A Farewell to a Wrestling Legend

AJ Styles’ WWE career may be over, at least for now. While the business can be unpredictable, one thing is certain: AJ’s passion for wrestling remains undiminished. After an electrifying match against GUNTHER, he refused to leave his gloves in the ring. Instead, he defiantly kept them on and posed to the crowd, a final gesture of defiance and pride.

Prior to that, the match was a masterclass in technical mat wrestling. Both men engaged in a battle of attrition, each promising to make the other submit. However, AJ’s refusal to tap out became the defining moment of the match. The contest ultimately came down to Calf Crushers and Sleepers. GUNTHER managed to avoid tapping by using his height to reach the ropes and his cleverness to break AJ’s hold. But when it came to the Sleeper, AJ eventually ran out of luck.

The final sequence was breathtaking. The camera focused on AJ struggling to escape GUNTHER’s submission hold, capturing the referee asking if he gave up. Styles fought toward the ropes, nearly touching them before GUNTHER pulled him away, beating the life out of him. Eventually, AJ passed out.

This moment felt like a natural conclusion for AJ, as he didn’t believe this was the end. He had plans for another year in WWE. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. This match was more than just a wrestling bout—it was art, capping off a remarkable series of matches in his final days. Now, AJ will continue his journey elsewhere, doing what he does best.

Women’s Rumble: A Mixed Bag

The women’s Royal Rumble started with some uncertainty. For much of the event, it felt rushed and disjointed, almost as if it were played in fast forward. However, there were moments of promise. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair began the match, but instead of immediately fighting, they waited for the third entrant. Their interactions were teasing rather than confrontational, leaving fans wanting more.

Recapping the Rumble is always a challenge due to its chaotic nature. There are so many elements happening at once that it’s hard to focus on any one story. This particular Rumble was no different, with most of the drama unfolding in the final minutes.

There were several teases of potential storylines. Charlotte eliminated Nia Jax and Alexa Bliss, though it wasn’t clear if it was intentional. Alexa will likely see it as a betrayal. We also saw the official reveal of “Nattie,” complete with a new theme. Her return was accompanied by a hint of tension with Maxxine Dupri, who couldn’t wait for her former friend to enter the ring.

The NXT members brought their rivalries to the main roster. Jacy Jayne eliminated Kelani Jordan, only to be eliminated herself by Sol Ruca. Lash Legend received well-deserved attention, showcasing her growth since her NXT days. She even ditched her previous theme song, which was a refreshing change.

Brie Bella made a surprise return, lasting longer than expected before being eliminated by Lash Legend. Tiffany Stratton’s return at number 30 put her in a strong position for the final four. Meanwhile, Judgment Day’s drama unfolded as Liv Morgan eliminated Raquel Rodriguez, breaking from her usual loyalty to her friends.

Tiffany, Sol, and Liv formed the final three, delivering a high-octane triple threat match. Sol’s attempt to eliminate both women at once backfired, leading to her elimination. Liv emerged victorious, marking a significant comeback and setting up potential drama in the women’s division.

Men’s Rumble: A Rollercoaster Ride

Roman Reigns is heading to WrestleMania, a fitting place for a wrestler who has been a staple of the event. Even as a fan, it’s ironic that a man known for his dominance is now set for another appearance after criticizing WWE’s creative direction.

Before Roman tossed GUNTHER over the top rope, the men’s Rumble delivered plenty of action. Oba Femi dominated early, drawing number one and staying in the match for a long time. His elimination came at the hands of Brock Lesnar, who cleared the ring as usual. Their brief interaction hinted at a future match between the two.

LA Knight made a return, seeking revenge on The Vision. The masked attacker who targeted Bron Breakker appeared to be Seth Rollins, though the identity remains uncertain. Powerhouse Hobbs, now known as Royce Keys, made his debut, though the name change left many confused.

Drew McIntyre proved to be a menace, derailed Cody Rhodes’ hopes of winning the Rumble. His pettiness and vindictiveness were on full display. Roman entered the match, asking his cousin Jey to run it back, only for Roman to slap him in a dramatic family moment.

Je’Von Evans had a long run, rekindling old rivalries with Trick Williams and Oba Femi. He also had a chance to redo a spot with Randy Orton from a year ago. It was a fitting note for the Young OG.

However, not all moments were satisfying. Drew vs. Sami Zayn was a squash match, a stark contrast to Sami’s recent championship match against Roman. It left many wondering about Sami’s future.

The 2026 Royal Rumble was uneven, with only two matches truly resonating. While I enjoyed the men’s Rumble, I’m less excited about Roman coming out on top due to his schedule and the short time until WrestleMania. I hope I’m wrong.

Where do you think AJ goes next? Are you interested in a Roman vs. Punk showdown? Let us know in the comments.