Bully Ray Flat-Out Rejects AJ Styles’ Retirement Talk, Makes Bold Prediction About His WWE Future
The wrestling world is buzzing with speculation that AJ Styles may have quietly stepped into retirement after his brutal loss to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble. But according to WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray, fans shouldn’t believe the narrative just yet.
Styles squared off against “The Ring General” in one of the most talked-about matches of WWE’s first-ever Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Despite entering as the clear underdog, “The Phenomenal One” delivered another high-level performance before ultimately falling to Gunther, whose dominant rise over the past two years continues to reshape WWE’s main-event scene.
That defeat immediately fueled reports that Styles’ legendary in-ring career had reached its end. Several insiders suggested AJ would skip WrestleMania 42, with Peter Rosenberg echoing the belief shortly after the Rumble. Triple H even hinted that Styles could transition into a backstage role similar to Shawn Michaels.
However, Bully Ray isn’t buying it.
Speaking on the latest episode of Busted Open Radio, the WWE Hall of Famer pushed back hard against the idea that Styles is done—or that his passion is fading.
“Until I hear AJ Styles say out of his own mouth that his heart just isn’t in it anymore, I don’t believe it for a second,” Bully Ray said. He revealed that he personally spoke with Styles backstage during TNA’s first AMC show and walked away unconvinced by claims that AJ is mentally checked out.
Bully Ray also dismissed the notion that Styles’ recent performances show decline. He pointed to AJ’s standout matches against John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura, CM Punk, and most recently Gunther as proof that the fire is still there.
“Does that look like a man whose heart isn’t in it anymore?” Bully Ray added. “No chance.”
While Styles may be nearing the final stretch of his career, Bully Ray believes the story isn’t over—and that fans may not have seen the last of AJ Styles on a WWE stage just yet. With WrestleMania 42 looming, the door remains wide open for one more Phenomenal moment.
