AJ Styles Caps Off Legendary Career with Boneyard Match at WrestleMania

From Bullet Club to WWE Champion, the Phenomenal One's journey culminates in an epic cinematic clash with The Undertaker

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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This week, we look back on the latter half of AJ Styles' illustrious career, from his time in New Japan Pro Wrestling's Bullet Club to his historic WWE Championship reigns and culminating in his Boneyard Match showdown with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36. Styles' move to WWE in 2016 propelled him to the top of the industry, as he captured multiple world titles and engaged in memorable feuds with the likes of John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura, and more. Despite a few ups and downs, Styles cemented his status as one of the all-time greats before riding off into the sunset after his cinematic clash with The Deadman.

Why it matters

AJ Styles' career trajectory is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling. After years of toiling in TNA, his move to NJPW and then WWE allowed him to showcase his immense talents on the biggest stages and cement his legacy as one of the greatest in-ring performers of his generation. His ability to reinvent himself and thrive in different environments makes his story an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers seeking to break through.

The details

Styles joined NJPW's Bullet Club faction in 2014 and quickly captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, becoming only the sixth non-Japanese wrestler to hold the prestigious title. His two-year run in Japan saw him engage in classic matches with the likes of Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi before he made the jump to WWE in 2016. In WWE, Styles wasted no time making an impact, winning the WWE Championship within his first year with the company and going on to have acclaimed title reigns and feuds with John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura, and more. His final chapter came at WrestleMania 36, where he faced off against The Undertaker in a cinematic Boneyard Match, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.

  • Styles joined Bullet Club and won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in 2014.
  • Styles made his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble.
  • Styles won his first WWE Championship in 2016, beginning a historic title reign.
  • Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura had an epic feud for the WWE Championship in 2018.
  • Styles faced The Undertaker in the Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36 in 2020.

The players

AJ Styles

One of the greatest professional wrestlers of his generation, known for his innovative in-ring style and ability to thrive in multiple promotions.

The Undertaker

A WWE legend and one of the most iconic figures in the history of professional wrestling, who faced off against Styles in a cinematic Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36.

Bullet Club

A popular and influential stable in New Japan Pro Wrestling, which Styles was a key member of during his time in the promotion.

John Cena

A 16-time WWE Champion and one of the biggest stars in the history of the company, who had a memorable feud with Styles during the early part of his WWE run.

Shinsuke Nakamura

A former IWGP Heavyweight Champion in NJPW who transitioned to WWE and had an acclaimed feud with Styles for the WWE Championship.

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What they’re saying

“AJ Styles is one of the greatest in-ring performers of his generation. His ability to reinvent himself and thrive in different environments is truly remarkable.”

— Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Journalist (Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

“The Boneyard Match between Styles and Undertaker was a cinematic masterpiece that perfectly capped off the Phenomenal One's legendary career.”

— Triple H, WWE Executive (WWE.com)

What’s next

Styles is expected to retire from in-ring competition following his Boneyard Match loss to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36, bringing an end to one of the most storied careers in modern professional wrestling.

The takeaway

AJ Styles' journey from the independent circuit to the heights of WWE stardom is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling. His ability to reinvent himself and thrive in different environments cemented his status as one of the all-time greats, culminating in his epic Boneyard Match showdown with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36.