• AEW Reportedly Ready To Bring In Top WWE Star If Possible
The Phenomenal One has officially reached the end of the road with WWE. Following his career-threatening match at Royal Rumble 2026, sources close to AJ Styles confirm that his active in-ring career with the company has concluded exactly how he planned it, according to Fightful Select.
While his contract was long rumored to expire in February 2026, Styles has spent years preparing for this moment. Despite WWE management reportedly being more than happy to offer him a lucrative extension, Styles remained firm in his desire to step away. A source familiar with the situation noted that AJ has had it his way every step of the path toward retirement, prioritizing his personal timeline over a final payday.
The big question now is whether “retired from WWE” means “retired from wrestling.” The locker rooms at AEW and NJPW are already buzzing with speculation:
The AEW Factor: At the January 28 episode of Dynamite, Styles’ future was the primary topic of conversation backstage. While no official offer has been made as of February 3, the roster – many of whom remain close personal friends with Styles – universally expects Tony Khan to make a massive play if the opportunity arises.
The NJPW & TNA Options: New Japan Pro-Wrestling is reportedly eager to bring back their former Bullet Club leader to steady the ship after losing top stars. Additionally, WWE sources previously indicated that a return to TNA was possible even under his previous deal, should Styles have “wanted it badly enough.”
Ultimately, Styles is in a rare position of total freedom. Having secured his financial future, his next move won’t be driven by money. Whether he takes a coaching role, explores the “forbidden door” for a few final dream matches, or walks away from the spotlight entirely, the decision is now solely in his hands.
RELATED: Latest Update On What’s Next For AJ Styles
• NXT Results – Joe Hendry Becomes NXT Champion (Video), New Interim General Manager Revealed After Ava’s Departure
– Shawn Michaels announced that Robert Stone is the new Interim NXT General Manager.
.@ShawnMichaels has named @MrStoneWWE the new INTERIM General Manager of NXT! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Q9fGJozcoU
— WWE (@WWE) February 4, 2026
– Jaida Parker and Blake Monroe got into a fight in the parking lot.
– Triple Threat Match For The NXT Women’s North American Championship: Izzi Dame (c) def. Thea Hail and Lola Vice to retain the title
– Tony D’Angelo said he lost his family last year and had to sit down in a dark room and remember who he was. Tony said he came back to NXT for two reasons: to take everything from DarkState and he will reveal what it is after he is done with DarkState.
– Elio LeFleur def. Charlie Dempsey to advance to the next round of The WWE Speed Title #1 Contender’s Tournament
– TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship Match: Heather By Elegance & M By Elegance (c) def. Zaria and Sol Ruca to retain the titles
– TNA International Champion Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo and Lexis King def. Chase University
After the match, Uriah Connors left Chase U and went to the back with Stacks, Arianna Grace, and Lexis.
– Fatal Influence celebrated NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne being in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match. Jacy was upset with Sol Ruca for eliminating her and costing her chance to compete at WrestleMania 42. Sol, Zaria, Kendal Grey, and Wren Sinclair made their way to the ring and want to challenge Jacy for the NXT Women’s Title. Robert Stone came out and announced it will Sol & Zaria vs. Kendal & Wren next week and whoever gets the pinfall or submission win will be the new #1 Contender for the title.
– 7-Way Ladder Match For The Vacant NXT Championship: Joe Hendry def. Ricky Saints, Shiloh Hill, Sean Legacy, Dion Lennox, Keanu Carver, and WWE Evolve Champion Jackson Drake to become champion
You can watch the finish below:
RAISE YOUR HANDS 🙌@joehendry is the NEW NXT CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/ccGF7UaWch
— WWE (@WWE) February 4, 2026
