retirement and Hall of Fame induction marks the end of an illustrious in-ring career, but his transition to a coaching role with WWE ensures his expertise and influence will continue to shape the next generation of Superstars.
