AJ Styles has unofficially started his retirement tour.
Styles, who confirmed last weekend that he plans to officially step away from his career as a professional wrestler in 2026, started saying his goodbyes this weekend.
The former world champ got on the mic following a singles win against El Grande Americano at a WWE live show in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday night inside the famous Rod Laver Arena.
Is this the last we'll see of @AJStylesOrg in Australia? ? pic.twitter.com/h1FDgixwF3
— WWE (@WWE) October 15, 2025
He used his brief mic time to show his appreciation for Australian fans, saying that he’s likely not to be seen “in a single like this” in front of them again.
“I just want to thank you guys for cheering and being some of the best fans in the world,” Styles said per a clip posted to WWE’s social media. “But here’s the truth: I’m probably not going to see you again in a singlet like this anymore. So I just wanted to let you know, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.”
Styles confirmed just a few days ago that he plans to step away from his multi-decade career in 2026, although it wasn’t specified when in the year he might end things. Once he retires, he’ll be leaving a body of work which lasted a quarter-decade, including notable runs in not just WWE, but also NJPW, TNA, and ROH.
Styles played a part in John Cena’s ongoing retirement tour last weekend, facing him in a singles bout as part of WWE’s Crown Jewel Premium Live Event (PLE).
