In an electrifying turn of events, WWE is set to deliver one last exhilarating match for AJ Styles before he potentially hangs up his boots at the Royal Rumble.
Cain A. Knight, a passionate analyst and dedicated fan since the 1980s, has been breaking down and covering the world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats since 2014. His insights are rooted in a deep love for the sport.
On January 31, AJ Styles will put everything on the line as he faces GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble 2026, taking place in Saudi Arabia. This match carries significant weight as it could mark the end of Styles' illustrious career.
Ahead of this crucial showdown, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis extended an invitation to Styles for a discussion on January 23 in Montreal. Aldis expressed concern over AJ’s decision to stake his career against GUNTHER, worrying that he might be making a grave mistake. However, Styles stood firm, asserting that he wouldn’t let the Ring General send him into retirement, just as he once did with John Cena.
The tension escalated when Shinsuke Nakamura made a surprise appearance, confronting his former rival. Nakamura challenged AJ to prove he still possesses the skills of the "Phenomenal One" by facing him this weekend, specifically on January 24, during Saturday Night’s Main Event, which is also hosted in Montreal.
AJ accepted the challenge, and Aldis promptly made it official. This development suggests that WWE is keen to give Styles one final significant match before GUNTHER potentially ends his wrestling career in Saudi Arabia.
Here’s the updated lineup for Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24:
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY (c) vs. Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez
- WWE Title #1 Contender 4-Way Match: Sami Zayn vs. Randy Orton vs. Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams
- Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu
- AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
What do you think? Will AJ Styles secure a triumphant finale to his wrestling career against Nakamura this weekend in Montreal? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below, fellow Cagesiders!
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