Ahead of his match at WWE Crown Jewel, AJ Styles has commented on his upcoming retirement.
In a previous interview, Styles, 48, has gone on record that he will not wrestle when he turns 50, meaning that The Phenomenal One only has a select few matches left before calling time on his legendary career.
While appearing at the Crown Jewel kick-off show ahead of the go-home episode of SmackDown, Styles once again confirmed his retirement plans, telling the live fans and the world that 2026 will be his final year.
“I’m getting old, folks. Listen, if I could find the fountain of youth and take a couple sips, I’d wrestle for the rest of my life. But I am getting older. The fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer. There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to take care of business, but then when business is done, it’s time to take care of his family. I need to spend time with my family. The whole idea with wrestling and having an amazing future in this business is to be able to retire one day, and in 2026, I will retire.”
Regarded as one of the most talented in-ring workers of the 21st century, Styles first made his name in TNA as one of the pioneers in the upstart brand while also competing for Ring of Honor. Later leaving TNA for a career in New Japan, Styles made his shock debut in WWE as part of the 2016 Royal Rumble. Styles has found success in all the aforementioned promotions by winning the top championship in each.
It is currently unknown if Styles will build to a retirement match at a set date, or go on a retirement tour similar to Cena.
AJ Styles To Face Legendary Rival Who Is Also Close To Retirement
Styles will be in action at Crown Jewel as he will rekindle his rivalry with John Cena, who only has 3 matches left on his own retirement tour. The two former WWE Champions feuded from 2016 to 2018, often with the WWE Championship on the line. Bringing out the best of each other, it could be argued that Styles’ work with Cena was a major catalyst for propelling Styles to the main event scene.
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Featured image: WWE
