When Is AJ Styles' WWE Contract Up? Royal Rumble 2026 Could Mark Retirement

WWE fans are turning their attention to AJ Styles following his acceptance of Gunther's challenge to stake his career at the upcoming Royal Rumble 2026. This comes amid longstanding speculation that Styles would retire in 2026, though not as soon as the forthcoming event. In a surprising twist, Styles accepted Gunther's challenge to put his career on the line at Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, meaning the outcome of the match could determine whether the event would be his last for the WWE.

Fans have now wondered when Styles' contract would expire, as the wrestler has long been expected to retire in 2026. Should Royal Rumble 2026 actually be Styles' final event with the WWE, it would mark 10 years for Styles, who made his debut in 2016.

When Does AJ Styles' WWE Contract Expire?

Styles' contract with the WWE is reportedly set to expire in February 2026. The exact date as to when Styles will cap his WWE tenure is unknown, but as Royal Rumble 2026 falls within the same window of time, it lines up with the possibility that the event may be Styles' final bout in the ring, at least under the WWE.

As to when Styles would retire from professional wrestling altogether, that remains to be seen. Even if Styles' contract expires in February, the WWE may make a last-minute extension.

However, it is also possible that Styles could choose to bow out in the days leading up to Royal Rumble 2026, which would set him up for a potential 2026 WWE Hall of Fame induction. Styles publicly declared that 2026 would be his last year in the ring, so it is only a matter of time before the final match comes.

Other Scenarios for Styles' Career

Another possibility when it comes to Styles retiring is his time with TNA, which is seen as the most likely scenario. Styles could end his WWE career to move over to TNA, or WWE could allow his contract to expire so he can sign over to TNA.

But another scenario has played out online in which WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has seemingly invited Styles over to his show. Styles responded by accepting the offer, which could hint at what might happen in the coming weeks.

Wrestling Bucket List

Meanwhile, Triple H shared with ESPN that Styles has a list of people he wants to share the ring with before he decides to step back from wrestling. Speaking on ESPN's 'Unsportsmanlike', Triple H, also known as Paul Levesque, shared that he works with Styles every week and talks about a list of people he would like to go up against before he retires. While Levesque shared that he hopes Styles continues his wrestling career past Royal Rumble 2026, he also pointed out the decorated career that Styles has had over the years.

'AJ Styles has not made it a secret this year, 2026, is going to be his last in-ring year, but he has a lot of goals and a lot of people. I know he's with me every week, making a list of people that he would want to face and that he wants to meet in the ring before he retires', said Levesque. In the WWE, Styles was a two-time WWE Champion, a three-time United States Champion, a two-time World Tag Team champion, and an Intercontinental Champion.