aj styles coming to the ring in wwe.

AJ Styles Makes Shock 'Last SummerSlam' Admission

Originally posted on The Sportster | By Matthew Guyett | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 7:17 PM ET

AJ Styles has hinted that he may be competing in his last SummerSlam PLE this weekend when he challenges Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship.

The Phenomenal One has been in WWE for nearly a decade and enjoyed many memorable moments at the Biggest Party of the Summer. The 48-year-old 'beat up John Cena' back in 2016 and will be back competing at the event after sitting it out last year.

AJ Styles: This Might Be My Last SummerSlam

Styles appeared on the SummerSlam KickOff Show and discussed various topics, including his recent return to TNA at Slammiversary. But he also opened up on his upcoming battle with Dirty Dom for the Intercontinental Championship on night two and made an honest admission:

"If I'm being honest with you guys, this may be my last SummerSlam. So I plan on tearing the house down one last time at SummerSlam for you guys."

The former two-time WWE Champion is one of several veterans coming into the latter stages of their illustrious careers. He's watching Cena embark on a farewell tour and he highlighted what an event like SummerSlam meant for him and his time with the company:

"It is very special for me, again, the match with John Cena set the tone for AJ Styles' career in WWE. So SummerSlam is very special for me."

Styles could become a two-time Intercontinental Champion should he defeat Dominik Mysterio at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. He was supposed to face The Judgment Day member at Night of Champions but Dom suffered a rib injury which delayed the match but they will finally square off this Sunday.

When does AJ Styles' Contract Expire?

aj styles coming to the ring in wwe.

The Phenomenal One's comments will likely spark discussion about a potential WWE exit, amid a desire within the pro wrestling fan base to see him compete in AEW before he retires. His contract status will be one of interest, and this could very well be his "last SummerSlam".

Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp reported earlier this month that Styles had signed a new one-year contract extension. It wasn't mentioned when he had put pen to paper or the expiration date of his new deal.

Styles' previous contract was signed in 2019, and he vowed that this would be the final one of his career, but he is set for another year with the Stamford-based promotion. He holds a strong connection with AEW executive vice presidents, The Young Bucks, which has always ignited talk of a possible switch to WWE's biggest rival company.

There may now be many hoping he not only beats Dominik for the Intercontinental Championship but perhaps gets one last run as a world champion. It's been over nine years since he last held the world title.

This article first appeared on The Sportster and was syndicated with permission.

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