AJ Styles’ WWE Career on the Line: Backstage Talks Hint Royal Rumble Could Be His Final Match
AJ Styles’ future in WWE is suddenly surrounded by real uncertainty, and the 2026 Royal Rumble may decide everything.
WWE has officially locked in a blockbuster singles match between Styles and GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble premium live event, with a stunning stipulation attached — if Styles loses, his WWE career is over. The announcement instantly shocked fans, especially those expecting a longer farewell run for “The Phenomenal One,” similar to the retirement tour John Cena received earlier this year.
The situation becomes even more complicated when you look at GUNTHER’s current standing. The dominant powerhouse is riding a wave of momentum after defeating Cena in his retirement match, making a clean loss feel unlikely while WWE continues to position him as a top-tier force heading into WrestleMania season.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is actively weighing multiple creative directions for the high-stakes bout. One discussed scenario would see Styles score an emotional upset victory over GUNTHER to extend his career, only for GUNTHER to later win the Men’s Royal Rumble match the same night — allowing WWE to end the show with GUNTHER standing tall.
Meltzer noted that having Styles lose his career match without a major payoff later in the event could leave fans disappointed. A Royal Rumble win would help restore GUNTHER’s dominant aura while keeping momentum firmly on the road to WrestleMania.
Still, that outcome is far from guaranteed. Backstage conversations reportedly acknowledge that this match could genuinely be AJ Styles’ final WWE appearance. The possibility of a real goodbye has added serious emotional weight to what is already one of the most talked-about matches on the card.
No matter how it ends, the Royal Rumble bout is another defining chapter in a legendary career. Styles is a former WWE Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and RAW Tag Team Champion, and is widely praised as one of the best in-ring performers of his generation. His last shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship came at Backlash France in 2024, where he fell short against Cody Rhodes.
Now, with his career hanging by a thread, AJ Styles heads into the Royal Rumble facing a moment that could either deliver a shocking farewell — or ignite one last run on the biggest stage of all.
