Is AJ Styles retiring next year?

[ChitownKnight]

I remember when he signed a 5 year contract in 2019, he said he was done when it was up. If so who should his last match be against? Finn? Cena in a double retirement? Roman? Seth (he can retire with a W against him)

[The Heartbreak TWERK]

Go out the same way he came in.

On a closeup of Roman Reigns looking confused and sweaty.

[Jindrak Mark]

I doubt it. Whether it's just a negotiation tactic or they genuinely believed it at the time when a wrestler says something like "this is my last contract then I'll retire" they almost always end up continuing to wrestle/signing yet another contract when the time comes. Most recently Edge said a year ahead of time that he would retire in Toronto in 2023 then that match came and went and he's seemingly not retired and will probably sign another in-ring contract whether it's with WWE or AEW.

Bryan Danielson's recent I'm almost done was more believable than most because he at least acknowledged he'll likely keep wrestling just not as often rather than outright claimed to be retiring. In AJ's case I'd be very shocked if he retires in 2024 when he's still capable of commanding pretty big money from WWE, AEW or maybe even NJPW. Hell, Impact might offer him a cushy contract to come home and work a few big PPVs a year.

[thegame415]

I don't really know what more he has to offer at this point. Good matches, sure, but I feel like that can only go so far.

[Instant Classic]

AJ is one of my favorites of all time, but I don’t think he’s at an elite level anymore. I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing him spend his last few years in AEW against Omega specifically. But I think he said he never plans on signing with another company after WWE.

[ChitownKnight]

Sept 23, 2023 21:53:12 GMT -5 Instant Classic said:

AJ is one of my favorites of all time, but I don’t think he’s at an elite level anymore. I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing him spend his last few years in AEW against Omega specifically. But I think he said he never plans on signing with another company after WWE.

I mean Jericho had said the same thing…

["Evil Brood" Jackson Vanik]

I wouldn't be surprised if he keeps working but he shouldn't expect to get a massive pay increase given WWE's belt is tighter than it was in 2019 and AJ is not at the same level he was ability wise or booking wise.

[J. Hova]

Like my dear departed father was fond of saying, "Money talks and bullshit walks."

[THE FVNKER]

Idk how many will agree but I've been dying to see him in an AEW run since they announced its creation.

[Cranjis McBasketball]

Not a fan, but I see him going to AEW.

[Fade]

I can see him getting a reduced schedule. Or taking on a coach position. He’ll still wrestle. I don’t think the AEW thing ever happens with him.

[Error]

Needs to lose to Christopher Daniels in a retirement match.

[Mid-Carder]

Sept 23, 2023 21:55:27 GMT -5 ChitownKnight said:

Sept 23, 2023 21:53:12 GMT -5 Instant Classic said:

AJ is one of my favorites of all time, but I don’t think he’s at an elite level anymore. I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing him spend his last few years in AEW against Omega specifically. But I think he said he never plans on signing with another company after WWE.

I mean Jericho had said the same thing…

Jericho says whatever gets him headlines. AJ doesn't seem that type at all. He's always seemed very happy in WWE and I can see him wanting to finish there.

[Xxcjb01xX [PIECE OF: SH-]]

I really hope he has one run left in him outside of WWE

I really wanna hear Demi-Gods or even "I am I am!" again...

[Venti]

Sept 25, 2023 1:35:38 GMT -5 Xxcjb01xX [PIECE OF: SH-] said:

I really hope he has one run left in him outside of WWE

I really wanna hear Demi-Gods or even "I am I am!" again...

I love his WWE theme, but man that old TNA "I am" song would give me goosebumps!