Is the end near for AJ Styles?

This may be so as "The Phenomenal One" has agreed to put his career on the line in his upcoming match against Gunther, which will take place at the Royal Rumble.

AJ Styles to Put His Career on the Line at the Royal Rumble

During the January 19 episode of Monday Night Raw, which aired from Belfast, Styles challenged Gunther to a match at the Royal Rumble, which will take place in Saudi Arabia this year.

Gunther said he will only accept if Styles agrees to put his career on the line, which "The Phenomenal One" eventually agreed to after talking to Raw General Manager Adam Pearce.

You can watch the clip of the backstage segment below.

Is AJ Styles About to Retire?

The newest development in Styles and Gunther's feud has the WWE Universe wondering if "The Phenomenal One" will retire at the Royal Rumble.

Styles has always been adamant that he will end his career this year, reiterating as much when he spoke to Michael Cole during the Crown Jewel kickoff, according to Cageside Seats.

"The whole idea with wrestling and having an amazing future in this business is to be able to retire one day," Styles said to Cole. "And in 2026, I will retire."

John Cena, who retired at the end of 2025, revealed that he made an effort to get Styles to go on a retirement tour.

"I got to talk to him a little bit while we were locked in our program this year. 'AJ, there are a lot of people who really admire you out there. I know you're thinking of calling it quits soon," Cena said in an interview with Chris Van Vliet. "Do you think there is any possibility that you would try to do something like this I honestly think people would pay to see you one last time.'"

Cena added, "He's literally tying his shoes. He turns to me and goes, 'Man, I'm 48.' As soon as the words left his mouth, he didn't have to say anything else."