Finn Balor recently opened up on AJ Styles' retirement from professional wrestling. The former Universal Champion revealed he was caught off guard by the timing of Styles' decision to step away from in-ring competition.
Speaking on Talk'n Shop Live, Balor recounted learning about Styles' retirement plans. He said 'The Phenomenal One' had mentioned thinking about retiring in 2026, which Balor initially assumed meant later in the year, around Survivor Series.
The reality came much sooner than expected. Balor shared a conversation that took place while walking out of a RAW taping in Germany, just a couple of weeks before Styles' actual retirement.
AJ [Styles] had told me he was thinking about retiring in 2026. And in my brain, that was like, ‘Oh, okay. That’s Survivor Series.’ And then I think we’re walking out of a RAW taping in Germany two weeks before his actual retirement, and we’re walking out onto the bus,” Balor shared. “I said, ‘You’re working Gunther soon?’ He goes, ‘Yes. Think it might be the last one.’ I was like, ‘For real?’ He goes, ‘Yeah.’ Whoa. Holy cow. I was blown away.
Balor's Well Wishes for Styles
Balor expressed happiness for his colleague's ability to retire on his own terms. He praised Styles for stepping away without major injuries and being able to spend time with his family.
I must say I’m super happy for him to be able to step away with his general health. No major injuries so to speak. I know he’s a little banged up, like we all are, but to step away on his terms and be with his family, that’s such a beautiful thing. I wish him the best, and I’m sure I’ll be seeing him pretty soon.
While AJ Styles has hung up his wrestling boots, he is still working with WWE as a talent scout. Meanwhile, Finn Balor is set to face Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
