AJ Styles Retirement: Shinsuke Nakamura Post Hints at Royal Rumble Final Match

The wrestling world is focused on a potential turning point in the career of AJ Styles, with indications suggesting his upcoming match at the Royal Rumble could be his last. The speculation stems from a now-deleted Instagram post by WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura, detailing a conversation with Styles regarding his future.

The Instagram Post and Its Implications

The Deleted Instagram Post

Following a match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal on January 24, Nakamura posted to Instagram about his relationship with Styles. The post recounted a request from Styles for Nakamura to translate a message for Japanese fans during a recent WWE tour.

Within that post, Nakamura stated that Styles explicitly told him he had “chosen the WWE Royal Rumble to be the site of his last match.” Nakamura subsequently removed the post from his account.

Did You Know? Styles requested Nakamura translate a message for Japanese fans, highlighting his respect for the fanbase and a desire to communicate directly with them.

Prior reporting from PWInsider.com aligns with Nakamura’s account. The publication reported months ago that Styles was expected to conclude his in-ring career before WrestleMania 42, with the Royal Rumble identified as a possible location for his retirement.

Styles’ Perspective on Retirement

Styles on Physical Toll and Retirement

Styles has openly discussed the physical demands of professional wrestling and his desire to retire while still able to compete at a high level. He has stated in interviews that his body’s recovery process has diminished over his two-decade career.

Styles has emphasized the importance of retiring on his own terms, stating, “I want to be able to play with my kids and not be in a wheelchair,” and “I want to finish up while I can still go.”

Expert Insight: A proactive decision to retire while still physically capable is a common theme among veteran athletes. It allows for a more controlled exit and prioritizes long-term health and family life, rather than being forced out by injury or diminished performance.

Styles is currently scheduled to face Gunther at the Royal Rumble next Saturday. The event will be available to viewers in the United States on Peacock and in international markets on Netflix.

What Could Happen Next

If Styles does compete in his final match at the Royal Rumble, his opponent, Gunther, will play a significant role in how his career concludes. A victory for either wrestler would provide a memorable final chapter. Alternatively, the match could be designed to allow Styles to exit the ring on his own terms, regardless of the outcome.

While plans were reportedly set months ago for Styles to retire before WrestleMania 42, unforeseen circumstances could always lead to adjustments. However, current indications suggest the Royal Rumble remains the likely destination for his final match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Nakamura’s Instagram post reveal?

Nakamura’s post detailed a conversation with AJ Styles in which Styles stated he had “chosen the WWE Royal Rumble to be the site of his last match.”

Has AJ Styles spoken publicly about retiring?

Styles has frequently discussed the physical toll of his career and his desire to retire while still mobile, stating his body “does not recover” like it once did.

Where can fans watch the Royal Rumble?

Fans in the United States can view the event live on Peacock, while international viewers can watch on Netflix.

What impact do you think AJ Styles’ potential retirement will have on the future of professional wrestling?