AJ Styles was quietly dealing with mounting injuries before officially calling it a career and now more details are coming out about just how worn down he was. While Styles recently signed a new deal to remain with WWE in a behind-the-scenes developmental role, Karl Anderson revealed that the decision to retire wasnt about ability it was about physical wear and tear. Speaking on Busted Open Radio on February 27, 2026, Anderson made it clear that Styles could still perform at an elite level if he wanted to. Despite that, Anderson admitted he hoped Styles would continue wrestling for several more years. But when Anderson spoke to Styles backstage after RAW following his retirement announcement the reality became clear. Styles wasnt stepping away because he couldnt perform. He was stepping away because his body had taken too much punishment. That conversation, according to Anderson, confirmed that Styles meant every word. This shows why Styles chose to retire following his Royal Rumble loss to GUNTHER. It wasnt about losing a step in the ring. It was about neck pain, back pain, and the long-term toll of a career that spanned decades. Now, instead of pushing through injuries, Styles is shifting his focus to mentoring the next generation leaving the ring on his own terms rather than being forced out by it. Do you respect AJ Styles more for stepping away while he still could or do you wish he had pushed through for one more run? Let us know your thoughts. Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication. G Add as a preferred source on Google
