AJ Styles Doesn't Rule Out Wrestling Again Following WWE Retirement Match At Royal Rumble 2026

AJ Styles hasn't ruled out wrestling again despite what turned out to be his WWE retirement match at Royal Rumble 2026.

Styles put his career on the line against Gunther on January 31 and ultimately came up short at the Royal Rumble, passing out to a sleeper. Following the match, Styles went to leave his gloves in the ring in a sign of his retirement, but he ultimately put them back on before celebrating with the crowd.

Appearing on What's Your Story? with Stephanie McMahon, Styles was asked why he kept his gloves on at the Royal Rumble.

"I don't know. I don't know. Never say never, right? That's the saying. I think everybody's allowed at least once to come out of retirement. I'm not saying that I'll do it anytime soon....What if my son wrestles? The opportunity to tag with him once, you never know. So, there'll be a time when the gloves never go back on. It may be now, but we'll see," Styles replied.

The former WWE Champion noted his second-oldest son is currently training with him to be a pro wrestler, and his daughter also watches pro wrestling.

As of several months ago, the belief was AJ Styles' WWE contract expired in February 2026. Should he become available, the expectation is Styles would receive interest from All Elite Wrestling and NJPW.

If you use any quotes from this article please credit the original source and give an H/T to Cultaholic.com.