A potential major spoiler may have surfaced regarding the outcome of AJ Styles vs Gunther at Royal Rumble 2026, a match where Styles’ entire career is on the line. Earlier this year, AJ Styles officially announced that he plans to retire from in-ring competition in 2026. His farewell run began after Gunther retired John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December, igniting a heated rivalry between the two.
The high-stakes match is set for January 31, and if Styles loses, his legendary wrestling career will come to an end. Ahead of the Royal Rumble, Styles faced longtime rival and real-life friend Shinsuke Nakamura at Saturday Night’s Main Event, a bout that may have been their final encounter.
Following the match, Nakamura posted a revealing diary entry on Instagram that has fans buzzing. He recalled a conversation from WWE’s Australia tour last year, where Styles hinted at retirement during a speech to fans. Later, while traveling together in Japan, Nakamura directly asked AJ when he planned to retire. According to Nakamura, Styles answered simply: “The Royal Rumble. I’ve already decided.”
That revelation strongly suggests AJ Styles may be preparing to walk away at Royal Rumble 2026, adding even more emotional weight to his clash with Gunther.
UPDATE: Shinsuke Nakamura deleted the Instagram story after AJ Styles Royal Rumble spoiler.