So, here’s the thing: AJ Styles has made it clear that his in-ring career is winding down. According to multiple reports, he plans to retire in 2026, wanting to bow out before his body forces him off the stage.
But the real question isn’t just when he’ll retire it’s how his final year will be booked. And that’s where the speculation and concern come in.
What’s At Stake When Booking a “Last Year”
Booking the farewell run of a pro-wrestler is like writing the last chapter of a favourite novel: you want it to land with emotion, satisfaction, and meaning. But there are pitfalls. For Styles, being publicly known as “leaving soon” removes suspense. As veteran writer Vince Russo pointed out:
“You can’t do a loser-leaves-town angle because you told us you’re leaving.”
That means the promotion (WWE) needs to rethink the usual farewell tropes and come up with something fresh.
Key Elements That Need Careful Handling
Here’s a quick overview of the main booking components and how they apply to Styles’ 2026 plan:
| Component | Why it matters | Potential issue for Styles |
|---|---|---|
| Public announcement of retirement | Builds anticipation and emotional weight | Removes surprise and threatens suspense. |
| Final opponent(s) | Should feel meaningful | If mismatched, feels like a filler. |
| Story arc fitting legacy | Cementing the “Phenomenal One’s” final stand | Risk of cliché or underwhelming send-off. |
| Physical condition & credibility | He must still look strong and capable | With age and wear, performance might dip. |
Styles has already signalled he doesn’t want to risk his legacy by wresting past his prime that’s the whole reason he’s setting a retirement timeline. So this isn’t a run-of-the-mill farewell. It needs to feel right.
What Might Work (And What Might Not)
Here are some practical ideas and pitfalls that could shape Styles’ send-off:
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Let him choose his final adversaries: Styles can pick opponents that mean something to him, which adds authenticity. Russo suggests this.
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Focus on legacy over shock: Instead of surprise returns, give him a role that honours his long career like mentoring younger talent or a title quest that ties back to his prime.
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Avoid the “going away” loser run: A losing streak or humiliation wouldn’t suit a champion of his calibre it could tarnish the memory.
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Ensure physical quality: Fans expect “five-star” matches from Styles, so his match quality needs to stay high if the farewell is going to resonate.
On the flip side: if the promotion rushes the storytelling, uses weak opponents, or leaves the arc feeling unfinished, it could diminish one of wrestling’s most respected careers.
Conclusion
AJ Styles’ final chapter has to be handled with care not just for him as a performer, but for fans who have followed his career for decades. With retirement rumours swirling and his timing laid out, the onus is on the booking team to craft something worthy of his legacy. Get it right, and his farewell tour becomes a celebration. Get it wrong, and it might feel flat. And given how high the bar is, “flat” simply won’t cut it.