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AJ Styles retirement and mentorship

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-10 21:32 UTC → 2026-08-17 16:00 UTC · added removed

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. Styles noted that the decision was personal rather than a need for a farewell tour, though he admitted to “questioning everything” in the weeks leading up to the bout. Since retiring, Styles has transitioned into a backstage role at WWE’s Performance Center, focusing on scouting, coaching, and occasional production work, such as assisting with an NXT Championship Street Fight. He also hosts the “Phenomenally Retro” podcast, where he has critiqued WWE’s creative direction—specifically the trend of “retiring” top talent—and suggested that high ticket pricing for events like SummerSlam could impact sales. matches. Styles has expressed reiterated that he might keep the door open for a single return to the ring, but ring would only if it were to compete alongside his children occur on a major production platform; stage alongside his sons, though he remains open to non-wrestling roles like managing. He has explicitly stated he would not return has no interest in returning for independent shows or wait until age 60 to wrestle again. He continues circuit shows. Recent focus has shifted to mentor his son, Avery Jones, Styles, who debuted is competing on the independent circuit at GCW’s Rude Awakening on August 1, 2026, against Marcus Mathers. While 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 maintains defended his son, noting that Avery is not yet ready 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 WWE, Avery has already hinted at potential faction affiliations by using his parental support and criticized the “BULLET CLUB FOR LIFE” slogan during recent appearances. decision to air grievances on social media, suggesting the controversy could eventually be utilized as a professional wrestling storyline.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-17 16:00 UTC AJ Styles retirement and mentorship
  2. 2026-08-10 21:32 UTC AJ Styles retirement and mentorship
  3. 2026-07-31 02:20 UTC AJ Styles retirement and mentorship

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