**AJ Styles Announces Retirement from WWE After Battling Career-Threatening Injuries**
Two-time WWE Champion AJ Styles has made the heartfelt decision to retire from professional wrestling, ending his illustrious career on his own terms. The news comes after a series of injuries nearly forced him out of the ring, but Styles fought through adversity to finish strong.
In a recent interview, AJ Styles shared a touching moment from one of his matches where WWE legend John Cena wrote an introduction for him. Styles admitted he wasn’t expecting the gesture and was deeply moved by Cena’s words. “It was pretty freaking cool, man. That was an introduction that I had no idea I was getting, and he found a way to make me feel as important as he was, and I really appreciated it,” Styles said.
Reflecting on his career, he humbly remarked, “When I look in the mirror, I’m this old beat-up man,” a statement interviewers quickly contested given his impressive legacy.
Styles emphasized that his decision to retire is entirely his own choice. “I’m going to go out on my own feet. It’s not an injury taking me out or someone else making that call—it’s me. I get to decide when I’m finished,” he explained.
Over the last two years, Styles endured significant setbacks, including a broken foot and a Lisfranc injury that nearly ended his wrestling journey. “I thought it was over,” he admitted. “But I was able to fight back and get into the ring and finish on my feet—that’s important to me.”
Looking ahead, AJ Styles’ WWE career is set to conclude in 2026. While he has yet to announce the exact date of his final match, he has indicated that a retirement tour is not in his plans. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will step up to face Styles in his farewell bout.
AJ Styles’ legacy as one of WWE’s all-time greats will undoubtedly be celebrated as he prepares to close this chapter of his storied career.
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*Edited by Anirban Banerjee*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-i-m-hiding-it-well-2-time-wwe-champion-is-retiring-his-career-almost-already-ended-due-to-injury
