WWE star Finn Bálor recently spoke about AJ Styles’ retirement and admitted the news caught him off guard. Even though he had some idea beforehand, it still felt sudden.
Styles officially retired earlier this year at Royal Rumble 2026, where he lost to Gunther in his final match. That moment ended a long and successful career, which also saw Styles and Bálor share history together.
Styles took over Bullet Club leadership in NJPW after Bálor left for WWE. That connection has always stayed strong. Speaking on Talk’n Shop Live, Bálor shared details about a private conversation that happened after a WWE RAW taping in Germany.
Finn Balor was blown away by AJ Styles’ retirement announcement
“AJ had told me he was thinking about retiring in 2026,” Balor said. “And in my brain, that was like, oh, okay, that’s Survivor Series. And then I think we’re walking out of a Raw taping in Germany two weeks before his actual retirement, and we’re walking out onto the bus. I said, ‘You’re working Gunther soon?’ He goes, ‘Yes, think it might be the last one.’ I was like, for real? He goes, yeah. Whoa. Holy cow. I was blown away.”
Bálor said the timing felt much earlier than he expected. He thought Styles would continue longer into the year. “I must say I’m super happy for him to be able to step away with his general health,” Balor said. “No major injuries so to speak. I know he’s a little banged up, like we all are, but to step away on his terms and be with his family, that’s such a beautiful thing. I wish him the best, and I’m sure I’ll be seeing him pretty soon.” [H/T: wrestlingnews.co]
Now, AJ Styles has moved into a new role in WWE, working as a talent scout after retiring from in-ring action. He is also set to be inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, Finn Bálor is set to face Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
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