The professional wrestling industry is often defined by its inability to say goodbye, with many of its greatest icons lingering in the ring long after their physical prime has faded into memory. However, every so often, a performer emerges who possesses not only the skill to dominate the squared circle but also the foresight to dictate the terms of their own departure. AJ Styles, a man whose name has become synonymous with in-ring excellence across four different decades, has recently signaled that the final chapter of his storied career is finally coming into view. In a candid conversation that has sent ripples through the wrestling world, the veteran performer revealed that his current journey with WWE has a definitive expiration date. As he nears the age of 50, Styles has made it clear that he is no longer looking toward a distant future of endless matches, but is instead focusing on a graceful exit that honors everything he has sacrificed for the business.
This revelation came during a deep-dive discussion on the podcast hosted by the legendary Undertaker, titled Six Feet Under. The setting was particularly poignant given the history between the two men, who shared the screen in the cinematic Boneyard Match that served as the Deadman’s final professional outing. During the exchange, Styles pulled back the curtain on his contractual status, confirming that his current agreement with WWE is set to conclude at the end of 2026. Unlike many of his peers who might use such a milestone to negotiate a lucrative extension or a part-time schedule, Styles expressed a firm desire to step away entirely once that clock runs out. He articulated a philosophy of retirement that prioritizes health and personal fulfillment over the lure of one last payday, suggesting that the true victory in a wrestling career is the ability to walk away on one’s own two feet rather than being forced out by the inevitable toll of physical trauma.
For fans of the Phenomenal One, the news serves as a sobering reminder of the passage of time. Styles has been a fixture of the global wrestling scene for nearly thirty years, evolving from a high-flying pioneer in the early days of the independent circuit to a refined master of the craft in the world’s largest promotion. His journey is one of the most unique in the history of the sport, characterized by a refusal to conform to the traditional expectations of what a WWE superstar should look like or where they should come from. Before he ever stepped foot in a WWE ring, Styles had already built a Hall of Fame-caliber resume. He was the foundational pillar of Total Nonstop Action, where he defined the X-Division and later became the face of the company as a multi-time world champion. His subsequent move to New Japan Pro Wrestling further solidified his status as a global icon, as he took the reins of the Bullet Club and captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, proving that he could thrive in any environment and against any style of opponent.
When Styles finally made his long-awaited debut in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble, the landscape of the company changed almost overnight. At a time when many doubted that an "indie darling" of his age could successfully transition to the WWE style, Styles defied the odds by becoming one of the most consistent and reliable performers on the roster. He moved from a marquee feud with Chris Jericho into a historic rivalry with John Cena, a series of matches that many credit with legitimizing Styles in the eyes of the casual WWE audience. His subsequent runs as WWE Champion, particularly his lengthy reign on the SmackDown brand, cemented his legacy as a top-tier attraction. He became the workhorse of the blue brand, famously declaring it "the house that AJ Styles built," a moniker that rang true because of the sheer quality of his nightly performances.
Now, at 48 years old, the physical demands of the "Phenomenal" style are beginning to weigh against the desire for a peaceful post-wrestling life. Styles explained to the Undertaker that the goal of a career should be to reach a point where retirement is a celebration of goals achieved rather than a somber necessity. This perspective is a departure from the "never say die" attitude that often plagues the industry, where performers struggle to let go of the spotlight. By setting a hard deadline of late 2026, Styles is giving himself—and the fans—a window of roughly two years to appreciate his final contributions to the medium. This timeline allows for a deliberate and meaningful conclusion to his narrative arcs, ensuring that his exit is not a sudden disappearance but a curated farewell tour.
The implications of this timeline for WWE’s creative direction are significant. With less than twenty-four months remaining on his active ledger, every match Styles competes in now carries an added weight of importance. The company is faced with the task of maximizing his remaining dates, balancing his role as a seasoned veteran who can elevate younger talent with his status as a legendary figure who deserves high-profile championship opportunities. There is already a palpable sense of urgency among the WWE Universe to see Styles engage in several "dream matches" that have yet to materialize or deserve a final reprisal. Whether it is a showdown with the dominant Gunther, a technical masterclass against the likes of Seth Rollins, or a passing-of-the-torch moment with a rising star from NXT, the countdown to 2026 ensures that the stakes will remain high.
Beyond the matches themselves, the conversation on the Six Feet Under podcast touched upon the psychological transition that occurs when a wrestler acknowledges the end is near. Styles spoke about the importance of being able to enjoy life after the ring, highlighting the missed moments with family that are the hidden cost of a three-decade career on the road. For a man who has spent the majority of his adult life in hotels, airports, and locker rooms, the prospect of a permanent homecoming is clearly the driving force behind his decision. He noted that while he still possesses the capability to perform at an elite level, he does not wish to reach the point where he is a shadow of his former self. The desire to leave the audience wanting more, rather than wondering why he hasn’t stopped, is a testament to his professionalism and his respect for the business.
The backstage atmosphere regarding Styles’ future has been a topic of speculation for some time, with rumors circulating as early as late last year that he was contemplating his endgame. By making his intentions public, Styles has effectively taken control of the narrative, preventing the rumor mill from dictating the story of his final years. This transparency is rare in a business built on secrets and surprises, but it fits the character of a man who has always been known for his honesty and integrity. It also sets a precedent for how modern legends can manage their exits, providing a blueprint for others who may be approaching similar crossroads in their own careers.
As we look toward the remainder of 2024 and the entirety of 2025, the wrestling world will undoubtedly be watching Styles with a renewed sense of appreciation. His recent work, including high-stakes battles with Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, has proven that he hasn’t lost a step. He continues to be a master of psychology, able to tell a compelling story through his movements, his selling, and his devastating offensive repertoire. Whether he is utilizing the Phenomenal Forearm to close out a match or locking in the Calf Crusher to force a submission, his technical proficiency remains the gold standard for the industry.
The eventual induction of AJ Styles into the WWE Hall of Fame is a foregone conclusion, but the timing of his retirement suggests that he could be the headliner for the Class of 2027. By then, he will have left behind a body of work that spans the globe and includes nearly every major accolade the sport has to offer. From the small armories of the American South to the grandeur of the Tokyo Dome and the spectacle of WrestleMania, Styles has conquered every mountain placed in front of him. His legacy is not just one of championships and accolades, but of a tireless work ethic and a commitment to the art form that inspired a generation of younger wrestlers to follow in his footsteps.
In the final analysis, AJ Styles’ announcement is less an ending and more an invitation. It is an invitation for the fans to savor every remaining dive, every intricate sequence, and every emotional promo before the curtain falls for the last time. It is a reminder that even the most "phenomenal" things must eventually come to a close. As the industry prepares to bid farewell to one of its greatest ever practitioners, the focus remains on the celebration of a career well-lived. Styles has made it clear that he wants the fans to celebrate his achievements alongside him when the time comes. When 2026 finally arrives and the boots are placed in the center of the ring, there will be no doubt that AJ Styles gave everything he had to the business, leaving it better than he found it and departing on his own terms, just as he always intended.
