A popular WWE star has left fans in a frenzy after making a statement that many have interpreted as a hint of a possible move to AEW.
The star in question is none other than AJ Styles. The Phenomenal One, one of the biggest superstars in the industry’s history, confirmed toward the end of 2025 that 2026 will be his final year in wrestling. The Stamford-based promotion has already begun playing the angle by booking him in a match with Gunther at Royal Rumble 2026, where, if Styles loses, his career is over. On the latest episode of Monday Night RAW, the former WWE Champion came out to address the crowd about his match with the Ring General. During his promo, Styles noted that Gunther claims he’s going to end his “WWE” career.
A clip of the same can be seen below:
The “WWE career” specification sparked an interesting discussion among fans, and they erupted on X with a range of opinions. The majority believed that, based on what AJ said, there is a chance he could join AEW, while some even suggested a return for the star to his old stomping grounds, TNA, before he finally hung up his boots.
“Debut at Revolution will be📈,” wrote one fan
“All Elite🔜,” quipped another
Check out some other fan reactions below:
WWE legend Jim Ross believes AJ Styles joining AEW is a possibility
In a recent edition of his Grillin’ JR podcast, Jim Ross stated that he’d like AJ Styles to wrestle in AEW and believed that he could join the Jacksonville-based promotion following Royal Rumble 2026.
“I hope he does whatever he wants to do. He’ll have plenty of options. If he doesn’t want to stay involved in pro wrestling, but you know, I wish he was available for AEW. He may be at the end of the day. Hell, who knows? I don’t know. But he’s turned himself into one of the legitimate great workers in the country period, any country,” JR stated. [H/T Inside The Ropes]
It will be interesting to see whether Gunther will defeat AJ Styles at Royal Rumble 2026 and seemingly end his career.
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Edited by Karan Raj
