The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble saw a plethora of shocking moments, with AJ Styles’ career-threatening loss to Gunther being one of the most talked-about storylines. Fans were left stunned as Styles, the legendary Phenomenal One, suffered a tough defeat at the hands of the Imperium leader. While many expected Styles to remove his gloves after the match, signaling his retirement from in-ring competition, the WWE Superstar chose to leave them on. In an exclusive interview, AJ Styles opened up about his thought process behind this pivotal decision.
A Career on the Line
AJ Styles’ loss to Gunther was more than just a defeat; it was a career-defining moment for the WWE Superstar. The 2026 Royal Rumble saw Styles, a 17-time world champion, facing off against Gunther, the dominant Imperium leader, in a match that would determine the latter’s future in the WWE. Styles, known for his incredible resilience and determination, was left reeling after the loss, but it was his decision not to remove his gloves that left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
“I’m Not Done Yet”
In a recent interview, AJ Styles shed light on his thought process behind keeping his gloves on after the match. “I’ve been in this business long enough to know that you can’t let one loss define you,” Styles explained. “I’ve been through tough times before, and I’ve always come out on top. I’m not done yet, and I’m not ready to hang up my boots just yet.” Styles’ words suggest that he’s far from done with his WWE career and is determined to prove his doubters wrong.
A Message to the WWE Universe
Styles’ decision to keep his gloves on was not just a personal statement; it was a message to the WWE universe. “I want to show the fans that I’m still the same AJ Styles they’ve come to know and love,” Styles said. “I’m not going anywhere, and I’m going to keep fighting for as long as I can.” This message resonated with fans, who were left inspired by Styles’ determination and resilience.
A New Chapter for AJ Styles?
While AJ Styles’ decision to keep his gloves on has left fans speculating about his future in the WWE, one thing is certain: the Superstar is far from done. With his sights set on the top of the mountain, Styles is expected to make a strong push for the WWE Championship in the coming weeks and months. Will he be able to overcome the obstacles in his path and reclaim his place as one of the best in the WWE? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: AJ Styles is far from finished.
A WWE Insider Weighs In
According to a WWE insider, Styles’ decision to keep his gloves on was a calculated move. “AJ’s a smart guy, and he knows how to work the room,” the insider revealed. “By keeping his gloves on, he’s sent a message to the WWE universe that he’s still hungry for success and not ready to hang up his boots just yet. It’s a clever move, and it’s going to pay off in the long run.”
The Future of AJ Styles in the WWE
As the WWE universe continues to speculate about AJ Styles’ future, one thing is certain: the Superstar is far from done. With his sights set on the top of the mountain, Styles is expected to make a strong push for the WWE Championship in the coming weeks and months. Whether he’ll be able to overcome the obstacles in his path and reclaim his place as one of the best in the WWE remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: AJ Styles is far from finished.