WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles has publicly come to the defense of Ludwig Kaiser following Kaiser’s arrest on battery charges in Orlando, Florida, saying he believes the alleged victim got what was coming to him.
Kaiser faced allegations of punching a neighbor who reportedly complained about Kaiser’s intimate behavior with his girlfriend in an elevator and allegedly threatened to call immigration authorities on her. WWE’s reaction to the arrest has also drawn attention in the days since the incident.
AJ Styles Shares His Thoughts On Ludwig Kaiser
The former WWE Champion addressed the situation on his “Phenomenally Retro” podcast, making clear he does not believe the alleged victim’s account and that something serious must have provoked his friend and fellow WWE superstar.
“He is the definition of a class act. And so, to hear something like this happen, immediately I go, ‘Oh. He must have really been pissed off about something to go like and do something like this,’” Styles said.
Styles went further, suggesting the alleged victim was likely jealous and deserved the confrontation.
“I know Kaiser well, very well. And if something were said that pissed him off enough to fight with someone? They deserved it,” he said. “I don’t believe that, not for one second.”
He also drew a personal parallel, saying he would react violently if someone threatened his wife or children.
“When you say something about my wife or my kids? Bro, it’s going to get violent real fast,” Styles added.
“I will not let them be yelled at or talked to in any certain way.”
Styles closed by making his loyalty clear:
“I’m going to be on my buddy’s side. I believe that this guy probably got what was coming to him.”
AJ Styles is officially handing over the keys to some of the most iconic moves of his career. The WWE veteran revealed he has no issue with younger wrestlers using the Styles Clash, the Phenomenal Forearm, or any other move tied to his legendary career once he is done wrestling.
During the latest episode of the Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles revealed the open invitation. The conversation started after Dragon Lee recently reached out to Styles for permission to use the Styles Clash. According to Styles, he did not hesitate at all.
“Listen, Dragon did reach out and was like, ‘Hey man, you care?’ Please, please use it. Anybody who want to use it, it’s all yours,” Styles said.
Styles specifically referenced Will Ospreay already using a version of the Phenomenal Forearm and said he has zero problem seeing his moves continue to exist after his retirement.
“AJ Styles isn’t going to use it anymore. I hope it can find itself in professional wrestling for a long time,” Styles explained. “The phenomenal forearm, use it. It’s out there, I know Ospreay does it. Do it, dude. It doesn’t bother me, not one bit.”
A Different Approach To Legacy
That is a pretty different mindset compared to many wrestling veterans, especially when it comes to signature finishers that become directly attached to a wrestler’s identity over decades in the business. For Styles, though, the focus appears to be less about ownership and more about keeping the moves alive for the next generation.
The Styles Clash has been one of the most recognizable finishers in wrestling for years across WWE, TNA, NJPW, and multiple promotions around the world. The Phenomenal Forearm also became one of the defining moves of Styles’ WWE run after arriving in the company in 2016.
Now, Styles sounds more than ready to see younger stars carry both moves into the future. The three-time WWE Champion remains an active competitor on the SmackDown brand.
AJ Styles says he would love to see Will Ospreay in WWE, calling him one of the best talents in the world while acknowledging the concern many have about his high-risk style.
“Will’s the man, dude. I would love to have him in WWE — he’s an amazing talent. I think he’s figured out a lot about himself, and what he can do, and what looks good and makes sense — everything. Sometimes we worry about him hurting himself because he’s balls to the walls, but I get it, man. You’ve got one gear — you’ve got to go one gear until you retire, like myself.”
Ospreay is currently under contract with AEW, where he has been one of the promotion’s top performers. Styles retired from in-ring competition in January 2026.
Ospreay is scheduled to wrestle Samoa Joe at AEW Double or Nothing as part of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.
AJ Styles has revealed that his final match with John Cena at Crown Jewel in October 2025 was called entirely in the ring by Cena, with no pre-planned structure going in.
Speaking on the Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles described the level of trust he placed in his opponent that night.
“Our last match, we didn’t have anything called in the beginning. Nothing was called. He just said, ‘I’ll call it.’ I go, ‘Okay’ and I trusted him so much that I wasn’t worried about it. Let’s just go out there and call it, bro, I’m listening to you. That was it. There was a couple of matches that were very like that. He would take control of it and he would call the match. He’s different, man.”
The match was widely considered one of the best of 2025. Cena retired from in-ring competition in December 2025 following his farewell tour. Styles retired in January 2026.
WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles recently reflected on his 2024 WWE Championship storyline with Cody Rhodes.
The feud played out across two Premium Live Events last year. ‘The Phenomenal One’ challenged Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at both Backlash France in May and Clash at the Castle in June.
Rhodes defeated Styles at Backlash France on May 4, 2024, in his first PLE title defense after winning the championship from Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. The rematch took place at Clash at the Castle in Glasgow, Scotland, where Rhodes again retained the title.
“I remember when Cody won the World Championship and AJ Styles was going through his dark time. The pitch was for AJ Styles to wrestle Cody Rhodes. I was like, ‘Well, freak. I just tried to get this character over being just a vicious heel, and I’m gonna have to lose if I’m wrestling Cody because we can’t flip flop the title. That’s not the way it’s gonna work.’ So it was nice being back in the main event on the PLEs and whatnot.”
The program marked a significant chapter in Rhodes’ championship reign, coming immediately after his historic WrestleMania victory. Styles, a two-time WWE Champion himself, served as Rhodes’ first major challenger during this run.
AJ Styles remains active behind the scenes and has been a part of NXT scouting team following his retirement.
AJ Styles has weighed in on speculation surrounding Asuka’s WWE status, declaring the former champion a future Hall of Famer. The Phenomenal One took to social media to praise The Empress of Tomorrow amid uncertainty about her future with the company.
Following recent events that sparked fan speculation about Asuka’s WWE status, multiple wrestlers have shown support for the multi-time champion online. Styles joined the conversation with a direct statement about her legacy.
“I don’t know the facts, but I know @wwe_asuka will be a Hall of Famer,” Styles wrote on Instagram.
Asuka’s credentials support Styles’ assessment. She is a multi-time World Champion in WWE and won the 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble match, earning a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 34.
The Empress of Tomorrow also captured the 2020 Money in the Bank ladder match and maintained an undefeated streak during her early main roster run. Her accomplishments have established her as one of the most decorated women in WWE history.
WWE has not confirmed any changes to Asuka’s status with the company. The speculation stems from recent social media activity and tributes from fellow wrestlers, though no official announcement has been made regarding her future.
AJ Styles addressed The New Day’s departure from WWE during a recent edition of his “Phenomenally Retro” podcast, expressing mixed emotions about the trio’s exit from the company.
“Man, it kind of bums me out a little bit, right? Because everybody loves them,” Styles said when discussing Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E leaving WWE.
“I’d have no doubt that they have a plan. That’s for sure. They’re very smart. They’ll figure something out—what the next step is.”
Styles praised The New Day as “freaking brilliant guys” and “awesome guys,” adding that “these are the guys you wanna hang out with.” He acknowledged uncertainty about the specifics of their departure, including whether a 90-day non-compete clause applies.
“I wonder if they have the 90-day clause? I would assume. I don’t know. I don’t know if it’s a release. I’m sure they do. If they asked for their release, does it still — I don’t know,” Styles said.
During the same podcast episode, Styles also discussed helping out at a WWE EVOLVE taping, where he assisted a producer by calling a match to the television truck. He described the experience as making him feel “like a million bucks” and noted he became “a huge cheerleader” while watching the performers work.
When asked about potentially becoming an agent or producer in the future, Styles said that’s not currently his goal, though he acknowledged the possibility could change over time.
Check out AJ Styles’ Phenomenally Retro Podcast, dedicated to retro video games, professional wrestling, and more.
WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles recently shared his thoughts on Kairi Sane’s release from WWE.
‘The Phenomenal One’ admitted that he doesn’t understand the decision given her strong position on television. The former WWE Champion addressed the situation on the Phenomenally Retro podcast, making it clear the timing didn’t make sense to him.
Styles pointed out how strong Sane’s position looked alongside Asuka, particularly as part of their tag team. He praised her recent work and questioned why WWE would make the move now.
“Kairi Sane—yeah, I think that’s where everybody’s a little confused. With Asuka and her as a tag team, and then it just kind of… we don’t know exactly what the case is. That one caught me off guard as well because it was a great tag team thing. I feel like Kairi is doing her best work right now.”
What’s Next for Kairi Sane
Styles openly admitted he doesn’t have answers about Sane’s future. He threw out possibilities including a return to World Wonder Ring Stardom in Japan, but made it clear nobody knows what direction she’ll take.
“I wish I had answers—I don’t. I don’t know what this means for her. Is she done wrestling? Is she going to go back to World Wonder Ring Stardom? What’s next for Kairi Sane?” he said. “But I know she was loved, she was amazing, and I just hate that.”
The former WWE Champion addressed speculation about Sane potentially returning to Japan, referencing her previous departure while making it clear he doesn’t believe this was her choice.
“I will say this—the first time she left, she went home to Japan. I don’t know if that has anything to do with this. I doubt it was her choice, because I felt like she was really rolling well,” Styles explained. “But I get it—if you’re living in another country, you’re always going to want to go home at some point.”
The Reality of WWE Cuts
Styles zoomed out to discuss the business side of WWE releases, pointing to space, time, and money as factors rather than anything personal. He referenced other recent cuts including the Motor City Machine Guns.
“I’m sure it comes down to space, time, and money. It’s not anything like it used to be. Even back then, guys would get cut—like the Motor City Machine Guns, I love those guys,” he said. “My biggest fear in my own career was that I wouldn’t get to finish what I started.”
He wrapped up with a message for Sane and others in similar situations, stressing that a release doesn’t define a career.
“That’s the tough part—you sign to do something, and you don’t get to finish it. That’s going to bother you. But don’t let it destroy who you are,” Styles said. “You made it to one of the biggest wrestling companies in the world—that says everything. We don’t know the circumstances, but that doesn’t mean it’s over for you. Just keep your head up and see where the next chapter takes you. It might be wrestling, it might not—but don’t let it break you.”
AJ Styles has responded to fans who accused WWE of bribing him to stay away from AEW, and his reply was short, sharp, and entirely unbothered.
Following reports that AEW had prepared a serious offer to Styles before his retirement and WWE Hall of Fame induction, some fans on social media took the narrative further. One fan told Styles directly to enjoy his bribery. Styles did not let it pass without comment.
“If bribing me leads to getting the job that I want, that’s great.”
Styles retired from in-ring competition after losing to GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble and has since moved into a talent scouting role within WWE. It is a position that keeps him inside the business without the physical demands of competing, and by his own account, exactly where he wants to be.
The accusation stems from the theory that WWE accelerated Styles’ Hall of Fame induction and offered him a meaningful long-term backstage position specifically to prevent him from signing with AEW as his career wound down. He has taken on a behind-the-scenes role with WWE as a talent scout.
The former World Champion has confirmed multiple times that he is not leaving the company after his retirement, and instead, he is looking at new opportunities within the promotion. He also referred to this new role during his Hall of Fame speech on Friday, saying that his job is to find the next Phenomenal One.
The wrestling legend was interviewed by Sam Roberts and Megan Morant as part of the WrestleMania recap edition of WWE Now. Among other things, he was asked what the future holds for him in the context of wrestling. AJ Styles explained that he is currently trying various things in the company and has yet to decide the role that fits him the best:
“I’m wearing a couple of different hats right now, and we’ll see which one sticks, and things change quite often, and so, when I get too busy to do all these different hats that I’m trying to wear, and I have to focus on one, I’ll let you know which one that is.”
Though AJ Styles later confirmed that he is doing some work in the WWE ID program, trying to help indie talents looking for experience and money to support themselves:
“But it is recruiting, it is working with WWE ID. That’s a big part of the things that I know a lot about, the independents, and I know there’s a lot of talent like me who didn’t have a lot of money. So if we can get them a little bit more experience and a little bit more cash in their pockets, they’re able to get that, it’ll be a big thing for them.”
John Cena had recently revealed his thoughts on if AJ Styles has really retired from wrestling. You can check out his comments here.
AJ Styles is heading into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame alongside Stephanie McMahon, Demolition, Dennis Rodman, Sycho Sid, and Bad News Brown, and he already has some thoughts on how the ceremony is structured.
Speaking on his Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles suggested that the Hall of Fame might benefit from being held less frequently, arguing that spacing out the event would make each induction feel more significant.
“I really believe we could probably do the Hall of Fame every other year, or maybe put some years in between and make it more special. I think it’s going to be really difficult to do this every year. Just a suggestion. I don’t know if it’s about money. There is a reason WrestleMania is two nights. One night WrestleMania was difficult because it was a lot of matches. You didn’t want to be the main event because everyone was cooked,” Styles said.
He also addressed the ceremony’s length, acknowledging that controlling how long inductees speak is easier said than done, including for himself.
“Do we need it to go that long? I don’t know that we need to. I’m sure they give these guys times, ‘No longer than 30 minutes.’ An hour and a half later, ‘Alright. Wrapping it up.’ I understand it. I’m sure once I get up there, I’m thinking, ‘This won’t be long,’ but then you’ll talk about things that are important to you.”
The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony takes place April 17 at Dolby Live in Las Vegas and airs at midnight ET, hosted by The Miz and Michael Cole. WrestleMania 42 follows on April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium.
The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony goes live tonight from Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas, immediately following SmackDown. Here’s everything you need to know before the show, along with the full list of inductees.
How to Watch the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame
The ceremony streams at 12 a.m. ET / 9 p.m. PT on Friday, April 17 on the ESPN App in the United States and on YouTube for international viewers. That’s technically Saturday morning on the East Coast, kicking off right after SmackDown wraps at 11 p.m. ET.
Michael Cole and The Miz are handling hosting duties. It’s Cole’s signature WWE broadcast voice paired with one of the most reliable utility players on the roster, a combination that should help keep the show moving.
The Class of 2026
This year’s class covers multiple eras and categories, from a business architect and a recently retired modern great to long-overdue posthumous honors and an NBA icon.
Stephanie McMahon headlines the class and will be inducted by The Undertaker. The former Chief Brand Officer, Chairwoman, and Co-CEO spent more than two decades as an on-screen authority figure and is a one-time WWF Women’s Champion. She recently admitted she wasn’t sure she deserved the honor when she first got the news.
AJ Styles retired at the 2026 Royal Rumble after 28 years in the business. The Phenomenal One is a two-time WWE Champion, Triple Crown Champion, and Grand Slam Champion. The Undertaker personally delivered the induction news on the February 23 episode of Raw.
Demolition (Ax and Smash) are finally getting long-overdue recognition. The three-time WWE Tag Team Champions held the titles for a combined 698 days during their peak run from 1988 to 1990, including a record 478-day reign.
Dennis Rodman enters the celebrity wing. The five-time NBA champion made his WCW debut alongside Hulk Hogan at Bash at the Beach 1997 and became a fixture on the nWo side of the Monday Night War.
Sid Eudy, known to fans as Sycho Sid and Sid Vicious, will be posthumously inducted into the Legacy wing. The two-time WWF Champion and two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion passed away in August 2024.
Bad News Brown joins Sid in the Legacy wing. A 1976 Olympic judo bronze medalist, Allen Coage brought real-deal combat credentials to his WWE run in the late 1980s and famously won the battle royal at WrestleMania IV. He passed away in 2007.
The Immortal Moment goes to Hulk Hogan versus Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, the slam heard around the world in front of a reported 93,173 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome. The honor makes Hogan a three-time Hall of Famer and Andre a two-time inductee.
The Hall of Fame has taken fair criticism in recent years for running too long. Speeches sprawl, musical cues get ignored, and fans in the building are often looking at a four-plus-hour night that starts after SmackDown wraps. With a midnight Eastern start, viewers on the East Coast aren’t finishing this show until 3 or 4 a.m. at the earliest.
That pace punishes the inductees themselves. When the show runs long, speeches get played off, video packages get cut short, and genuine moments get rushed because earlier inductees went over. The talent earns this night, and they deserve the breathing room to enjoy it.
The Cole and Miz pairing suggests WWE is at least thinking about pace. Cole is a pro at bridging segments cleanly and Miz has the chops to keep energy up between inductions. Here’s hoping the inductees get the time they’ve earned without the show turning into a marathon.
This is a deserving class. Stephanie, AJ, Demolition, Rodman, Sid, Bad News Brown, and the greatest spectacle match in WrestleMania history all belong. The only thing standing between the ceremony and a perfect WrestleMania weekend kickoff is the clock.
AJ Styles recently reflected on a genuinely dangerous moment during his cinematic Boneyard Match with The Undertaker at WrestleMania 36. ‘The Phenomenal’ revealed he couldn’t see where he would land during a key stunt, making the sequence far more perilous than fans realized.
Speaking on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles recalled being positioned on top of a structure during the match, knowing he was about to be thrown off without being able to see his landing zone. The lack of visibility meant everything had to be perfectly positioned to avoid serious injury.
“I remember us being on top of the… I guess it was the barn or whatever… and I was thinking to myself, I can’t see where to land, just literally throwing me off the top of this building and I’m going through another little shed.”
Styles couldn’t visually confirm where he would land, forcing him to rely entirely on the crew’s placement. Even a small miscalculation could have resulted in catastrophic consequences.
“I remember going, I said, ‘Hey, uh, I can’t really, you know, how do you want me to take this bump?’ He goes, ‘Just do what you need to do.’ You know, I go, ‘I can’t see.’ So, you have to place me where you want me because if we’re off a little bit, my head hits the back of the freaking dirt… or, you know, my legs, somebody threw me.”
Height Made the Stunt More Terrifying
While the stunt was executed perfectly, the former WWE Champion admitted the moment felt genuinely scary as it happened.
“It was perfect, dude. It was perfect. But it was scary ’cause it was like on top of that building… I don’t know, maybe it felt like one and a half stories. Like it felt like a taller building than just a regular story.”
The Boneyard Match served as The Undertaker’s final match in WWE and became a defining moment of the WrestleMania 36 two-night event. The cinematic format allowed WWE to create dramatic visuals and storytelling.
Finn Balor recently opened up on AJ Styles’ retirement from professional wrestling. The former Universal Champion revealed he was caught off guard by the timing of Styles’ decision to step away from in-ring competition.
Speaking on Talk’n Shop Live, Balor recounted learning about Styles’ retirement plans. He said ‘The Phenomenal One’ had mentioned thinking about retiring in 2026, which Balor initially assumed meant later in the year, around Survivor Series.
The reality came much sooner than expected. Balor shared a conversation that took place while walking out of a RAW taping in Germany, just a couple of weeks before Styles’ actual retirement.
“AJ [Styles] had told me he was thinking about retiring in 2026. And in my brain, that was like, ‘Oh, okay. That’s Survivor Series.’ And then I think we’re walking out of a RAW taping in Germany two weeks before his actual retirement, and we’re walking out onto the bus,” Balor shared. “I said, ‘You’re working Gunther soon?’ He goes, ‘Yes. Think it might be the last one.’ I was like, ‘For real?’ He goes, ‘Yeah.’ Whoa. Holy cow. I was blown away.”
Balor’s Well Wishes for Styles
Balor expressed happiness for his colleague’s ability to retire on his own terms. He praised Styles for stepping away without major injuries and being able to spend time with his family.
“I must say I’m super happy for him to be able to step away with his general health. No major injuries so to speak. I know he’s a little banged up, like we all are, but to step away on his terms and be with his family, that’s such a beautiful thing. I wish him the best, and I’m sure I’ll be seeing him pretty soon.”
While AJ Styles has hung up his wrestling boots, he is still working with WWE as a talent scout. Meanwhile, Finn Balor is set to face Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
AJ Styles has provided more insight into his new role as a WWE scout following his retirement from in-ring competition. The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame inductee discussed his responsibilities on the first episode of his Phenomenally Retro podcast.
Styles explained that he is actively searching for talent on the independent scene and scouring the internet for standout performers. He emphasized that he is looking for wrestlers with a specific quality that sets them apart.
“I’ve been going to indie shows and checking those out, just seeing what everyone has to offer, and stuff like that. I’m scouring the internet for something that sticks out. If people see talent. ‘They are different. There is something about them.’ I like that kind of stuff,” Styles said on the podcast.
What AJ Styles Looks for in Talent
The former WWE Grand Slam Champion revealed that he is open to receiving submissions from wrestlers or fans who believe they have found someone special. He wants to discover talent before other promotions can sign them.
“If you want to send me that stuff, fine, go ahead, I’d love to see. I’m trying to check out and see how much talent is out there. I know what it’s like to be on the indies and having a job. Traveling on the indies, sometimes it’s hard to get things that you need,” Styles explained.
He emphasized that he is looking for wrestlers with the same drive and passion he had during his independent wrestling days. Styles wants to see performers who have no backup plan and are fully committed to making it in professional wrestling.
“If they are as desperate as I was to make it in the wrestling business, I’d love to see them before anybody else snags them up. Hopefully, I’m able to see talent before it’s developed. There is something about them, the drive, and meeting them. I want to see myself in them. Not the same abilities or size, the same heart and passion that is going to go into this because we have no Plan B,” he stated.
Hall of Fame Induction Next Month
Styles will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next month in Las Vegas alongside Stephanie McMahon and Demolition. His retirement came during the February 23 episode of Raw in Atlanta, where he left his jacket and gloves in the ring before The Undertaker surprised him with the Hall of Fame announcement.
Styles’ new role includes working with talent on the independent scene, NXT, and the main roster. He is also training his second oldest son to become a professional wrestler.
Chris Jericho has revealed that AEW made a serious attempt to sign AJ Styles away from WWE when his contract was nearing expiration.
Speaking to Tanaka Haruto of GamesHub, Jericho confirmed that AEW actively pursued “The Phenomenal One” during contract negotiations, though the move ultimately never materialized.
“There was a time when we were going after him when his contract was up,” Jericho said. “Could he be a good fit? Of course he would be. AJ’s a great performer and a great guy.”
Different Company Philosophies
Jericho explained that the different approaches between WWE and AEW can affect how talent adapts when switching companies, particularly for wrestlers who have spent significant time in one system.
“But there is something to be said for the fact that when you’ve worked in the Vince McMahon system for a long time, you think differently,” Jericho noted. “There are ways WWE runs their company, and there are ways AEW runs theirs.”
The former AEW World Champion added that he understood why someone might not want to jump immediately from retirement in one promotion to another company.
Styles’ Current Status
“I’m not going to speak for AJ, but I don’t know why you’d retire in one place and then immediately go somewhere else,” Jericho said. “That said, I’m sure it’s always a possibility.”
AJ Styles retired from in-ring competition earlier this year following a loss to Gunther at WWE Royal Rumble. Despite fan speculation about a potential AEW move, Styles quickly dismissed those rumors and has since transitioned into a scouting role with WWE.
Jericho himself has been off AEW television since April 2025, with his future with the company remaining unclear.
AJ Styles retired from in-ring competition just few weeks ago, but he is already back at work — this time in a talent relations and scouting capacity with WWE.
Speaking on the Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles explained what drives him in his new behind-the-scenes role.
The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame inductee said that returning to the locker room so quickly after retiring caught some of his former colleagues off guard — but his intentions are simple.
“Some of the guys come up like, ‘Did you just retire two weeks ago? Why are you here?’ It was a little emotional when you left, but now you’re here already,” Styles said. “It was always good to see those guys and hang out with them. I want to be able to just see how everybody’s doing. ‘Hey, I’m here for you, man. Take my number. If you have any questions, give me a call. If you just need to talk to somebody, give me a call. I’m your guy.’”
Mental Wellness in Wrestling
Styles made it clear that his availability to talent goes beyond professional mentorship. He sees himself as a confidential resource — someone wrestlers can trust without fear of their conversations being passed along.
“I think that we need everybody like that in any kind of office space or workplace — there’s got to be someone you could talk to that you could trust, that isn’t gonna go blab,” he said. “Or if there’s something going on that you could trust them to go talk to someone else and see if we can get this handled.”
The passion behind his words appears to come from experience. Styles said he has witnessed the toll that life on the road can take on wrestlers firsthand.
“I really do care. I know what it’s like and I’ve seen it damage so many people,” he said. “I don’t want that to happen. I want everybody to understand who they are and where they’re at — and that, if you haven’t had that opportunity, it’s coming. Just stay ready.”
Styles will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 this spring. His transition into a front office role is a notable development for WWE, adding a respected veteran voice to its talent infrastructure at a time when performer well-being has become an increasingly prominent topic across the industry.
AJ Styles revealed that WWE once considered having Abyss appear in a Royal Rumble match. Styles expressed his disappointment that the appearance never materialized, wishing the Abyss character could have had a moment in WWE.
Speaking on the Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles revealed that Abyss nearly appeared during the WWE Royal Rumble, but the plan ultimately fell through. The former WWE Champion said he regrets it because it would have given the character a proper WWE moment, but the idea was apparently rejected by someone in the company.
“There was a moment in time where we thought we were going to have him in the Royal Rumble and it didn’t go through and I hate that for him. I wish it hadn’t. It would have been just like, ‘Ah, okay, stamp on Abyss, the character finally made it to the WWE.’ I would have wanted that, but it never happened. I guess somebody didn’t agree with it, who knows.”
Styles considers Abyss one of the best big men he has ever wrestled, praising his ability to do it all. While the Royal Rumble appearance never happened, Abyss remains a memorable figure from TNA’s early years, and Styles believes the character deserved a moment on WWE’s biggest stage.
AJ Styles and Chris Park
Abyss (Chris Park) is retired from in-ring competition and has been focused on being a producer for WWE. Despite spending nearly two decades wrestling on television, Abyss never got a chance to compete in WWE in his monster persona. However, he recently did make an appearance during Styles’ tribute night on Raw.
Abyss’ alter ego, the mild-mannered and timid Joseph Park also made a brief on-screen appearance in 2020. He showed up alongside AJ Styles as his personal analytics expert.
The moment served as a lighthearted mini reunion from their days in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and provided some entertainment during the global pandemic, when WWE events were being held without live audiences.
AJ Styles recently addressed the tribalism between WWE and AEW fans, encouraging them to appreciate the variety of wrestling available.
During the latest edition of Phenomenally Retro Podcast, he highlighted that different promotions offer unique experiences and that negativity surrounding wrestler movement is unnecessary.
‘The Phenomenal One’ addressed the online negativity that tends to follow wrestlers who move between promotions. He said the constant criticism and fan arguments over those moves miss the bigger picture.
Instead, Styles encouraged fans to simply appreciate the fact that wrestling currently has more options than it did in the past.
Styles stated:
“Yeah, I mean this is — you’re right — it’s a great time to be a wrestling fan. If you like wrestling, then take part in it. There are so many things going on right now.”
“NXT is different than Raw and SmackDown. AEW is different than Raw and SmackDown and NXT. There are a lot of things going on and a lot of wrestling to watch, so enjoy it.”
“You don’t have to hate one or the other. There’s enough out there for you to enjoy a little bit of everything. I think that’s what WWE is trying to do — give you a little bit of everything. Because you want to be entertained, you want to laugh, you want to cry, and you want to enjoy the wrestling. Trying to find all of that in one show is very difficult.”
“But then you’ve got people hating on this because this guy left here and went there, or that guy moved somewhere else. Don’t do that, man. Just enjoy what you’ve got, because who knows how long it lasts.”
Styles, who retired from in-ring competition after losing to Gunther at the Royal Rumble, recently signed a new WWE contract for a backstage role scouting and coaching talent. He was also inducted into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.
As part of his new WWE duties, Styles will scout independent talent, facilitate WWE ID contracts, and check in on main roster and NXT talent to offer help.
WWE presented a special tribute episode of Monday Night Raw for The Phenomenal One from his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, tonight. The show saw many of his former rivals coming together to celebrate the legendary career.
The former World Champion himself main-evented the show. He cut a promo talking about his lengthy career and the sacrifices made by his family for it. AJ Styles then addressed not leaving his gloves in the ring at Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, saying that he wanted to do it in Atlanta.
The locker room started pouring out after the former TNA World Champion placed his jacket and gloves in the ring in his hometown. The show ending graphics also appeared on the screen, but the broadcast did not end.
The lights went out and The Undertaker in his American Badass avatar, appeared on the stage. He rode his bike to the ringside and got face to face with his former rival.
Taker told AJ that they still had unfinished business, and the Phenom then announced AJ Styles for the 2026 Hall of Fame class. The show then finally ended with Styles\’ family joining him in the ring for a celebration.
The Deadman\’s appearance comes as WWE celebrates the phenomenal career of AJ Styles, who retired following a submission loss to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.
The presence of The Undertaker carries significant weight on a night like this. The two legends developed a close friendship away from the ring over the years, and their bond served as the foundation for their iconic WrestleMania 36 \”Boneyard Match\” — a cinematic clash that was universally praised by fans and critics alike.
Taker has previously called Styles \”my choice for this generation\’s Shawn Michaels\” and has spoken openly about wishing the two could have built an even longer rivalry together.
Tonight\’s tribute show is expected to feature stars from both Raw and SmackDown paying their respects in person to the Gainesville, Georgia native. With The Undertaker now confirmed backstage, fans should brace for what could be one of the most emotional moments of the evening when The Phenom steps up to honor his friend one final time.?
Swerve Strickland says he isn\’t chasing a dream match with AJ Styles, and insists the shoe is on the other foot.
Speaking at the For The Love of Wrestling convention in Manchester on February 23, 2026, Strickland made clear that his continued rise in AEW has flipped the dynamic when it comes to marquee matchups.
\”At this point, I think I\’m becoming something that AJ Styles wants to compete against instead,\” Strickland said.
\”I\’m pushing myself to be at the top of this game. So I\’m not chasing after anybody\’s matches. I want those matches to chase after me now.\”
A Generation Built on AJ\’s Blueprint
Strickland acknowledged Styles\’ enormous influence on the generation of wrestlers now headlining major promotions, listing Will Ospreay, Seth Rollins, Mike Bailey, and himself among those who studied Styles\’ work.
\”AJ\’s earned more than enough in his career to walk away from it — or continue on and do something different and unique with the generation of guys that he\’s curated and kind of spawned,\” Swerve said.
\”Ospreay\’s always been on record saying how AJ influenced him. Even Seth Rollins, myself, the Mike Baileys — so many of us have all kind of watched and studied AJ.\”
Despite that reverence, Strickland made it clear the invitation is open rather than urgent. He described Styles as \”more than capable\” and noted he appears to be in strong physical and mental condition — but left the decision entirely in Styles\’ hands.
\”If he wants to take a chance and come over to AEW — we\’re all here, open, waiting if he decides to make that jump,\” he said.
Context: AJ Styles\’ WWE Future in Question
Styles\’ career was put on the line against Gunther at the Royal Rumble in January 2026. He lost the match, leaving his future with WWE uncertain. Styles notably kept his gloves on after the loss rather than leaving them in the ring, fueling speculation about what comes next.
Whether that next chapter includes AEW remains to be seen, but Strickland made clear that whenever the time comes, AEW\’s locker room – and Swerve himself – will be ready.
A tribute for AJ Styles is scheduled for tonight\’s episode of WWE Raw from Atlanta, Georgia.
AJ Styles will be honored on the February 23 edition of Monday Night Raw in Atlanta, Georgia, his home state. The show comes three weeks after Styles\’ retirement at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where he was retired by Gunther.
WWE Raw General Manager and WWE 2K26 playable character Adam Pearce shared his appreciation for Styles ahead of the tribute show. Pearce noted that he has known Styles for almost 25 years. \”Scrap Daddy GM\” posted on Twitter:
Happy Sunday, all…
A little preview ahead of our tribute to @AJStylesOrg TOMORROW NIGHT on #WWERaw in Atlanta!
\”Alright everybody Monday Night Raw from Atlanta, Georgia and I am proud to present it in tribute to my friend, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles. Hard to believe I have known the man for almost 25 years, tomorrow night we say thank you to one of the very best of a generation, scratch that, to one of the very best of all time… …I do hope you will tune in in gratitude and tribute to “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles because I can tell you first hand all of our gratitude, all of our appreciation, all of our love is definitely official.\”
WWE Raw Lineup
The tribute show from Atlanta\’s State Farm Arena will feature appearances from several WWE Superstars, including Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, Becky Lynch, Jey Uso, The New Day, The Judgment Day, The Kabuki Warriors, Penta, LA Knight, and Stephanie Vaquer.
The show will also feature Elimination Chamber qualifying matches: Men\’s triple threat (Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed vs. OG El Grande Americano) and Women\’s triple threat (IYO SKY vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Kairi Sane).
WWE is going all out for former WWE Champion AJ Styles\’ upcoming celebration on Monday Night Raw. It has come to light that talent from both rosters will be on hand for the tribute.
Per Bryan Alvarez of F4W/WON, SmackDown stars are being flown in for this Monday\’s Raw, indicating that the celebration won\’t be limited to just the red brand\’s roster. The move signals that WWE is treating this as a significant, roster-wide send-off for Styles.
The celebration is scheduled for Monday, February 23rd at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, just a short drive from Styles\’ hometown of Gainesville. The location adds a personal touch to what is already shaping up to be an emotional night for one of WWE\’s most celebrated performers.
The tribute comes roughly three weeks after Styles suffered a loss to Gunther at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Full WWE Raw Card for February 23, 2026
In addition to the Styles celebration, Monday\’s show has several other matches and segments confirmed:
A tribute to AJ Styles (SmackDown talent flying in)
Elimination Chamber qualifying match: Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY vs. Kairi Sane
Elimination Chamber qualifying match: Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso vs. Original El Grande Americano
Brock Lesnar is also set to return on the same night, with two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches rounding out the card as WWE builds toward Elimination Chamber on February 28 at the United Center in Chicago.
AJ Styles\’ career may not be over despite his loss to Gunther at Royal Rumble with his in-ring future on the line. On his My World podcast, Jeff Jarrett expressed confidence that the veteran superstar will wrestle again, potentially within the next couple of years.
\”We have not seen the last of AJ Styles in the ring,\” Jarrett said. \”Look, it may be a year, it may be two years, I don\’t know.\”
Jarrett\’s assessment suggests that despite the storyline implications of Styles\’ Royal Rumble defeat, the superstar\’s in-ring career isn\’t necessarily finished.
Scott D\’Amore echoed similar sentiments, indicating he found it puzzling if Styles\’ career would end with his loss to Gunther.
Gunther\’s Momentum From Styles Victory
Jarrett also analyzed the significance of Gunther\’s win, noting that the Ring General gained more from defeating Styles than other wrestlers have gained from similar career-threatening matches.
This suggests Gunther\’s character development and credibility received a substantial boost from the high-profile victory at Royal Rumble.
While Styles\’ immediate future remains uncertain, industry veterans are largely unconvinced that his Royal Rumble loss represents a permanent end to his wrestling career.
The timing of any potential return remains unclear, but Jarrett\’s comments suggest fans shouldn\’t count out the Phenomenal One just yet.
