Gunther Is Open To Retiring AJ Styles, Talks Being WWE’s Next Big Villain

Gunther says that he doesn’t have a list of guys he wants to retire from WWE, but that he’d be open to sending AJ Styles packing. The former World Heavyweight Champion has already retired Goldberg and John Cena. He teased a possible showdown with AJ Styles on Monday’s Raw when the two stared off before Gunther left the arena.

Styles has said 2026 will be his final year in the ring, and Gunther was asked about potentially retiring Styles on The Masked Man Show>. He was also asked about being WWE’s new big villain along the lines of a Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar. You can check out the highlights below:

On If AJ Styles Is Next On His Retirement List:

“I don’t really have a list, but yeah, AJ? Yeah, I never wrestled AJ before, and I think that would be a great one. Because AJ is definitely one of the best cruiserweight wrestlers in TNA history.”

On Being the Next Big Villain In WWE:

“Yeah I mean, I agree. And that’s also what I always strive for what I want to be. Because it’s necessary, there has to be a mountain to climb. Because otherwise it’s just smooth sailing. And yeah, there needs to be a disruptor. There needs to be somebody that is just in the way of people. And I think I can, I embody that pretty good. I feel like that’s my role, and now it’s on me to [do it]. Because what happened on what happened on Saturday is definitely a gift. And now it’s on me to carry that and protect it, and do my best going forward.

“So it’s definitely a situation now where it’s, ‘Okay, the reaction is there.’ Like, I beat Cena, but what am I doing with it now? And that’s a different kind of pressure as well. And it’s a new situation for me, but that’s what I like. I get bored quickly when I do the same old, same old. I need new challenges, and I need a bit of pressure and that’s when I thrive.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit The Masked Man Show with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.