🔥 “Career Killer” Gunther Sends Chilling Warning After Retiring AJ Styles—Now He’s Coming for a 6-Time World Champion
Gunther didn’t just win at the Royal Rumble—he ended an era. Living up to his ruthless new “Career Killer” label, The Ring General officially retired AJ Styles in a brutal Career-Threatening Match that left fans in shock and the WWE locker room on notice. And Gunther wasted zero time making it clear that Styles won’t be his last legendary victim.
Gunther Ends AJ Styles’ Legendary Career 💔
The second match of the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event saw AJ Styles fight with everything he had, refusing to go quietly. But in the closing moments, Gunther put The Phenomenal One to sleep, forcing referee Dan Engler to stop the match.
Just like that, one of the greatest careers in WWE history came to an emotional end.
Fans in Riyadh gave Styles a thunderous ovation as he nearly left his gloves in the ring — a symbolic goodbye that had social media buzzing with speculation. But WWE later confirmed: AJ Styles is officially retired.
Double Duty, Same Message: Gunther Is Inevitable
As if retiring a future Hall of Famer wasn’t enough, Gunther returned later that night as entrant No. 30 in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match.
The result?
• Final two competitors
• Eliminated just short of victory
• Defeated only by Roman Reigns
After the match, Gunther made it clear this wasn’t a failure — it was a preview.
Gunther Targets WWE’s Biggest Prize 👑
Speaking on the Royal Rumble Recap Podcast with Sam Roberts and Megan Morant, Gunther sent a not-so-subtle warning to the top of WWE’s mountain.
“Making it to the last two with Roman Reigns… my way leads to the World Heavyweight or the WWE Championship in the future. I assume it won’t be the last time. Roman’s definitely an obstacle.”
Read between the lines:
Gunther is coming for a six-time WWE World Champion — and he’s not asking permission.
This marks the second time Gunther has finished runner-up in a Royal Rumble, having also been the final elimination in 2023 when Cody Rhodes won. The pattern is clear — the title picture isn’t if, it’s when.
What’s Next for AJ Styles?
While some fans hoped Styles might resurface in TNA or AEW, Triple H shut down those rumors during the Royal Rumble post-show.
The WWE Chief Content Officer confirmed Styles’ in-ring career is over but hinted at a powerful new chapter behind the scenes.
“He’s one of the most influential people in the business… when you see what Shawn Michaels is doing in NXT, that’s a path for AJ Styles beyond this.”
A U.S.-based farewell appearance hasn’t been ruled out, leaving the door open for one final emotional goodbye with the WWE Universe.
Final Take
Gunther didn’t just retire AJ Styles — he declared war on WWE history.
With legends falling and champions firmly in his sights, the question isn’t who Gunther will face next…
It’s who’s brave enough to stand in his way. 💥
