In a shocking turn of events at the 2026 Royal Rumble, AJ Styles suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the reigning Intercontinental Champion, Gunther. The loss was not just any ordinary defeat, as many believe it could have been a career-threatening blow for the veteran wrestler. However, one aspect of the match has raised eyebrows among fans and sparked intense debate – AJ Styles refused to remove his gloves after the match.
According to sources close to AJ Styles, the decision not to remove his gloves was a deliberate move, one that was made to send a clear message to Gunther and the WWE Universe. “AJ wanted to make a statement, to show that he’s far from done, even in the face of defeat,” said a source, who wished to remain anonymous. “He wanted to make it clear that he’s still a force to be reckoned with, and that he won’t back down from a challenge.”
The move has been met with both praise and criticism from fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Some see it as a bold statement, a declaration of AJ Styles’ continued relevance in the WWE. Others have criticized the move, arguing that it was unnecessary and only served to rub salt in the wounds of defeat.
In a recent interview, AJ Styles opened up about his decision not to remove his gloves, providing insight into his thought process and motivations. “I’ve been in this business long enough to know that sometimes, the smallest gestures can speak volumes,” Styles said. “In that moment, I didn’t feel like removing my gloves was necessary. In fact, I felt like it would’ve been a sign of weakness, a sign that I was giving up. I’m not one to give up easily, and I’m certainly not one to give up after a loss.”
AJ Styles also touched on the idea that his decision was motivated by a desire to provoke a reaction from Gunther. “Gunther’s a tough guy, but he’s also a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. I knew that if I didn’t remove my gloves, he’d be itching to do something, to make a statement of his own. And that’s exactly what he did – he confronted me, and he showed the world that he’s still the Intercontinental Champion.”
The aftermath of the match has seen Gunther and AJ Styles engage in a heated verbal sparring match, with both men trading barbs and insults. While the tension between the two seems to be escalating, some believe that it could be a sign of things to come – a potential feud that would see the two men clash in a series of intense matches.
One thing is certain – AJ Styles’ decision not to remove his gloves after his career-threatening loss to Gunther has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. Whether it was a bold statement or a reckless move, one thing is clear: AJ Styles is far from done, and he’s ready to take on all comers.
The Future of AJ Styles: Will He Rise from the Ashes or Fade into Obscurity?
AJ Styles’ career has been marked by periods of immense success, followed by periods of decline. Will his loss to Gunther be the catalyst for a resurgence, or will it mark the beginning of the end for the veteran wrestler? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – AJ Styles will not go down without a fight.
The Intercontinental Championship: Can Gunther Continue to Hold onto the Title?
Gunther’s victory over AJ Styles has cemented his position as the Intercontinental Champion, but with a potential feud on the horizon, can he continue to hold onto the title? The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the course of the Intercontinental Championship, and one thing is certain – AJ Styles will be gunning for revenge.
The Royal Rumble Fallout: What’s Next for the WWE?
The 2026 Royal Rumble was a night to remember, with several shocking moments and outcomes. But what’s next for the WWE? Will the fallout from the event continue to dominate the headlines, or will the focus shift to other storylines and feuds? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the WWE is always on the move, and there’s never a dull moment.
As the dust settles on the 2026 Royal Rumble, one thing is clear – AJ Styles’ decision not to remove his gloves after his career-threatening loss to Gunther has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. Whether it was a bold statement or a reckless move, one thing is certain: AJ Styles is far from done, and he’s ready to take on all comers. The question is – what’s next for the veteran wrestler, and will he rise from the ashes or fade into obscurity? Only time will tell.