Which Superstars does AJ Styles think are the future of WWE?
New York–based journalist Adam Glyn recently caught up with AJ Styles. The two discussed Styles’ greatest matches, a potential Hall of Fame induction, and his thoughts on the future stars of WWE.
“Who do you think is the next big breakout star in WWE? The one you’re like, ‘You guys should keep an eye on him because he’s got all the right tools to succeed?’” Styles was asked.
“Oba [Femi] is a guy right now in NXT who’s definitely making his way up. He’s going to be a big star, I know it. Everyone knows it. Je’Von [Evans], Leon [Slater] — these guys are up-and-coming stars from TNA and NXT, and they’re going to change the game,” AJ Styles said.
Oba Femi kicked off the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match at number one. The Ruler stunned the WWE Universe early on by quickly eliminating Bron Breakker. Femi also had a brief interaction with Je’Von Evans before ultimately being eliminated by Brock Lesnar later in the match.
As for Evans, the Young OG was caught with an RKO out of nowhere from Randy Orton, who then tossed him over the top rope. Orton’s run came to an end when Gunther eliminated him, only for Gunther to be thrown out by eventual winner Roman Reigns.
AJ Styles teases what could bring him out of retirement
Earlier in the interview, Styles revealed he would consider coming out of retirement if his sons decide to pursue professional wrestling careers.
“My body is screaming at me right now. My brain thinks I can, but my body says, ‘Dude, you’re getting close.’ I’ve told my wife several times that if something were wrong with me, I wouldn’t know. Because you just lived with pain. It’s part of it,” Styles said.
AJ Styles bid farewell to his WWE career at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. The Phenomenal One had a hard-fought match against Gunther but ultimately fell to The Ring General’s sleeper hold, forcing the referee to call for the bell.
After the match, an emotional Styles said goodbye to the WWE Universe with his signature pose. Meanwhile, Gunther was met with hostile chants from fans during his appearance on the Royal Rumble review panel.
Fans can check out WrestleZone’s full coverage of WWE Royal Rumble here.
READ MORE: WWE Personality Refuses To Back Down On AJ Styles Retirement Comments
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