AJ Styles vs Gunther Is Just the Beginning—WWE Is Quietly Building a WrestleMania Retirement War
What looked like a simple showdown is shaping up to be something much bigger. On the December 15, 2025 episode of Monday Night Raw, Gunther crossed a line that instantly made him one of the most hated men in WWE. By forcing John Cena to tap out, then mocking him afterward, Gunther didn’t just win a match — he declared war on WWE history. His smug celebration ended with Adam Pearce ejecting him from the arena, but the real moment came later.
As Gunther headed out, he locked eyes with AJ Styles. No words. Just tension. And a final insult — the “You Can’t See Me” taunt — that told the entire story.
Since that night, Styles hasn’t been able to let it go.
Why AJ Styles Is Taking This Personally
Gunther’s problem isn’t just winning — it’s how he wins. He doesn’t respect legends. He humiliates them.
Fans saw it months ago when Gunther publicly disrespected Goldberg. Now he’s done the same to Cena, a man who carried WWE for nearly two decades. AJ Styles hasn’t said it outright, but the message is clear: this isn’t a coincidence — it’s a pattern.
Styles represents an era built on respect. Gunther represents destruction.
That’s why things exploded on the January 5, 2026 episode of Raw. Gunther gloated. Styles confronted him. The two smashed foreheads in a tense standoff that felt more real than scripted. A match was quickly announced for January 12 in Germany — but make no mistake, this won’t be a one-night affair.
AJ Styles Knows Time Is Running Out
What makes this feud dangerous is the clock.
AJ Styles recently confirmed that 2026 will be his final year in professional wrestling. Whether he retires at WrestleMania or later, everyone — including Gunther — knows the end is near.
And Gunther smells opportunity.
He’s already been linked to Goldberg’s farewell. Cena’s potential retirement only boosted his ego. Now, adding AJ Styles to that list would cement him as WWE’s new “Legend Killer.” Randy Orton once owned that title — Gunther wants it now.
Every taunt. Every insult. Every act of disrespect is deliberate.
This Match Won’t End the Feud — It Will Ignite It
Both men are too experienced to believe this ends in Germany.
Styles is fighting with emotion, pride, and urgency. Gunther is fighting with calculation and legacy in mind. If Styles loses, he won’t walk away — he’ll chase Gunther harder, even if it means risking his final WrestleMania moment.
Gunther knows exactly what buttons to press. He sees Styles not as a rival, but as a final checkbox — one more legend to conquer on the grandest stage.
WrestleMania Is the Real Destination
All signs point to this rivalry stretching well beyond January 12.
WWE appears to be slowly building toward something massive: AJ Styles’ last stand vs Gunther at WrestleMania. A generational clash. Respect vs ruthlessness. Legacy vs dominance.
One man wants a final moment of glory.
The other wants to end careers.
And that’s why this feud is far from over — it’s only just getting started. 🔥
