• AJ Styles Reveals Why He Didn’t Leave His Gloves In The Ring At Royal Rumble 2026
After losing his career-threatening match to Gunther at Royal Rumble 2026, AJ Styles was forced to retire from WWE. After the match, AJ removed his gloves and was about to place them in the middle of the ring, but he didn’t. He wore them back and posed for the fans.
On the “What’s Your Story?” podcast, Stephanie McMahon asked The Phenomenal One why he didn’t leave his gloves in the ring. Styles replied:
“I don’t know. Never say never, right? That’s the saying. I think everybody’s allowed at least once to come out of retirement. Not saying that I’ll do it anytime soon. I’m just saying that.
I mean, what if my son wrestles? The opportunity to tag with him once, right? And you never know. There’ll be a time where the gloves will never go back on, and it may be now, but we’ll see.
I never thought I would want my kids to wrestle. But it’s way different than it’s ever been, and a lot better than it’s ever been when it comes to professional wrestling. It’s done right at this point. So I’d be happy if they wrestle. My second oldest (son), I’m working with him now, so he’s in it.”
Also Read: WWE Is Delaying Meaningful Creative For Champion Until WrestleMania 42
• AEW Is Expanding Its Roster
Tony Khan is currently executing a massive overhaul of the All Elite Wrestling locker room. This aggressive hiring cycle has already seen high-profile names like Andrade, The Rascalz, and Clark Connors join the ranks alongside a deep list of rising stars including Alec Price, Jordan Oliver, Maya World, Hyan, and Zayda Steel. Sources even reveal that Tatevik was quietly added to the payroll as far back as the fall of 2025.
This influx of new blood is far from over, as management is reportedly sitting on several unannounced female signings who are expected to debut imminently to bolster the women’s division, according to Fightful Select.
Rather than indicating an increase in television hours, this surge in acquisitions is a strategic move to revitalize a product that has seen a significant number of departures over the past year.
The company has officially moved on from a long list of established personalities since 2025 started, including Powerhouse Hobbs (Royce Keys), Malakai Black (Aleister Black), Miro (Rusev), Ricky Starks (Ricky Saints), and Saraya (Paige).
Other notable exits include Rey Fenix, Mariah May (Blake Monroe), Abadon, and The Righteous, creating a natural opening for the new arrivals to step into prominent roles.
By letting veteran contracts expire and immediately backfilling those spots with fresh faces, AEW is attempting to maintain a sense of unpredictability and energy within its creative landscape.
