AJ Styles to retire in 2026, Japan farewell, Cena in Australia

AJ Styles, one of professional wrestling's most decorated performers, confirmed that 2026 will be his final year in the ring and marked what may be his last stops overseas with an emotional visit to Japan and a high-profile encounter with John Cena in Australia. Styles faced Cena at WWE Crown Jewel in Perth on October 11 and completed a two-night run at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on October 17 and 18 that organizers and fellow talent framed as a farewell to Japanese fans who have played a pivotal role in his career.

Styles described the match with Cena as both a personal milestone and a gift to fans. He said he trusts Cena "more than anyone else inside the squared circle" and praised Cena's ringcraft and generosity, noting that Cena surprised him with a custom ring introduction that made the bout feel like a shared moment. Styles added that, in the heat of the match, he and Cena were focused on entertaining the crowd and only reflected on the larger significance afterward.

In Tokyo, Styles received an outspoken sendoff from peers and supporters. A portion of a message he prepared was read in Japanese by Shinsuke Nakamura, in which Styles thanked Japanese fans for welcoming him...