Top 5 Best AJ Styles Matches in WWE

Celebrating the career of 'The Phenomenal One' ahead of his potential final year in the ring

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:39am

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As the 2026 Royal Rumble approaches, fans are reflecting on the incredible career of AJ Styles, who has announced that this will likely be his final year in WWE. This article highlights the top 5 best matches of Styles' WWE tenure, from his shocking debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble to his legendary showdowns with John Cena and Daniel Bryan.

Why it matters

AJ Styles is considered one of the greatest in-ring performers of his generation, known for his technical mastery, high-flying ability, and ability to deliver classic matches. As he potentially nears the end of his storied career, this list celebrates the matches that cemented his legacy as 'The Phenomenal One' and a true all-time great.

The details

The article covers Styles' career journey, from his early days in TNA and NJPW to his historic run in WWE. It highlights five of his most acclaimed matches, including his Universal Championship clash with Seth Rollins at Money in the Bank 2019, his Extreme Rules battle with Roman Reigns in 2016, his emotional farewell match with John Cena, his technical masterpiece with Daniel Bryan, and his WWE Championship victory over Cena that tied the 16-time record.

  • Styles made his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble.
  • The Styles vs. Rollins match took place at the 2019 Money in the Bank pay-per-view.
  • The Styles vs. Reigns Extreme Rules match occurred in 2016.
  • The Styles vs. Cena farewell match happened in 2026.
  • The Styles vs. Bryan Intercontinental Championship match took place on a 2020 episode of SmackDown.

The players

AJ Styles

A legendary professional wrestler known as 'The Phenomenal One', who has had an illustrious career spanning TNA, NJPW, and WWE, where he has become a multi-time world champion and one of the greatest in-ring performers of his generation.

Seth Rollins

A former WWE Universal Champion and one of the most technically gifted wrestlers in the company, known for his high-octane matches and innovative offense.

Roman Reigns

The current WWE Universal Champion and one of the biggest stars in the company, known for his powerful in-ring style and dominant championship reign.

John Cena

A 16-time WWE Champion and one of the most iconic and influential wrestlers of all time, known for his charisma, work ethic, and ability to deliver classic matches.

Daniel Bryan

A former WWE Champion and one of the most technically proficient wrestlers in the company, known for his incredible in-ring ability and fan-favorite status.

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What they’re saying

“Both the men's and women's Royal Rumble matches will feature thirty participants, with only one person from each contest being crowned the winner.”

— Nicholas Paul, Author

“Despite Styles stating in multiple interviews that 2026 will definitely be his final year in the ring, many fans are heartbroken at the prospect that his incredible career could end so early into the new year.”

— Nicholas Paul, Author

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

AJ Styles' remarkable career has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of his generation, with his ability to deliver classic matches against a wide range of opponents. As he potentially nears the end of his time in WWE, this list of his top 5 best matches serves as a fitting tribute to his unparalleled in-ring excellence and his lasting impact on the industry.