AJ Styles’ in-ring career ended after his loss to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble, marking a poignant close to decades as a world-class performer. Subsequently, he has spoken about wanting to spend more time with his family, which, of course, is a huge factor in his decision. However, his close friend Karl Anderson has now revealed on his Talk’n Shop podcast that the true reason stems from severe neck pain, and he “had” to retire. This news should therefore end speculation that Styles is AEW-bound after his upcoming Hall of Fame induction.
“He said, ‘Dude, I have to. My neck is hurting too bad, I’m beat up, it’s time.’” – Karl Anderson
48-year-old Styles, real name Allen Jones, debuted in 1998 and rose to prominence in TNA, where he became the inaugural X Division Champion, held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship three times, the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice, and multiple tag titles, establishing himself as one of the promotion’s most important talents. However, due to financial issues, he left the company he helped establish, went on to excel in New Japan, and then joined WWE in 2016, where he achieved Grand Slam status after a decade-long run.
