Wrestling News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Photo Credit: WWE

3 Signs that AJ Styles Has Not Retired

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Shiraz Aslam | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 1:13 PM ET

AJ Styles lost to Gunther at the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 in his retirement match. Styles was confused and unwilling to acknowledge the outcome, but he soaked in the adulation of the Saudi crowd. The Phenomenal One was about to take his gloves off, but kept them on and walked out of the ring.

His status has remained uncertain, but the general belief is that the Ace of TNA is done with in-ring competition in WWE. Nonetheless, a section of the fanbase is sincerely hoping that the Phenomenal One has not hung up the boots. For these hopeful fans, there are some reasons to believe that AJ Styles may not have actually retired from active competition.

#3. AJ Styles Didn’t Take His Gloves off at the WWE Royal Rumble 2026

In the world of combat sports, taking off your gloves and ornaments is a sign of retirement. At WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, John Cena took his wrist bands and shoes off before leaving the squared circle.

The Phenomenal One didn’t take his gloves off at WWE Royal Rumble, which was a subtle hint that he may not have been done with wrestling. In fact, he put them back on after appearing to take them off. Furthermore, Styles looked regretful and confused throughout. The Ace of TNA wasn’t ready to leave the ring, which speaks volumes about his passion to continue wrestling.

#2. The Phenomenal One said “Never Say Never” on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast

The word “retirement” in WWE is not a rigid term. Edge retired from active competition in 2011 due to a severe neck injury. However, the Rated-R Superstar returned nine years later in the 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble. Shawn Michaels stayed true to his retirement for 8 years, but he came out of retirement to team with Triple H against the Brothers of Destruction at WWE Crown Jewel 2018.

This is why wrestlers and fans like to toss around the proverbial “never say never” phrase. Nothing is set in stone in pro wrestling. If the body heals with time and a good opportunity presents itself, retired Superstars will come out of retirement.

Styles hinted at a comeback when he said, “Never say never” when asked about a potential return to the squared circle. The Phenomenal One expressed interest in wrestling alongside his son. His words were a sign that he isn’t adopting a rigid approach to his retirement.

#1.WWE Has Announced a Tribute for Styles on RAW in Atlanta

Goldberg retired at the WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in July 2025. WWE let him cut a retirement speech, which was an absolute indication that the WCW icon was done within the squared circle. John Cena had an entire farewell tour dedicated to his legacy, and he spent quite a lot of time mentally preparing the Cenation for his farewell tour.

In contrast, AJ Styles’ retirement happened suddenly, and no retirement speech followed. Furthermore, none of his past rivals or friends emerged from the locker room to honor his career. On the whole, it felt pretty uneventful. Now, WWE has randomly announced a tribute for Styles in Atlanta. This treatment was not given to Goldberg or Cena. Although this could be a legit celebration of the Phenomenal One’s historic career, it may also be the catalyst that brings him back to the squared circle.