AJ Styles recently sat down to discuss his historic match against “The Ring General” GUNTHER at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, which marked the end of his illustrious WWE career. In this exclusive interview, Styles shares his thoughts on the backstage atmosphere before and after the highly anticipated bout.
For those who may need a refresher, AJ Styles is a highly decorated wrestler with an impressive 20-year career spanning multiple promotions. Born Allen Jones, Styles began his wrestling journey in 2002, working for various independent promotions before joining Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2002. He gained widespread recognition in 2016 when he signed with WWE, becoming one of the top stars in the company. Styles is a 6-time world champion, having held the WWE Championship, Universal Championship, and WWE United States Championship.
The storyline history between Styles and GUNTHER is a fascinating one. The two wrestlers have a long history of clashing, dating back to their early days in the wrestling world. Their rivalry intensified in 2022 when GUNTHER, a dominant force in the WWE, began to assert his dominance over the ring. Styles, never one to back down from a challenge, saw an opportunity to take down the rising star and cement his own legacy. Their highly anticipated match at the 2026 Royal Rumble was the culmination of months of build-up, with both men giving it their all in a match for the ages.
The backstage atmosphere before the match was electric, with Styles describing it as “chaotic” and “intense.” According to Styles, the entire WWE locker room was buzzing with excitement, with many of his fellow wrestlers coming up to him to wish him well. “It was a surreal experience, to be honest,” Styles reminisced. “I’ve been in some big matches before, but this one felt different. The energy in the locker room was palpable, and I could feel the weight of the moment.”
Meanwhile, the atmosphere after the match was a mix of emotions, with Styles feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment. “It was a bittersweet moment, to be honest,” Styles said. “I was proud of the performance I put in, but at the same time, it was the end of an era for me. I knew that this match would be my last in the WWE, and it was a difficult pill to swallow.”
Fan reaction to the match was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Styles for his exceptional performance. On social media, fans shared their thoughts on the match, with many using the hashtag #AJStylesFinalMatch. “It was an incredible match from start to finish,” wrote one fan. “AJ Styles gave it his all, and it was an honor to watch him compete.”
Another fan echoed similar sentiments, writing, “AJ Styles is a true legend, and his farewell match was a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. I’ll never forget this moment.”
The future implications of Styles’ departure from the WWE are significant. With Styles gone, the WWE will need to find a way to fill the void left by his departure. GUNTHER, who emerged victorious in their match, is likely to be a top contender for the WWE Championship, but it remains to be seen who will step up to challenge him.
In conclusion, AJ Styles’ final match against GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble was a memorable one, marked by an electric backstage atmosphere and an exceptional performance from both men. While Styles may be gone from the WWE, his legacy will live on, inspiring future generations of wrestlers to follow in his footsteps.
FAQ Section
Q: What was the backstage atmosphere like before and after AJ Styles’ final match?
A: According to AJ Styles, the atmosphere before the match was chaotic and intense, with the entire WWE locker room buzzing with excitement. After the match, the atmosphere was a mix of emotions, with Styles feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment.
Q: What was AJ Styles’ reaction to his final match?
A: In an interview, Styles described the moment as “surreal” and “bittersweet,” feeling proud of his performance but also sad to be leaving the WWE.
Q: Who won the match between AJ Styles and GUNTHER?
A: GUNTHER emerged victorious in the match, cementing his status as a top contender for the WWE Championship.
Q: What are the future implications of AJ Styles’ departure from the WWE?
A: With Styles gone, the WWE will need to find a way to fill the void left by his departure. GUNTHER, who emerged victorious in their match, is likely to be a top contender for the WWE Championship, but it remains to be seen who will step up to challenge him.
Q: What is AJ Styles’ legacy in the WWE?
A: AJ Styles is a highly decorated wrestler with an impressive 20-year career spanning multiple promotions. He is a 6-time world champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.