AJ Styles may be winding down his legendary in-ring career, but fans hoping to see him in an AEW ring shouldnt hold their breath.
Despite ongoing speculation about whether The Phenomenal One might jump to AEW before calling it quits, Fightful Select shuts that rumor down hard. According to Sean Ross Sapp, there is a very slim chance Styles would sign with AEW once his WWE deal expires.
That line comes as Styles continues to speak openly about retirement. In a recent appearance, Styles confirmed that he intends to retire within the next year, and sources close to him insist hes already at peace with wrapping things up in WWE.
Styles is said to be comfortable with his current schedule and status in the company. Those around him describe him as content with his position, and not actively looking for a last-minute career shift. His contract was originally set to expire in early 2026, though its unclear if any extensions have taken place behind the scenes.
This isnt the first time Styles future has sparked discussion. He first brought up retirement back in 2019, shortly after signing a long-term WWE deal. Even then, he made it clear he didnt plan to wrestle far into his fifties, and wanted to end things on his own terms while still performing at a high level.
Most recently, Styles faced off against John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel: Perth in a match thats being talked about as a potential Match of the Year pick. Next week, hes scheduled to team with Dragon Lee on Monday Night RAW in a WWE World Tag Team Title match against The Judgment Days Finn Balor and JD McDonagh.
With one final year possibly left on his in-ring clock, the story here isnt about jumping promotions its about finishing where he feels he belongs.
Would you have wanted to see AJ Styles in AEW before retiring? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
