AJ Styles confirms that his retirement from professional wrestling will take place in 2026

AJ Styles will hang up his boots next year. This has been confirmed by "The Phenomenal One" in a recent interview granted to Tokyo Sports on the occasion of the promotion of the upcoming WWE tour in Japan. The former world champion stated that the decision has already been made, although he still does not know the exact date when it will be official.

"I'm really excited. I think this will probably be my last match in Japan, so I'm really looking forward to it. I plan to retire soon, and I may not return to Japan before that," AJ Styles said when asked about his return to the Asian country.

"I will probably be at WrestleMania, but it's not confirmed yet. The details have not been decided yet, but I will definitely retire within the next year," he continued. "I don't want to show my fans a version of me that is not AJ Styles. That's the main reason. I have decided to retire before my body can no longer move."

Regarding his plans once he retires, AJ Styles commented the following: "I haven't decided yet, but I will probably continue working for WWE. It could be good to help develop young talents to be at the level of the main roster. But I still don't know."

Hiroshi Tanahashi, current president of NJPW, will also retire in 2026, making this year very special for the world of professional wrestling. "Tana is truly a great wrestler. I don't think many have contributed as much to the industry as he has. It was a real honor to have fought with him," Styles said about the veteran Japanese wrestler.

"The Phenomenal One" was also asked about a final match against Tanahashi before both hang up their boots. "I wish it a hundred percent, but given our current positions, I don't know if it will be possible. It may be difficult to face each other again, but I want to see his retirement match. Beyond thinking about who will be his opponent, I feel that position must be earned," AJ Styles replied.

"We are both on the road to retirement, but this is truly beautiful. In professional wrestling, breaking your body is part of the deal. Just being able to have a retirement match is already a huge blessing," he concluded.

According to several sources, AJ Styles' contract with WWE ends in early 2026. The company wants to keep him on their roster, which could lead to both parties agreeing to an extension of the agreement for several months. This would allow "The Phenomenal One" to have his last match at WrestleMania and prepare for his farewell from the ring.