AJ Styles called time on one of the greatest careers in professional wrestling earlier this year, losing to GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble in the final match of his career.
Since then, Styles has repeatedly made it clear that he has no plans to step back inside a wrestling ring. Retirement seems to be suiting The Phenomenal One just fine.
There is, however, one potential exception.
Styles has previously spoken about the possibility of wrestling alongside his sons one day if they pursue careers in the business, but he also made it clear that simply sharing a ring with them wouldn’t be enough to bring him out of retirement.
Speaking on The AJ Styles Show, the former WWE Champion admitted he’d only consider one final match if his sons reached a point where the moment genuinely mattered.
“Uh, but how long is it going to take my son or sons to get in the position where I’m able to do this show with them that matters?
“If it doesn’t matter… I’m probably not going to come back for an indie show. I mean, even if it’s to wrestle with my boys, I probably do not want to do that.
“I don’t mind being a special guest and like a manager kind of thing, but if I do come back, hopefully I’m not 60 and it’s on a big show”.
Clearly AJ Styles would happily support his sons to build their own careers, but he also admits there’s a problem waiting for him if that opportunity ever comes around: getting back into wrestling shape.
“I would definitely… what father wouldn’t want to come back and tag with his sons?
“And I’ll tell you this, the idea of getting back into ring shape… that’s going to suck.
“The older I get, the less cardio I have. I’ve realized that I don’t run anymore. I walk because that’s what old people do.”
For now, AJ Styles remains retired, and he doesn’t sound interested in changing that anytime soon.
But if his sons eventually make it to the biggest stage in wrestling, The Phenomenal One has made one thing clear: that’s probably the one match capable of bringing him back.
