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Shinsuke Nakamura Fuels Retirement Speculation Surrounding AJ Styles’ WWE Career
A potential spoiler from Shinsuke Nakamura has ignited speculation about the outcome of AJ Styles’ upcoming match against GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble,possibly revealing the timeline for the veteran wrestler’s planned retirement.
AJ Styles, also known as the “Phenomenal One,” recently confirmed his intention to retire by 2026, and the Royal Rumble event could mark the culmination of his storied career. The 48-year-old star is scheduled to face the formidable GUNTHER in what is being billed as a dream match, with the stakes incredibly high – a loss would signify the end of his in-ring career.Though, comments from Nakamura may have inadvertently revealed the result of this pivotal bout.
Prior to facing Styles at WWE Saturday night’s Main Event, Nakamura shared a reflective “diary” entry on his Instagram Story, recalling a conversation with Styles following a show in Melbourne last year. According to Nakamura,Styles hinted at an impending retirement during a tour stop in japan.
“AJ gave a speech after the match,” Nakamura wrote. “Listening to it, it was clear he was thanking the fans. But somehow, it also felt like he was hinting that retirement might not be that far away.” He continued, detailing a direct question he posed to Styles while traveling to a meet and greet. “I asked him, ‘When are you going to retire?’ He answered, ‘The Royal Rumble. I’ve already decided.'”
Nakamura further expressed his deep respect for Styles, who he first encountered and wrestled alongside in New Japan Pro Wrestling before Styles joined WWE in 2016. “I don’t say it out loud, but I rely on him. I respect him,” Nakamura stated. “And even though we don’t actually know each othre as deeply as people might think, to me, he’s special. Almost like a brother and a best friend, in my own way.” He concluded with a poignant sentiment: “And now… our final match awaits. My last chance to give him the perfect send off.Do your best, me. And pro wrestling gods, please be kind.”
The match itself was lauded by fans, who appreciated the chance to witness two wrestling icons compete one last time. Less than 12 hours after the event, social media erupted with theories that Nakamura had inadvertently revealed Styles would lose to GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble, thus triggering his retirement. One fan, @IRDGAF24, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Nah no way Shinsuke spoiled the fact AJ is losing to Gunther next week,” a sentiment echoed by numerous others.
However, some fans speculate that Nakamura’s comments could be a intentional attempt to mislead the audience, a common tactic known as “a work” in professional wrestling. “No way thay’d let Shinsuke casually spoil the result of the Rumble match right? Please tell me that part is a work,” questioned a fan named @fraxination.
Styles had previously indicated his intention to wind down his career, telling Metro in April 2024, “I don’t want to do it anymore. And it’s not as – of course I want to wrestle. But my body, it’s like, ‘Please stop. Please stop.’ I think this would be a good place to end my career, in the WWE.”
While the outcome of the match remains uncertain, the possibility of Styles’ retirement looms large, and Nakamura’s comments have undoubtedly added to the anticipation.
