Walking away from professional wrestling is notoriously difficult, but AJ Styles knew exactly why he needed to call it a career in 2026. Shortly after his emotional retirement ceremony and Hall of Fame announcement on Monday Night Raw, “The Phenomenal One” detailed the thought process behind his decision to permanently step away from in-ring competition.
“I Don’t Embarrass Myself”
Appearing on WWE’s Raw Recap with Sam Roberts and Megan Morant, Styles was remarkably candid about the physical realities of aging in a demanding industry. He stressed the importance of going out on his own terms while he could still perform at a high level. “I mean, now is the right time to retire so I don’t make a fool out of myself, so I don’t embarrass myself,” he admitted. “I’m on the verge of doing just that. Now’s the time. It’s not easy, mind you, but it’s the time.”
During the discussion, Styles also reflected on his unique career path, acknowledging that his eventual arrival and massive success in WWE was far from guaranteed. He reminded the hosts that he had been entirely prepared to finish his career elsewhere. “Here’s the crazy thing: Had TNA offered me the deal that I had, I would have stayed there,” Styles revealed. “So there was that. I was proud of the fact that I helped make a company. I wanted to be there. But, as things would have it, here I am in WWE and I’m grateful for it.”
Styles’ legacy in TNA is foundational; he competed in the very first match in the promotion’s history, teaming with Jerry Lynn and Low-Ki in a loss to the Flying Elvises. His departure from TNA following a final match against Magnus in December 2013 was famously driven by a contract offer that included a substantial pay cut, ultimately setting him on the path that led to his WWE Hall of Fame career.
