The in-ring career of AJ Styles has ended following a loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In a match carrying the stipulation that Styles must retire if defeated, the “Phenomenal One” passed out while trapped in a sleeper hold, forcing the referee to call for the bell. The finish echoed Gunther’s recent victories over other legends, cementing his status as a career-ender.
The loss brings a definitive end to Styles’ ten-year run with WWE. After building a global reputation as one of the industry’s premier talents in TNA and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Styles made his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble to a thunderous ovation.
Over the next decade, Styles became a two-time WWE Champion, holding the title for a combined 511 days. His first reign began at Backlash 2016 after defeating Dean Ambrose, while his second reign, which began in November 2017, lasted over a year. He is also a Grand Slam Champion, having held the Intercontinental, United States, and Raw Tag Team Championships.
The stipulation for Saturday’s match arose following the January 12 episode of Raw, where Gunther defeated Styles in a controversial manner. Seeking redemption, Styles challenged the World Heavyweight Champion to a rematch, accepting Gunther’s ultimatum that he put his career on the line.
Gunther survives Styles’ best shots
The Riyadh crowd was firmly behind Styles from the opening bell. Gunther utilized his size advantage early, wearing Styles down with chops and a back suplex onto the commentary desk that left Styles with a bloody gash on his left arm.
Despite the physical toll, Styles mounted several comebacks. He targeted Gunther’s legs, locking in the Calf Crusher twice. On the second attempt, Gunther was forced to drag himself to the ropes to break the hold. Styles also came close to victory after countering a powerbomb into a Styles Clash, but Gunther kicked out.
Desperation set in for Gunther, who utilized a referee distraction to deliver a low blow followed by a powerbomb. Styles managed to kick out, prompting Gunther to unleash a barrage of chops and lariats while taunting his opponent.
The end came when Styles attempted his signature Phenomenal Forearm. Gunther caught him in mid-air, immediately transitioning into a sleeper hold. Styles attempted to fight out, driving elbows into Gunther’s thigh, but Gunther adjusted his grip and applied a body scissor.
Unable to reach the ropes, Styles faded. The referee checked Styles’ arm and, finding him unresponsive, signaled for the bell.
Post-match scene
Following the decision, the crowd in the Riyadh Season Arena rose to their feet, chanting Styles’ name. Styles recovered and stood in the center of the ring, taking in the ovation.
In a moment of uncertainty, Styles removed his gloves, appearing as if he intended to leave them in the ring. However, he ultimately put them back on. He offered his signature “P1” hand signal to the audience one final time before his music hit, and he left the ring.
