AJ Styles has confirmed he will retire from in-ring competition within the next year, with a potential final match at WrestleMania 42. The 48-year-old veteran revealed his plans to Tokyo Sports while promoting an upcoming WWE tour of Japan, stating he wants to step away before his physical performance declines.
The announcement ends speculation about his contract status. “I will probably appear at WrestleMania (April next year in Las Vegas, USA), but it’s not confirmed yet,” Styles said. “The details are still undecided, but I will definitely retire within the next year.”
He explained that his physical condition is the main reason behind the decision. “I don’t want to show my fans a side of me that isn’t AJ Styles. That’s the main reason. I’ve decided to retire before my body can no longer move.”
Looking ahead, Styles suggested he will likely remain with WWE in a non-wrestling role, potentially training talent for the main roster. “I haven’t decided yet, but I think I’ll probably work for WWE,” he said. “It might be good to train young wrestlers to be worthy of being on the main roster, but I don’t know yet.”
Despite entering his final run, Styles’ schedule remains full. He is set to face John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, on October 11. The match, announced by Chief Content Officer Triple H on September 23, will serve as the tiebreaker in their singles series, currently tied at two wins each.
His retirement will close a storied career that began in 1999. Before joining WWE in 2016, Styles became a main event name in TNA, Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, capturing multiple world championships including the WWE, IWGP, and NWA titles.