AJ Styles on Why He's Retiring in 2026 Ahead of WWE Crown Jewel Match vs John Cena

The 48-year-old appeared on the Crown Jewel pre-show and confirmed his plans to retire in 2026. He told Michael Cole and fans in attendance on the Kick-Off Show:

"If I could find the fountain of youth and take a couple of sips I'd wrestle for the rest of my life. But I am getting older. The fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer. You know what, there comes a time in a man's life when he needs to take care of business but when business is done it's time to take care of his family. I need to spend time with my family."

He added:

"The whole idea with wrestling and having an amazing future in this business is being able to retire one day. In 2026, I will retire."

Styles has enjoyed a 27-year career and has undoubtedly left his mark as one of the greatest wrestlers in history. He was a pillar of TNA Wrestling, holding the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice before joining WWE in 2016, following appearances in NJPW.

His debut at the Royal Rumble stunned fans, and he quickly became one of the most popular stars in the promotion, winning the WWE Championship on two occasions. His best WWE feud was against Cena, who will also be retiring in December and will give fans one more match against the Phenomenal One tomorrow in Perth.

Styles has suggested he will focus on his family once he officially retires from in-ring competition. He has a wife, Wendy, and they have four children: Ajay, Avery, Alby, and Anney.

TNA Guy vs WWE Guy - Styles on 'Magic' Cena Rivalry

Styles looked forward to his match with Cena by recalling the magic they previously produced when facing another. He highlighted how they were the first time two prominent WWE and TNA wrestlers have gone toe-to-toe:

"It's huge, it's two guys that got in the ring that you never thought you'd see in a WWE ring together. John Cena, AJ Styles, the TNA guy vs the WWE guy, that's what made it special."

He added:

"John Cena and I are nothing alike in any kind of way but when we get in the ring together it's magic. I can promise you this, when it's all said and done, tomorrow night, John Cena and AJ Styles will leave it all in the ring."

Styles and Cena will face one another for the fourth time in a one-on-one PLE singles match at RAC Arena. The Face that Runs the Place has had the Greatest of All-Time's number, with two wins in their three previous meetings.