Karl Anderson claims lingering injury issues prompted AJ Styles‘ WWE retirement.
The Phenomenal One initially announced 2026 would be his final year as an in-ring competitor. Styles noted he had been on the road for too long and that it was time to focus on family life.
After months of speculation, including plans for retirement seemingly leaked by Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles finally hung up his boots. The former WWE Champion bid adieu to the squared circle after losing to Gunther at the Royal Rumble.
WWE turned RAW this past Monday into a tribute show for Styles. Though Gunther attempted to hijack the show in the opening minutes, AJ received a warm sendoff, which included a surprise Hall of Fame induction announcement by The Undertaker.
Karl Anderson on what AJ Styles told him backstage
The AJ Styles tribute show featured many notable names from the Phenomenal One’s past and present. Former TNA World Champion Frankie Kazarian appeared, and Joseph Park, formerly known as Abyss, donned his iconic mask to pay tribute to his close friend.
As fans saw on the episode, AJ Styles’ former Bullet Club cohorts, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, also appeared for the tribute show. Speaking on Talk’n Shop, Anderson recalled a conversation he had with Styles backstage on WWE RAW, noting Styles referenced neck issues as the reason for his retirement.
“We get to the back, I said, ‘AJ! I did not know you were really gonna retire.’ He goes, ‘Really!?’ I said, ‘Yeah. What do you mean ‘really,’ AJ? We haven’t spoke. How am I supposed to know if you’re really gonna retire or not?’ And he said, ‘Dude, I have to. My neck is hurting too bad. I’m beat up. It’s time. I want to help the next generation,’ and I go, ‘Well, I didn’t really believe it… and now, I gotta eat a lot of crow, pal,’” Anderson said. [H/T WrestlingNews.co]
AJ Styles reveals why now is the right time for WWE retirement
On a recent episode of RAW Recap, Styles explained his decision to retire despite fans insisting he could still compete at a high level for several more years.
“Why is now the right time to retire? I mean, now’s the right time to retire so I don’t make a fool out of myself, so I don’t embarrass myself,” Styles said on the WWE Raw Recap. “I’m on the verge of doing just that. Now’s the time. It’s not easy, mind you, but it’s the time.”
Elsewhere in the interview, AJ Styles also revealed why he chose the Royal Rumble to ride off into the sunset instead of WrestleMania.
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