AJ Styles WWE Retirement 2026? Emotional Words for John Cena After Epic Crown Jewel Clash

AJ Styles WWE Retirement Confirm?

AJ Styles has officially announced the end of his legendary career after more than two decades of changing the game when it comes to professional wrestling. The former world champion declared that the calendar year of 2026 will mark the final year of his in-ring career, signaling the end of an era for one of the most technically sound superstars in WWE history.

While for many fans, the idea of WWE without “The Phenomenal One” might be hard to imagine, Styles communicated that it’s actually in the cards for him to step foot into a WWE ring next year, ultimately leading to one last WrestleMania moment before he finally retires.

Amazing Run is Almost Over, AJ Styles WWE Retirement Soon?

AJ Styles has had an awesome career, making a name for himself that’s bigger than just belts. He went from TNA and NJPW to being a two-time WWE Champ. Styles always put on great shows, and he inspired tons of wrestling fans.

He’s super good in the ring and knows how to tell a story with every move. That’s why everyone respects him. Even though he’s 46, Styles still shows he’s got what it takes.

But, injuries keep happening. He says his body isn’t what it used to be, so, he’s planning to retire from wrestling in 2026.

“I’ve given everything I have to this business,” Styles said. “It’s time to look forward to what’s next and finish strong.”

Crown​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Jewel 2025: AJ Styles vs John Cena — The Battle to Remember

AJ Styles and John Cena took the stage one more time at the WWE Crown Jewel 2025 in Perth, Australia—a showdown of the two legends. Even though both stars are known to be out of their physical prime, the electrifying chemistry and incredible storytelling of the duo did not fail to mesmerize the audiences all over the globe.

As a result of the hype, the match that was going to be the most anticipated on the card only partially met expectations. Styles and Cena were perfect in technical wrestling as they executed reversals and there were near falls that made the crowd go wild; in fact, they were so good that it reminded people of their classic matches of the mid-2010s.

It was a mega fight with mega drama, with the art of professional wrestling at its peak, and art and sport become indistinguishable, as the fans at Optus Stadium in Perth go crazy and cheer their heroes with all their ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌hearts.

Also Read: Highest Paid WWE Superstars in 2025: 1 Earns $15 Million a Year!

AJ Styles’ Heartfelt Tribute to John Cena

Following their thrilling bout, AJ Styles spoke with The Boston Herald, where he praised John Cena’s professionalism, humility, and understanding of the business.

“I’m not sure there’s anyone in the ring I trust more than John Cena,” Styles said. “He’s incredible at understanding what the fans need when they need it. He’s even more incredible with the way he treats people.”

Styles added that working with Cena always brings out his best:

“It’s hard not to love what you do when you’re having so much fun doing it. For John and myself, it was just another match — until it was over. Then it hit us how special it really was.”

The mutual respect between the two veterans was palpable, showcasing the camaraderie and professionalism that define wrestling’s biggest names.

A Heritage That Will Last Beyond Time

When the time comes for AJ Styles to retire from the ring, the WWE, and the sport of professional wrestling in general, will lose one of its most complete and innovative performers. His influence is not merely felt in the numbers, but rather in the young wrestlers you see around the world performing styles he helped to innovate, and in the millions of fans that fell in love with the business because of match-ups such as

From his iconic debut at Royal Rumble 2016 to intense rivalries with Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor, Styles’ imprint is one that few performers have ever matched. He has the ability to connect with audiences both young and old, accepting the challenge of engaging an audience of a multitude of ages, making him a true global star.

As Styles moves deeper into the twilight of his in-ring career, we can be sure of one thing AJ Styles’ impact will continue to resonate in WWE long after he has retired.

With​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ AJ Styles WWE Retirement in 2026, fans can only look back at ranks among the best, if not the greatest, wrestling careers ever. His unmatched consistency, humility, and innovation have made him one of the legends of the industry with no doubt.

Just to name a few: his tearful battle against John Cena at Crown Jewel 2025, his on-the-road farewell tour at WrestleMania 2026. The Phenomenal One is just overflowing with inspiration for millions of people.

AJ Styles’ farewell voyage to the WWE fans all over the globe will not be merely about reminiscing the past, rather it will be a rally to the finest of wrestling ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌art.