AJ Styles’ True Reason for Retirement Finally Comes Out After WWE Exit

TLDR

AJ Styles officially ended his in-ring career following his loss to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble, with WWE honoring him with a tribute on Raw and confirming his Hall of Fame induction. Karl Anderson revealed on the Talk'n Shop podcast that Styles told him privately his decision was due to neck pain and accumulated injuries, saying "My neck is hurting too bad, I'm beat up, it's time. I want to help the next generation." Anderson admitted he initially didn't believe Styles would retire but has now accepted that his former partner has legitimately stepped away from wrestling.