AJ Styles capped off a legendary professional wrestling career, as he officially retired during the latest episode of WWE’s “Raw”.
Styles had a decorated run in the industry, winning multiple world championships in different wrestling promotions.
“The Phenomenal One” first made a name for himself in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) during its prime, as he was considered a mainstay of the promotion.
After his over 10-year stint on TNA Styles went to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in Tokyo for two years, winning the company’s top belt and leading the popular heel faction Bullet Club.
He then made his first WWE appearance during 2016’s “Royal Rumble” event, appearing as a surprise entrant and gracing fans with his hard-hitting and high-flying wrestling prowess.
In his 10 years in the company, he feuded with WWE greats such as John Cena, The Undertaker, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, among others.
The 48-year-old also won the top prize of the company with two reigns as WWE Champion.
He put his career on the line during his feud with Gunther in the recent “Royal Rumble”, leading to his retirement.
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Styles says his farewell
During the retirement segment, Styles came out visibly emotional, still wearing the iconic gloves that he wears during his matches.
The show was also held in his home state of Georgia.
“I am so grateful to be in Atlanta, Georgia. I mean I grew up 45 minutes down the road in Gainesville, Georgia… people don’t get to have a celebration like this when they retire. So I am incredibly thankful for this night.”
“But at my core, I’m still that kid from Gainesville, Georgia who fell in love with professional wrestling,” Styles continued, as he acknowledged his runs in TNA and NJPW.
“I’ve literally done almost everything… I can tell you this, the one thing that I haven’t done is be a full-time father,” Styles said, as the camera panned to his family ring-side.
He then said that his “biggest flex” in his life is not all the world championships he has won in his career, but having the “best wife in the world”.
“You never slowed me down. You’ve never told me to stop. You kept pushing me forward. You held the family together, even though I watched them grow on FaceTime. You’re the one. I love you.”
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Styles calls his last match poetic
Styles then stated that his loss to Gunther was poetic, noting that it was a full circle moment as he started and ended his WWE career at a “Royal Rumble” event.
He also acknowledged a key moment during his last match, where he hesitated to remove and leave his signature gloves in the ring after losing to Gunther.
“Well, here’s the thing. I am a man of my word. And at the end of the day, all we have is our word. I didn’t take off my gloves at the ‘Royal Rumble’, because I wanted to take them with me to the house, and come here to Atlanta and be in this ring, and leave my gloves at home,” Styles said as he removed those iconic gloves.
“From the bottom of my heart, I would’ve been nothing without you. Thank you for your love and I love you right back. Thank you,” the ‘Phenomenal One’ told the crowd.
After his speech, The Undertaker made a surprise appearance to say his farewell to Styles.
The legendary heavyweight then told Styles that he will be inducted in the 2026 class of WWE’s Hall of Fame, as the two shared a hug.
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