Should AJ Styles' career end at the WWE Royal Rumble 2026? Exploring The Phenomenal One's connection with the event

AJ Styles has been recognised as one of the greatest wrestling legends of all time. However, that illustrious run in the ring can end sooner than expected after recent events. The Phenomenal One has agreed to put his career on the line against Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble event, the same Premium Live Event with which Styles has an iconic connection, making it a debate whether WWE should pull the trigger on his retirement.Styles made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble event in 2016, a decade ago. He came out as a surprise entrant in the Men's Royal Rumble match and received one of the loudest pops of the night. A year later, Styles entered the Royal Rumble event as WWE Champion and collided in an epic collision against the Greatest of All Time, John Cena. Over the years, he competed in the Rumble matches and marquee showdowns. Moreover, Styles returned from an extended hiatus at the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE. As The Phenomenal One began his WWE career and had significant moments at the Royal Rumble event, it makes perfect sense to end his career at the same show.According to a report by PWInsider Elite, AJ Styles himself picked the Royal Rumble event for his final in-ring showdown. The report also added that the decision was made months ago, and Rumble was the only viable option before WrestleMania 41. Moreover, another report added that Styles' contract is set to end in February, and he already said that he has no plans to re-sign. Lastly, Shinsuke Nakamura spoiled his retirement in a now-deleted social media post, where he confirmed that it would happen at the Royal Rumble event.The Phenomenal One announced his retirement at the 2025 WWE Crown Jewel Premium Live Event, before his last match against John Cena. Since then, he has worked with younger talent to elevate them on the main roster. At the end of 2025, he began a feud with Gunther, who continuously paraded over retiring John Cena. He and Styles clashed in a match, which Gunther won, and then he was goaded into putting his career on the line if he wanted a rematch. With the stage set, it remains to be seen if it indeed is the end of yet another legendary wrestling career at the 2026 Royal Rumble PLE.Also read: WWE 2K26 release date, Attitude Era edition, platforms, roster, and more details