Triple H and WWE's Growing AJ Styles Problem

AJ Styles is nearing the end of his in-ring career, something he recently took to Instagram to not-so-subtly remind fans and his employers.

His son, Ajay, responded to a fan's criticism of his recent creative direction, stating, "you ain't the only one man."

Add to that a report by Jon Alba via The Takedown that, prior to signing a one-year extension with WWE, "Styles did indeed put feelers out about potential options outside of the company. Specifically, it was noted he was generating major interest on the convention circuit from promoters, and it was mentioned that the interest was mutual, and at least exploratory," and you have an escalating problem for Triple H and the company.

Styles has repeatedly insisted he will not wrestle at age 50 and he is closer to retirement than not. While he is 48 years old and slower in the ring, he is still hugely respected and beloved by the pro wrestling community.

Fans and peers alike appreciate and recognize The Phenomenal One for his contributions to the industry and the manner in which he helped revolutionize it by way of TNA's X-Division.

They understand his importance to this era of the sport and want him to go out in a high-profile, meaningful way. Trading interference-laden wins and losses with the likes of El Grande Americano and Dominik Mysterio, no matter how valuable those matches may be for the younger talent, is not it.

That Styles has not been presented as a consistent main event star and has not been treated with the same reverence as other Hall of Fame talent, such as Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton, has raised eyebrows and frustrated those who dedicated their fandom to him.

With WWE amid a retirement tour for John Cena, it would be difficult and even wrong to produce the same story for Styles in that he would likely be overshadowed anyway.

Sean Ross Sapp noted: "Fightful Select found out from those close to Styles that his deal was extended for one year. We're told that WWE does hope to retain him after that period, but will evaluate things and his interest."

He added: "Sources close to Styles had indicated that the deal is up around February of 2026, which would have him expiring after the Royal Rumble and before WrestleMania season."

That would seem to open up the door for the two-time WWE champion to have one last strong run before leaving the company if he chooses not to re-sign

The question is whether his treatment over the last eight months has deterred him from wanting to finish his in-ring career with WWE or take his talents elsewhere for one last shot at greatness.

It is not a stretch to suggest All Elite Wrestling would empty its wallet to bring him in, even if it were on a short-term deal.

Styles helped bring the style that the company employs to the forefront during his time with TNA. He also has ties to the Bullet Club, a history with AEW stars and would have had a few last opportunities at critically acclaimed matches.

Can Triple H and WWE afford to let someone so significant to modern wrestling history walk away and finish his career somewhere else when it could easily provide him with that high-profile celebration and final chapter of his career?

It is a question both The Game and WWE have to ask themselves as the end of Styles' commitments draws near. Are they utilizing him to his greatest potential? Is there a reason they have not focused more on him, letting him work at the top of the card with the likes of Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Jey Uso, Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre and others?

Is there a political factor keeping him out of the equation? While their current relationship is unknown, there was clear distrust between Styles and Paul Heyman in 2020.

Whatever the case may be, it's time for Triple H and the other decision-makers to decide what they want their place in Styles' story to be when he does call it a career.

Perhaps they already have.

Footage of a promo Styles delivered during the commercial break on the international broadcast of Raw on Netflix made the rounds across social media, during which he appeared to take a shot at management, reciting some recent frustrations and saying: "Someone doesn't want me here."

Could it be the start of a significant storyline for Styles, one that echoes CM Punk's Summer of Punk 2011 storyline with a countdown until he is out the door? Maybe. Perhaps, in the moment, he expressed his frustration in a way that he knew would raise eyebrows and get those in power to take notice.

Whatever the case, there is more attention being paid to Styles right now, which means how WWE handles the situation will be amplified and ultimately earn it deserved praise or harsh criticism for the way it treated one of the most important wrestlers of the 21st century.