In a surprising revelation, WWE Superstar AJ Styles has announced that he plans to retire before he turns 50. With his 48th birthday just around the corner this June, fans are reflecting on the legendary career of one of WWE’s most beloved and accomplished performers. Known for his incredible in-ring ability, charisma, and tireless work ethic, AJ Styles has spent over two decades building a legacy that has earned him the respect of fans and peers alike.
While Styles’ announcement has left many in the WWE Universe wondering what the future holds for the _Phenomenal One_, his decision to retire before reaching the age of 50 shows just how seriously he is about his health and well-being in the later stages of his career. As Styles approaches the final years of his wrestling journey, it’s important to reflect on his remarkable accomplishments and the impact he has made in WWE and the wrestling world.
Let’s take a closer look at AJ Styles’ iconic career, his plans for retirement, and what this means for WWE moving forward.
### AJ Styles’ Career: A Journey from TNA to WWE Stardom
AJ Styles’ rise to prominence in professional wrestling is one of the most inspirational stories in the industry. Beginning his career in smaller independent promotions, Styles first gained widespread recognition in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he became a cornerstone of the company. Over the years, Styles became known for his high-flying style, technical prowess, and unmatched athleticism, earning the title of “The Phenomenal One.”
Styles would go on to achieve tremendous success in TNA, where he became one of the most celebrated champions in the company’s history. He captured numerous titles, including the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, and helped elevate the promotion to new heights. His work in TNA helped establish him as one of the best wrestlers of his generation, and fans began to take notice of his incredible talent.
However, it was when Styles made the jump to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) that his career truly reached new levels. In NJPW, Styles’ reputation skyrocketed as he became a key figure in the Bullet Club faction, capturing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and competing against some of the best talent in the world. His time in Japan proved that Styles was a globally recognized star, capable of thriving on the biggest stages in wrestling.
### AJ Styles in WWE: Reaching the Pinnacle of Wrestling Success
Despite his incredible success in TNA and NJPW, it wasn’t until AJ Styles arrived in WWE in 2016 that he became a household name among mainstream wrestling fans. His WWE debut at the 2016 _Royal Rumble_ was met with an outpouring of excitement, and Styles quickly established himself as one of WWE’s top talents. His fast-paced, high-impact wrestling style made him an immediate fan favorite.
In WWE, Styles would go on to achieve some of the biggest accomplishments of his career. He captured the WWE Championship, the United States Championship, and numerous other accolades, solidifying his place as one of WWE’s top Superstars. His feuds with WWE legends such as John Cena, Roman Reigns, and Shinsuke Nakamura provided some of the most memorable moments in WWE history, and his matches at events like _WrestleMania_ and _SummerSlam_ became instant classics.
Styles’ ability to deliver incredible matches, whether against established stars or younger talent, has made him one of the most respected wrestlers in WWE history. He has been a key figure in WWE’s modern era, known for his versatility, work ethic, and passion for the business.
### AJ Styles’ Retirement Plans: A Thoughtful Decision
In his recent announcement, AJ Styles revealed that he plans to retire before he turns 50, signaling that his time in the ring is nearing its end. While this announcement has left fans with mixed emotions, it is important to understand why Styles made this decision. At 48 years old, Styles is approaching the latter stages of his wrestling career, and as much as he loves the business, he is prioritizing his health and well-being.
Styles has been a fixture in WWE for several years, and over the course of his career, he has taken part in countless high-profile matches. The physical toll of professional wrestling is undeniable, and Styles, known for his incredible in-ring style, has sustained his fair share of injuries throughout his career. By choosing to retire before 50, Styles is making a smart decision to ensure that he leaves the industry on his terms, preserving his legacy and long-term health.
Many wrestlers have faced the difficult decision of when to hang up their boots, and Styles’ decision is a testament to his understanding of the demands of the business. Rather than pushing his body to the limit and risking injury, Styles is opting for a graceful exit while he’s still at the top of his game.
### What’s Next for AJ Styles?
As AJ Styles prepares to enter the final years of his wrestling career, fans are wondering what the future holds for him in WWE. While Styles has made it clear that he plans to retire soon, there are still several exciting possibilities for him before he calls it quits.
One potential storyline that fans are eager to see is Styles passing the torch to the next generation of WWE Superstars. As one of the best wrestlers of his generation, Styles has the ability to elevate younger talent and help shape the future of WWE. His experiences and leadership could be invaluable to rising stars, and it would be exciting to see him mentor some of the company’s newest talent.
Additionally, Styles may choose to have a final program or high-profile match before he retires, giving fans the chance to see him in action one last time. Whether it’s a special match at _WrestleMania_ or a feud with another top WWE Superstar, Styles’ final chapter in WWE could be a fitting end to an incredible career.
### AJ Styles’ Legacy: One of WWE’s Greatest Superstars
Regardless of how Styles’ final years in WWE unfold, his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time is already firmly cemented. His time in WWE, NJPW, and TNA has earned him a spot among the all-time greats, and his contributions to the wrestling world will be remembered for years to come. Styles has helped elevate WWE’s in-ring product with his unique style and unmatched skill, and his influence on the business cannot be overstated.
As he nears the end of his career, AJ Styles leaves behind a legacy of hard work, passion, and dedication to professional wrestling. His matches, rivalries, and achievements will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers, and his name will forever be synonymous with excellence in the ring.
### Conclusion: AJ Styles’ Retirement—A New Chapter in His Wrestling Journey
AJ Styles’ decision to retire before 50 is a thoughtful and strategic one, prioritizing his health and ensuring that he leaves the industry on top. While his time in WWE may be winding down, the legacy he leaves behind will endure for years to come. As fans continue to reflect on his incredible career, one thing is certain: AJ Styles will always be remembered as one of the best to ever step foot in the ring.
The future of AJ Styles in WWE is still filled with exciting possibilities, and his eventual retirement will mark the end of a truly remarkable era in professional wrestling. Whether he chooses to mentor younger Superstars or have one last memorable match, AJ Styles’ final years in the ring will undoubtedly be some of his most memorable.