AJ Styles Addresses WWE Retirement Timeline After Revealing End of Contract

After nearly three decades of redefining the art of pro wrestling, AJ Styles has finally confirmed what fans have speculated for months: 2026 will be his last year in the ring.

The 48-year-old wrestling legend opened up about his WWE future during an in-depth appearance on The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast. While WWE has not made any formal announcement, Styles made it crystal clear—his current contract expires at the end of 2026, and he has no plans to re-sign.

“Here's the thing about retirement,” Styles told The Undertaker. “It is the opportunity to go out of your way not because of injury but standing on your own two feet, and the goal of working is to retire. And to be able to do that, to me, is a celebration, so I hope that when it does happen, you guys celebrate with me that I achieved my goals.”

Styles, who famously debuted in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble after legendary runs in TNA, NJPW, and the indie scene, is now preparing to end his journey on his own terms.

Backstage rumblings about Styles’ retirement began late last year, but his latest comments make it official—fans have less than 12 months left to watch The Phenomenal One in action. This contract revelation sets the stage for what could be a massive farewell tour leading into the final months of 2026.

How do you feel about AJ Styles calling it a career in 2026? What kind of retirement send-off would you like to see him get in WWE? Sound off in the comments below.