The news of AJ Styles’ departure from WWE has sent shockwaves throughout the professional wrestling world, leaving fans and colleagues alike wondering what the future holds for the wrestling legend. While it’s been reported that Styles’ in-ring career with WWE has come to an end, a closer look at his recent statements and industry trends suggests that this may not be a final curtain call for the Phenomenal One.
A New Chapter for AJ Styles
AJ Styles has been a mainstay of WWE for nearly a decade, winning multiple championships and entertaining fans with his high-flying athleticism and technical grappling skills. However, in recent months, the 46-year-old wrestler has been hinting at a potential transition out of the ring. During a recent interview with Busted Open Radio, Styles mentioned that he’s been feeling the effects of wear and tear, and that his body is no longer able to withstand the demands of a full-time in-ring schedule.
“I’m not getting any younger, and I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Styles said. “It’s not easy to continue at the level I’ve been performing at, and I don’t want to put myself in a situation where I’m not giving it my all.”
While this statement may seem like a clear indication that Styles is done with professional wrestling altogether, a closer look at his recent comments reveals a more nuanced picture. When asked about his post-WWE plans, Styles mentioned that he’s been approached by various promotions and organizations, including New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he got his start.
“I’m not saying I’m 100% done with wrestling,” Styles said. “I’ve been approached by some people who think I’ve got a lot to offer outside of the ring. We’ll see what the future holds, but I’m not closing the door on anything just yet.”
The Rise of Independent Wrestling
The past few years have seen a significant shift in the professional wrestling landscape, with the rise of independent wrestling and the proliferation of streaming services. This has created new opportunities for wrestlers to forge their own paths and build their own brands, outside of the traditional WWE framework.
AJ Styles, with his experience and reputation, is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend. He’s already made appearances for NJPW and other independent promotions, and it’s not hard to imagine him using his platform to launch a new venture or collaborate with other wrestlers on exciting projects.
According to a source close to the situation, Styles has been in talks with various independent promoters and organizations, exploring potential opportunities for himself and other wrestlers. “AJ is very interested in exploring new avenues and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in professional wrestling,” the source said. “He’s got a lot of ideas and a lot of passion, and I think we’ll see him do some really innovative things in the coming months.”
The Future of AJ Styles
So what does the future hold for AJ Styles? While it’s clear that his in-ring career with WWE is behind him, it’s equally clear that he’s not ready to hang up his boots just yet. With his experience, charisma, and entrepreneurial spirit, Styles is well-positioned to forge a new path in professional wrestling, one that combines his passion for the sport with his desire for creative freedom and innovation.
As one industry insider put it, “AJ Styles is a true original, and he’s always done things his own way. I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people with what he has in store next.”
Only time will tell what’s next for AJ Styles, but one thing is certain: the wrestling world will be watching with bated breath as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.