Backstage Buzz In AEW Suggests Tony Khan Will Try To Sign AJ Styles

The wrestling world watched with bated breath as AJ Styles seemingly wrestled his final match at the Royal Rumble, losing a career-threatening bout to Gunther. At 48 years old, the assumption was that “The Phenomenal One” was finally hanging up his boots, a sentiment echoed by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque. However, Styles’ actions after the bell—putting his gloves back on after initially teasing leaving them in the ring—have fueled rampant speculation that his in-ring story is far from over.

AEW and NJPW Expected To Show Interest In Styles

According to Fightful Select, Styles’ future was a “major point of conversation” backstage at AEW Dynamite this week. The report notes that it is “universally expected” within All Elite Wrestling that the promotion would attempt to bring Styles in if he is legally able to sign. Styles maintains close friendships with several top stars in AEW, making it a natural landing spot for a final run.

The interest isn’t limited to North America. The expectation is that New Japan Pro-Wrestling would also aggressively pursue Styles, especially as the promotion faces a talent exodus. Styles is a former two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and leader of the Bullet Club, giving him a legendary status in Japan that NJPW would be eager to capitalize on. Additionally, Styles has frequently mentioned wanting one more match in TNA Wrestling, a goal that remains unfulfilled despite his recent cameo appearances.

While a source close to Styles confirmed they knew his WWE in-ring career was ending at the Rumble, they admitted they are “unsure about what he is going to do next.” For now, the industry waits to see if Styles truly walks away or if he has one more phenomenal chapter left to write.

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