🔥 WWE’s Royal Rumble Master Plan? Inside the Sneaky Backup Booking That Could Save BOTH AJ Styles & GUNTHER
AJ Styles’ legendary WWE career is suddenly hanging by a thread—and the clock is ticking fast. WWE has confirmed that AJ Styles will go one-on-one with GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble, and the stakes couldn’t be higher: if Styles loses, his in-ring career is over. No rematch. No safety net. Just one match that could end it all.
For many fans, the announcement came completely out of left field.
😲 No Farewell Tour… Just One Do-Or-Die Match?
Given AJ Styles’ iconic status, most expected a proper goodbye—something closer to John Cena’s emotional retirement run, filled with tributes and final moments across multiple shows. Instead, WWE has fast-tracked Styles into a career-ending stipulation with minimal buildup.
And that’s where things get tricky.
⚠️ The GUNTHER Problem
GUNTHER isn’t just any opponent. He’s coming off a massive victory over John Cena in what WWE billed as Cena’s final match. With WrestleMania season approaching, it’s hard to imagine WWE suddenly cooling him off with a clean loss.
But on the flip side? Letting AJ Styles lose outright—and retire—could spark serious backlash, given his legacy and loyal fanbase.
So… what’s WWE’s way out?
🧠 WWE’s Possible Backup Plan Revealed
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE may already be cooking up a creative solution that protects both superstars.
The rumored plan?
👉 AJ Styles defeats GUNTHER earlier in the night, keeping his career alive
👉 GUNTHER then enters—and wins—the Royal Rumble match itself
It’s a bold move—but one that makes a lot of sense.
Styles survives and lives to fight another day, while GUNTHER instantly regains momentum by punching his ticket to WrestleMania in dominant fashion.
🔥 Why This Booking Actually Works
Meltzer notes that ending Styles’ career with a straight loss doesn’t feel right, especially for someone of his stature. WWE is reportedly very aware that—unless plans change—this could genuinely be Styles’ final match.
That reality alone adds massive emotional weight to the bout and explains why WWE might want an escape hatch ready.
👀 One More Clue Before the Rumble?
Before Royal Rumble weekend, AJ Styles will face Shinsuke Nakamura at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal—a matchup that could quietly hint at WWE’s long-term direction.
Is it a tune-up? A test run? Or a sign that Styles’ story isn’t finished yet?
🤔 What Should WWE Do?
Should AJ Styles get one more run?
Should GUNTHER remain unstoppable?
Or should AJ walk away on his terms?
The Royal Rumble just became must-watch—and the decision WWE makes could define two legacies at once.
