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6 clusters · 25 sources · 28 days · First seen · Last updated

AJ Styles retirement and mentorship

Overview

AJ Styles confirmed his retirement on July 20, 2026, following a loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh and his subsequent Hall of Fame induction. Since retiring, Styles has transitioned into a backstage role at WWE’s Performance Center, focusing on scouting, coaching, and production work, such as assisting with NXT matches.

Styles has reiterated that a return to the ring would only occur on a major stage alongside his sons, though he remains open to non-wrestling roles like managing. He has explicitly stated he has no interest in returning for independent circuit shows.

Recent focus has shifted to his son, Avery Styles, who is competing on the independent circuit with Game Changer Wrestling (GCW). Following a match in Minneapolis, promoter Arik Cannon criticized the 19-year-old, allegedly regarding a refusal to assist with event setup. Styles defended his son, noting that Avery and fellow wrestler Marcus Mathers had traveled from Missouri and slept in a car to perform. Styles expressed regret that the dispute became a public matter, suggesting it should have been handled privately.

GCW owner Brett Lauderdale defended Avery, stating the rookie possesses natural talent and deserves grace. Additionally, WWE Hall of Famer JBL praised Styles for his parental support and criticized the decision to air grievances on social media, suggesting the controversy could eventually be utilized as a professional wrestling storyline.

Entities

AJ Styles · Avery Styles · GCW · Arik Cannon · Brett Lauderdale

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    AJ Styles defends son Avery following wrestling industry controversy

    AJ Styles has defended his son, Avery, against claims of unhelpfulness at a wrestling event, while JBL criticized the public nature of the dispute.

  2. 7 days ago

    [SPORTS] 12 sources
    AJ Styles outlines conditions for potential wrestling return

    Retired WWE wrestler AJ Styles says he would only return to the ring to compete on a major stage alongside his sons, amid recent controversy surrounding his son Avery's wrestling debut.

  3. 20 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    AJ Styles reflects on emotional farewell after final WWE match

    AJ Styles described his emotional backstage farewell after his 2026 WWE final match, while his son Avery hinted at joining the Bullet Club after a tag match at Wrestle Wars.

  4. 24 days ago

    [SPORTS] 6 sources
    AJ Styles Retires from WWE and Shifts to NXT Production Role

    AJ Styles retired after the WWE tag title loss and later helped produce an NXT title match, noting his behind‑the‑scenes role and enthusiasm for the performers.

  5. 27 days ago

    [SPORTS] 11 sources
    AJ Styles Retires at Royal Rumble, Moves to Mentoring Role and Supports Son’s GCW Debut

    AJ Styles retired after losing to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble, now mentors at WWE's Performance Center and coaches his son Avery, who is set for a GCW debut; he also briefly held the tag titles with Dragon

  6. 29 days ago

    [SPORTS] 10 sources
    AJ Styles retires after loss to Gunther, reflects on WWE plans and future match possibilities

    AJ Styles retired after a loss to Gunther, joins WWE's backstage staff, may wrestle once more, and critiques the company's handling of Gunther and ticket pricing.

Sources

bodyslam.net · catch-arena.com · ewrestling.com · f4wonline.com · fightful.com · hindi.sportskeeda.com · postwrestling.com · pwmania.com · rajahwwf.com · ringsidenews.com · si.com · solowrestling.com · sportskeeda.com · tuttowrestling.com · wrestlepurists.com · wrestling-infos.de · wrestlingheadlines.com · wrestlingInc.com · wrestlinginc.com · wrestlingitalia.it · wrestlingnews.co · wrestlingnewsreport.com · wrestlingnewssource.com · WrestlingObserver.com · zonawrestling.net

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history