“Not Rock, Not Stone Cold! AJ Styles Reveals the ONE WWE Dream Match He’ll Always Regret Missing”
AJ Styles has faced almost everyone who matters in WWE—but there’s one legendary name that still stings when he thinks about it.
Surprisingly, it’s not The Rock. It’s not Stone Cold Steve Austin either.
As Styles prepares for his confirmed retirement in 2026, the two-time WWE Champion opened up about the one match that never happened and why it still means more to him than any title reign.
AJ Styles’ Biggest WWE Regret Revealed
AJ Styles made his blockbuster WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, instantly becoming one of the most consistent main-event stars of the modern era. From epic rivalries to championship gold, “The Phenomenal One” seemingly did it all.
Except one thing.
Styles admits his greatest regret is never stepping into the ring with Shawn Michaels.
By the time Styles arrived in WWE, “The Heartbreak Kid” was already retired, having ended his legendary career after losing to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26. Michaels later returned briefly for a one-off DX tag match in 2018, but a true singles showdown with Styles was never on the table.
Why Shawn Michaels Meant More Than a Dream Match
For AJ Styles, this wasn’t just about star power—it was about learning from one of the greatest in-ring storytellers of all time.
“The thing that I regret the most about not being able to get in the ring with Shawn Michaels is the opportunity to learn from him,” Styles said.
“That would have been priceless. It just wasn’t meant to be.”
Styles added that even a quiet, behind-closed-doors match with no audience would have been enough for him—just to experience Michaels’ genius firsthand.
While a real match never happened, Styles still hopes to work with Michaels in another capacity, especially in talent development, as HBK continues to shape the future of WWE through NXT.
Shawn Michaels Today: A Different Kind of Legend
Shawn Michaels now serves as the creative backbone of WWE NXT, mentoring the next generation of superstars. Though his controversial 2018 Crown Jewel return is often forgotten—and even dismissed by Michaels himself—it doesn’t erase his iconic legacy.
For Styles, that legacy is exactly why the missed opportunity hurts so much.
AJ Styles’ Final WWE Chapter Begins
With retirement set for 2026, AJ Styles’ legendary run is entering its final phase. A Grand Slam Champion, former face of TNA, and future WWE Hall of Famer, Styles has nothing left to prove.
He’s currently locked in a high-profile storyline with Gunther and is set to face him on Raw next week, proving he’s still performing at an elite level even as the end draws closer.
AJ Styles may have conquered WWE—but one dream match will forever remain just out of reach.
And for fans, that “what if?” might be the most painful part of all.
