AJ Styles may have laced up his boots for the final time at Royal Rumble: Riyadh, but his impact on the wrestling world is far from overand his peers are making sure everyone knows it.
After losing to GUNTHER in a career-threatening match on January 31, Styles quietly exited the limelight with a powerful moment: teasing a symbolic gesture of leaving his gloves in the ring, only to put them back on. The post-match move left fans guessingis this goodbye, or is there more to come?
While Styles is not currently scheduled to appear on Monday Night Raw, the outpouring from wrestlers across multiple promotions shows just how much his retirement hit home. Will Ospreaywho has long been compared to himoffered the shortest yet perfect tribute: Phenomenal.
Omos, who teamed with Styles during his run as Raw Tag Team Champion, uploaded a series of throwback photos with his mentor. His caption was simple, respectful, and full of heart: Thank you @AJStylesOrg
Scarlett Bordeaux also acknowledged Styles exit from the ring with: Thank you #AJStyles Chris Bey also reacted to AJs retirement by being sad about a match that never happened: So no AJ Styles vs Ace Austin?
And former WWE star Drake Maverickwho worked with Styles during their time in WWEdropped one of the most emotional messages of all: Uncle Alan Phenomenal from the moment we met in every way possible.
Styles hasnt confirmed if this truly marks the end. The two-time WWE Champion filed trademarks for his name and logo just weeks before the Royal Rumble, fueling speculation that retirement might not be permanent. Could we see Styles pop up in AEW? Return to TNA? Or take on a behind-the-scenes role? Nothing is off the table. However, one thing is clearAJ Styles didnt just leave an impression; he built a legacy.
What do you think AJ Styles will do next? Was this really the end, or is a post-WWE chapter about to begin? Drop your thoughts belowwe want to hear your take.
