AJ Styles’ future reportedly became a topic of discussion backstage in All Elite Wrestling in the days leading up to his loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble, which was presented as his retirement match.
According to Fightful Select, AJ Styles’ WWE contract was expected to expire in February 2026, though no extension could be confirmed. The report noted that speculation about his next move became a “major point of conversation backstage” at AEW Dynamite last Wednesday, but as of Tuesday, there was no indication AEW had made an offer.
Regarding TNA Wrestling, WWE sources said Styles could have worked there while still under WWE contract if he had wanted to. A TNA source believed Styles may have extended his WWE deal prior to the Royal Rumble, although that could not be confirmed. New Japan Pro-Wrestling was also said to be interested in using Styles amid its recent talent losses.
Fightful Select added that a WWE source familiar with Styles’ situation said he “very much” had control over how his WWE career ended. Another source indicated WWE would have been open to keeping him longer, but that Styles had already made his position on retirement clear.
Could AJ Styles End Up In AEW?
While there have been no confirmed reports, and as AJ Styles himself has spoken about how he wanted to end his career when his WWE contract ended, it seems unlikely that he would end up debuting in AEW.
However, there were rumours a few years ago about Styles having an interest in joining AEW to work with some of their younger talent.
