Why Royal Rumble 2026 Should Be AJ Styles' Last WWE Show Ever

Even though AJ Styles, one of this generation's greatest wrestlers, still has the ability to go in the ring, his match against Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble should be his last ever in WWE.

When Styles signed with WWE and debuted at the 2016 Royal Rumble, the wrestling world was stunned, but what really shocked people was how well he was treated over the years despite being a homegrown TNA talent.

Even as The Phenomenal One continues to perform at a high level, he is 48 years old, and the toll of age, injuries, and changing roster dynamics should have the veteran walking away to protect his legacy.

Letting Gunther end his career like he did John Cena, at the same show in which Styles debuted, is the poetic finish to a WWE career that defied the odds and created a whole new generation of appreciation for his Hall of Fame talent.

Styles is done proving his worth. Even if you ignore his work in WCW, TNA, Ring of Honor, or New Japan Pro-Wrestling—that would be an extremely foolish move—his run in WWE was immensely successful. Add multiple WWE, Intercontinental and United States Championship reigns to his WrestleMania classics and marquee rivalries, and there is no unfinished business for him.

And there is no better stage than the Royal Rumble. His 2016 WWE debut will go down as one of the greatest moments in professional wrestling history, so going out in an all-out war against Gunther would be the ultimate full-circle moment that caps off his dream career.

In addition to the importance of the January show to Styles, the Royal Rumble is one of WWE's cornerstone events, built on a mix of veterans, rising stars and legends celebrating the passage of eras in wrestling. There is no better place for him to walk away than on the same stage he first appeared.

The problem arises if Styles beats Gunther and stays in WWE past when his contract reportedly ends in February 2026, and he risks tainting how fans view him. With injuries becoming more of an issue for the veteran over the last two years, his high-flying style is starting to take a toll on his body.

Wrestling history is full of legends who stayed beyond their prime, and watching Styles decline in the ring would overshadow and even tarnish fans' perception that he is one of the greatest in-ring workers of all time. Instead of staying too long, he has the rare chance to exit while still respected for his wrestling.

While his leadership will be missed, walking away at the Royal Rumble will also help the locker room move into the next generation, forcing younger performers to step into his spot. Not only will his departure open meaningful opportunities for other Superstars, but the manner in which he's walking away should also be a model of dignity and self-awareness for others.

Ideally, Styles would take a year off from wrestling and focus on getting fully healthy. Once back into fighting shape, he should follow Sting's lead and take on one final run in All Elite Wrestling to conquer the only mountain he has not climbed in his career.

After a retirement tour of AEW that includes dream matches against some of today's top stars, The Phenomenal One should hang up his boots and gloves for good to ensure his legacy goes unblemished.

As for his WWE career, ending it at the Royal Rumble 2026 is best for Styles.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player above (some language NSFW).