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Gunther Submits AJ Styles, Forces Him To End Career at WWE Royal Rumble 2026

January 31, 2026 | Posted by Jeffrey Harris
WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Gunther submits AJ Styles Image Credit: WWE

The career killer struck again today at the WWE Royal Rumble 2026. AJ Styles came in guns blazing and was ready to bring the fight to Gunther. However, after an intense back-and-forth match, Styles’ illustrious career came to an end at the hands of Gunther.

Styles threw everything he had at Gunther, attempting the Calf Crusher, the Styles Clash, and the Phenomenal Foram. Styles even hit Gunther with a Powerbomb, but it still wasn’t enough.

Eventually, Styles fell prey to Gunther’s Sleeper Hold. And like so many men in the past, Styles could not escape the hold. However, Styles did not tap out or verbally submit. He passed out in the hold, and the referee stopped the match, giving Gunther the victory. Many fans in the crowd looked shocked and stunned by the finish, not wanting to believe the result.

As a result of his loss, AJ Styles will now be forced to retire from wrestling. After the match was over, Styles received a huge ovation from the fans in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He initially looked like he was getting ready to take off his gloves to leave them in the ring. However, Styles kept them on, putting his hands up to the fans one last time.

After Styles moved to leave the ring, Styles re-entered the ring once more, giving fans the “Two Sweet” sign, thanking them one last time before exiting the ring and heading to the back.

Gunther Ends AJ Styles’ Historic Career at WWE Royal Rumble 2026

Thus ends the legend of AJ Styles, one of the best and most highly decorated wrestlers of the new millennium. He began his WWE career just over 10 years ago at the same event, the Royal Rumble. Now his WWE and in-ring career ends at the same event.

Styles briefly got to wrestle a handful of matches in WCW early on in his career, shortly before the company folded. Later in 2002, he became part of the Ring of Honor and TNA Wrestling (formerly NWA-TNA), becoming a key talent in both organizations when they began. He’d eventually become one of the signature premier stars of TNA throughout its first decade.

In 2014, Styles opted to leave TNA and strike out on his own, eventually joining NJPW, where he became a two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. He’d then finally make his way to WWE, signing with the company in January 2016, debuting at the Royal Rumble that year in the Rumble match.

During his WWE run, Styles became a two-time WWE Champion, a one-time Intercontinental Champion, a three-time US Champion, and a four-time tag team champion with multiple partners. Most recently, he held the World Tag Team Titles with Dragon Lee during his last WWE title run. On behalf of 411, thank you for everything, AJ Styles.

Highlights and clips of AJ Styles vs. Gunther are available below. You can also check out 411’s live coverage of the event RIGHT HERE.

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AJ Styles, Gunther, Royal Rumble, WWE, Jeffrey Harris

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