Follow on Google News AJ Styles will put his entire WWE career on the line against Gunther at Royal Rumble 2026, a choice that could abruptly close the door on one of the most accomplished runs of the modern era. The stipulation followed weeks of mounting tension, with Styles given until the end of tonight’s Raw to deliver his final answer.
The issue traces back to last week’s Raw main event, a finish that left both the audience and Styles openly furious. Gunther was caught in the Calf Crusher and tapped out, but the referee never saw it, leaving the submission conveniently ignored.
Believing he had won, Styles released the hold. Seconds later, Gunther struck with a low blow and a powerbomb, turning a missed call into a stolen victory that only deepened the resentment between them.
Tonight in Belfast, the crowd made its stance unmistakable. As Styles confronted Gunther over the finish, chants of “tapped out like a little bitch” filled the arena. Gunther dismissed the accusations and initially shut down any talk of a rematch.
His logic was straightforward. He saw no reason to face Styles again. The former World Heavyweight Champion was already focused on the men’s Royal Rumble match, where he once lasted more than 71 minutes, and had nothing to gain by revisiting a match he claimed to have won.
In recent months, Gunther has leaned into a growing reputation as a career ender. He submitted Goldberg in his final match and later did the same to John Cena, proudly carrying the weight of retiring two icons.
Styles took particular offense to how Gunther handled Cena. The lack of respect toward a legend, paired with the tainted loss, pushed his frustration to the edge and made the situation personal.
Styles Makes His Decision Official
Gunther laid out the only condition under which he would accept another match. AJ Styles would have to risk his career. If Styles loses at Royal Rumble, his WWE run ends immediately, with no exceptions.
The challenge lingered throughout the night. Styles used the time to speak with his wife about the most consequential decision of his professional life, weighing legacy against pride.
Her response aligned perfectly with what he already felt.
“She said exactly what I was thinking — kick his ass,” Styles told the crowd ahead of the main event.
Adam Pearce moved quickly. The match was made official on the spot, with Gunther vs. AJ Styles set for January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern.
The stakes feel even heavier given Styles’ previously stated plans to retire by the end of 2026. He shared on The Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast that he wants to finish his nearly 30-year career on his own terms, not due to injury, with his WWE contract reportedly expiring around February.
Gunther will also pull double duty that night after declaring for the men’s Royal Rumble match. The updated card features a WWE Championship defense by Drew McIntyre against an opponent to be determined at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24.
Whether Styles leaves Riyadh with his career intact or becomes the next legend retired by Gunther now looms as the central question heading into Royal Rumble season.
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