AJ Styles Confirms His Retirement Plans

WWE Superstar AJ Styles is nearing the end of the road of his long and illustrious career. Speaking to Tokyo Sports, the 48-year-old former WWE Champion revealed that he intends to retire from wrestling, “within the next year.” However, before that time, he will be touring with WWE in Japan for two upcoming Supershow events in Tokyo in October. He also expects to work at WrestleMania 42 in April. Oh, and he also has a PLE match against none other than John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel Perth next month.

Speaking on his return to Japan for the upcoming WWE Supershow tour, Styles stated (via Google Translate), “I’m really excited. I think this will probably be my last match in Japan, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m planning to retire soon, so I may not come back to Japan before I retire.”

With regards to his upcoming retirement from wrestling, Styles added, “I will probably appear at WrestleMania, but it’s not confirmed yet. The details are still undecided, but I will definitely retire within the next year.” Styles continued, “I don’t want to show my fans a side of me that isn’t AJ Styles. That’s the main reason. I’ve decided to retire before my body can no longer move.”

Styles is unsure of what’s next for him after retirement, but he noted he’d like to continue working for WWE and helping to train the younger talents. He stated on his life after wrestling, “I haven’t decided yet, but I think I’ll probably work for WWE. It might be good to train young wrestlers to be worthy of being on the main roster, but I don’t know yet.”

He also had high praise for his former NJPW rival, Hiroshi Tanahashi. The longtime Ace of New Japan will also be retiring from the ring very soon. Styles commented on Tanahashi to the outlet, “Tanahashi is a truly great wrestler, and I don’t think there are many wrestlers who have contributed to the industry to this extent. I was truly honored to have been able to wrestle with him.”

The Phenomenal One added that he still wants to step into the ring with Tanahashi one more time, commenting, “I still want to do it 1000%. However, we both have our positions to consider, so I don’t know if it will happen. It may be difficult to fight him again, but I would like to see his retirement match. Rather than thinking about whether the opponent is worthy, I feel that this position is something that has to be earned. I have seen many of Tanahashi’s great matches, so there are people who think, ‘Is it going to be him?’ but I am looking forward to seeing who it will be.”

With regards to Tanahashi’s own retirement, Styles said, “We are both on the path to retirement, but this is truly a happy thing. In professional wrestling, your body will inevitably wear out. I think it is a great joy just to be able to have a retirement match.”

Styles will face John Cena during Cena’s Farewell Tour on Saturday, October 11 at WWE Crown Jewel Perth. The premium live event takes place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. It will air live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally.