Naomichi Marufuji Pays Tribute to AJ Styles Following Huge Sendoff in Japan

Naomichi Marufuji recently shared an incredible tribute to his in-ring rival, AJ Styles. As previously reported, WWE Superstar and former WWE Champion AJ Styles was in action during today’s WWE Supershow live event in Tokyo, Japan. After the main event, CM Punk and Shinsuke Nakamura brought out AJ Styles to give him a grand sendoff for the Japanese wrestling audience, as today’s show will likely be Styles’ final match as an active wrestler.

Following the event, none other than Japanese wrestling legend Naomichi Marufuji, who was also in attendance, paid tribute to AJ Styles as well via social media. Marufuji wrote earlier today, “Thank you @ajstylesorg. It was an honor to wrestle with you. #WWE #WWESuperShowJapan”

Marufuji also shared photos of himself with Styles at the WWE live event. Styles was in action, beating The New Day’s Kofi Kingston in a singles bout. Marufuji was sitting ringside for the bout, during which he embraced Styles (see below).

Styles previously wrestled the 46-year-old Marufuji at NOAH Destination 2024 in July 2024. Styles picked up the victory in their first and only bout.

AJ Styles Planning to Retire Later Next Year

As previously reported, AJ Styles has been openly talking about his plans to retire from active in-ring competition later next year. His current WWE contract is reportedly due to expire early next year, but it’s unknown if he’s signed any type of extension that will take him deeper into 2026.

However, before that time, AJ Styles has a huge title match scheduled for two days from now. He teams with Dragon Lee to challenge Finn Balor and JD McDonagh for the WWE World Tag Team Titles on Monday Night Raw on October 20. The event is being held at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. The show will air live on Netflix.

Thank you @ajstylesorg .
It was an honor to wrestle with you.#WWE #WWESuperShowJapan pic.twitter.com/0R0rddXw6D

— 丸藤 正道 (@noah_marufuji_) October 18, 2025