AJ Styles is now officially the “cool uncle” of WWE.
WWE has shared a farewell vlog showing the final days of AJ Styles before his retirement match at the 2026 Royal Rumble. The video features genuine backstage moments leading up to his last match against Gunther.
At 48 years old, Styles talked about being one of the oldest people in the locker room and watching younger WWE stars rise. Instead of feeling bad, The Phenomenal One is happy with his new role behind the scenes.
AJ Styles Admits He Likes “Uncle” Nickname
One hilarious interaction ensued in the vlog when Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton interrupted his interview. Jax shouted, “Uncle Allen!” from behind him. Without even turning around, Styles told the camera it was Nia Jax. She then blew him a playful kiss, and Stratton joked that she was a big fan.
The former WWE Champion laughed and told them to get out of there. He then turned to the camera and admitted he actually likes being called “Uncle Al.”
“Secretly, I really enjoy that they call me Uncle Al. Because what they’re saying is like, I’m not old enough to be their dad. I’m the cool uncle because I’m older. That’s kinda cool,” Styles said.
It seems like only Austin Theory calls him “Dad.”
AJ Styles officially retired on January 31, 2026, after losing a career-on-the-line match to Gunther. The match had a stipulation that if he lost, he had to retire. It was a meaningful choice to retire at the Royal Rumble because that’s where he made his WWE debut back in 2016, exactly ten years ago.
Even though he is done wrestling full-time, Styles doesn’t plan on leaving WWE. He is interested in working backstage, possibly as a trainer to help guide younger talent, which fits perfectly with the “Uncle Al” nickname.
Read more: AJ Styles Had Rough Times With CM Punk, Explains Why He Moved On
