For years, wrestling fans have wondered when the moment would come — and now, they finally have an answer. Ahead of Crown Jewel 2025, AJ Styles confirmed that he plans to retire in 2026, offering the clearest and most emotional insight yet into AJ Styles retirement. His words didn’t feel scripted or promotional; they felt real, honest, and deeply personal.
This wasn’t a dramatic storyline tease or a shock announcement. It was a raw, human moment from a veteran who understands exactly where he is in his career and what matters most moving forward.
“I’m Getting Old, Folks” – AJ Styles Speaks From the Heart
AJ Styles didn’t try to hide the truth. In fact, he embraced it.
“I’m getting old, folks,” Styles admitted during the interview.
For a man who has built a career on speed, precision, and innovation, age isn’t just a number — it’s a reality he feels every time he steps into the ring. Styles even joked that if he could find the fountain of youth, he’d wrestle forever. But reality, as he explained, doesn’t work that way.
And that’s where the conversation around AJ Styles retirement truly begins.
The Fear Every Legend Faces
One of the most striking parts of AJ’s comments was his honesty about fear — not fear of losing, but fear of declining.
“The fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer,” he said.
That single line says everything. AJ Styles has always been about excellence. He doesn’t want to be remembered as someone who stayed too long or lost what made him special. Like the greats before him, he understands that knowing when to walk away is just as important as how you perform.
That awareness adds weight to the idea that AJ Styles retirement isn’t rushed — it’s thoughtful.
Family Over Everything
The focus shifted from wrestling to life beyond it.
“There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to take care of business. But when business is done, it’s time to take care… it’s time to take care of his family.”
This is where AJ Styles stopped sounding like a WWE Superstar and started sounding like a husband and a father. After decades on the road, countless bumps, and years away from home, Styles made it clear what matters most now.
“I need to spend time with my family.”
For fans, this makes AJ Styles retirement easier to accept — even if it still hurts.
Wrestling Was Always About This Ending
Perhaps the most powerful statement AJ Styles made was about the purpose of his wrestling journey.
“The whole idea with wrestling and having an amazing future in this business is to be able to retire one day.”
That perspective says everything about AJ Styles’ mindset. Wrestling was never meant to last forever. It was meant to provide, to build something meaningful, and eventually, to allow a peaceful exit.
Then came the line that changed everything.
AJ Styles Confirms Retirement Timeline
“And in 2026, I will retire.”
Just like that, speculation turned into reality.
While fans may still hope plans change, this statement strongly suggests that AJ Styles retirement is no longer a distant possibility — it’s a scheduled moment in wrestling history. Whether his final match comes quietly or on a grand stage, the countdown has begun.
A Phenomenal Legacy, No Matter What Comes Next
Whenever AJ Styles retirement becomes official, one thing is undeniable: his legacy is secure. He proved that passion, skill, and heart matter more than size or politics. He inspired a generation and redefined what greatness looks like in modern wrestling.
If 2026 truly marks the end, fans won’t just be saying goodbye to a wrestler — they’ll be thanking a legend for doing it the right way.
Phenomenal until the very end.