AJ Styles near retirement as Japan tour looms for Crown Jewel

AJ Styles said he will retire from in-ring competition soon, acknowledging that a forthcoming tour of Japan may be his last as an active performer, and is scheduled to face John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel 2025. The announcement came as Styles made a high-profile appearance at UFC 320 in Las Vegas and as former stablemates Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson said their long-running storyline with him in WWE remains unfinished.

Styles told reporters ahead of WWE Supershow Japan that he did not expect to remain with the company long term and that returning to Japan this month is "probably my last time as a performer going back to Japan." He added that he plans to "hang them up" soon and does not believe he will wrestle in Japan again before retiring. WWE has advertised a singles match between Styles and Cena at Crown Jewel, which fans and promoters are treating as a significant career moment for both men.

The Phenomenal One’s attendance at UFC 320 drew attention beyond wrestling. Styles appeared on the floor at T Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, telling the crowd the event "is going to be phenomenal." TKO Group’s official social media account posted a clip of Styles at the card and...