Gunther Issues Career-Ending Ultimatum To AJ Styles For Royal Rumble Match

The stakes for the upcoming Royal Rumble have potentially reached a career-altering level for one WWE legend. During tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw live from Belfast, Ireland, World Heavyweight Champion Gunther issued a stunning ultimatum to AJ Styles. Following a heated confrontation to open the show, “The Ring General” offered Styles the rematch he desperately craves, but only on the condition that “The Phenomenal One” puts his entire career on the line.

“Tap Out Like A Little Bitch”

The segment began with Gunther declaring his entry into the Men’s Royal Rumble match, looking to add another accolade to his historic run. Styles interrupted the proceedings, challenging the champion to a singles match at the Premium Live Event instead. When Gunther initially declined, Styles targeted the champion’s pride, claiming Gunther “tapped out like a little bitch” during their non-title encounter last week—a submission the referee missed, allowing Gunther to escape with a victory.

The Belfast crowd erupted in chants echoing Styles’ taunt, visibly irritating the champion. As Gunther feigned a departure, he turned back with a counter-proposal that silenced the arena: he would accept the match, but only if Styles agreed to retire if he lost. Gunther gave Styles a deadline of the “end of the night” to make his decision, mocking him by suggesting he might be too “scared” to accept.

The “Career Killer” Strikes Again?

This ultimatum aligns with Gunther’s recent trajectory as a “legend killer” of the modern era. Having already retired John Cena in December 2025, Gunther appears determined to add another first-ballot Hall of Famer to his list of victims. The controversy stemming from their January 12 match in Germany—where Gunther was visually seen tapping out to the Calf Crusher while the referee was out of position—has given Styles a legitimate grievance. However, with the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, just weeks away on January 31, Styles now faces the impossible choice of swallowing his pride or risking it all for one last shot at the gold.