AJ Styles to leave WWE and face top AEW star in his retirement match? Exploring the possibility

AJ Styles AEW
AJ Styles has many friends in AEW (Image source: wwe.com and AEW on X)

AJ Styles could leave WWE next year and join AEW to have his retirement match against a top star. Styles previously wanted the said talent to join the Stamford-based promotion.

The Phenomenal One has been with WWE since 2016. Styles' current contract is reportedly set to expire later this year or in early 2025. Hence, fans have been wondering whether the former world champion would depart from the global juggernaut and join AEW. Styles could sign with the Tony Khan-led company if he is offered a retirement match against Will Ospreay.

Styles last wrestled Will Ospreay in 2015 under the Revolution Pro Wrestling banner. Furthermore, Ospreay often uses the Styles Clash maneuver in his matches to seemingly pay homage to The Phenomenal One. The former WWE World Champion recently expressed his desire to see The Aerial Assassin in the Stamford-based promotion, but the latter joined All Elite Wrestling.

Styles also declared Ospreay one of the best talents in the world, which shows that he has a lot of respect for The Aerial Assassin. Therefore, the legend could arrive at the Tony Khan-led promotion to have one last run and compete in a retirement match against the former International Champion.

The Phenomenal One has a history with AEW's sister promotion, Ring of Honor. Moreover, if Styles signs with the Jacksonville-based company, he could face stars from NJPW, as the two organizations have a healthy working relationship.


AJ Styles recently provided an update on his injury

AJ Styles made his return to WWE TV on a recent episode of SmackDown. During his match against Carmelo Hayes, Styles got hurt and could not continue to compete.

Amid much speculation about his status, Styles provided an update on his injury. On X/Twitter, he wrote:

"It’s called a Lisfranc injury. Look it up, it sucks! I thought when I took off my boot. I would have a bone sticking out of my foot."

Only time will tell when The Phenomenal One will make his return to the ring. We at Sportskeeda wish him a quick recovery.

Do you want to see AJ Styles in AEW? Sound off using the discuss button.

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Edited by Pratik Singh