Gunther has added AJ Styles to the list of legends he has retired following his victory at the Royal Rumble.
Despite his best efforts, Styles was unable to defeat The Ring General in Saudi Arabia, meaning that he has to bring his WWE career to an end. The match saw Styles attempt to use his speed to defeat Gunther, but it was the power of the Austrian who ultimately prevailed.
Styles tried to make Gunther tap out to the calf crusher, but Gunther continually locked in the sleeper. The closing moments of the match saw Styles attempt to reach for the ropes, but he ultimately faded and forced the referee to call for the bell.
After the match, Styles remained in the ring and soaked in the cheers from the live fans. Styles took off his gloves and teased throwing them down, but put them back on and posed for the fans one more time. Styles then exited the ring and posed in the corner one final time before making his way to the back. Ahead of the match, Styles stated that 2026 would be his final year, but many fans expected it to run past January.
In 2025, Gunther retired Goldberg and defeated John Cena in the 17-time World Champion’s final match.
AJ Styles Closes Out 10 Years In WWE At Royal Rumble
After finding success in TNA and New Japan, Styles finally arrived in WWE as part of the 2016 Royal Rumble. Entering the match at number 3, Styles received a thunderous ovation from the live crowd upon his arrival. Following a breakout feud with John Cena, Styles went on to win the WWE Championship for the first time in his career. An influence on many of the top stars of today, Styles became the blueprint for the modern style that incorporates high-flying moves as fast paced action into matches.
Styles also had standout matches with the likes of Cody Rhodes and Finn Balor while with the company.
Featured image: WWE
