AJ Styles has agreed to put his career on the line at the Royal Rumble, setting up a potentially final chapter in his WWE run against Gunther.
WWE confirmed this week that AJ Styles will face Gunther at the Royal Rumble event on January 31 in Saudi Arabia, with the stipulation that Styles will retire if he loses. The condition was proposed by Gunther following their encounter on Raw last night and accepted by Styles later in the night.
Their rivalry intensified on the January 12 episode of Raw, which closed with Gunther defeating Styles after a low blow and a powerbomb. The finish was marred by deception, as Gunther tapped out to the Calf Crusher while the referee was not looking, convincing Styles that the match was over. When Styles released the hold, Gunther quickly capitalised to steal the victory.
On Raw this week, Styles attempted to provoke Gunther into a rematch by accusing him of fear. Gunther initially refused, stating there was no reason for him to face Styles again. He then returned with a counteroffer, saying he would only accept another match if Styles were willing to stake his entire career.
Later in the broadcast, Styles confirmed his decision after discussing it with his wife.
“She said exactly what I was thinking, kick his ass,” Styles said as the match was made official.
IT'S OFFICIAL @AJStylesOrg will put his career on the line against Gunther at the Royal Rumble pic.twitter.com/8TyckrKbDY
— WWE (@WWE) January 19, 2026
Gunther now looks to add another legendary name to his list, having already retired Goldberg and John Cena in storyline. The Royal Rumble bout places Styles’ future in jeopardy as Gunther also prepares to compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble match on the same night.
The Royal Rumble takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 31 and begins at 2 p.m. Eastern.
How Long Has AJ Styles Been With WWE?
AJ Styles has been with the WWE for ten years today, as he signed his first WWE contract on January 20, 2016, and he made his re-debut in the company at that year’s Royal Rumble on January 24.
Styles previously made his first debut back in 2001 in a dark match at a WWF Jakked taping, where he defeated Rick Michaels. Styles made his TV debut the following year on another episode of Jakked, losing to The Hurricane.
