AJ Styles has officially secured his future with WWE by signing a new contract that transitions him to a backstage role in talent development.
Following his retirement following his loss to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble, speculation ran rampant as to whether "The Phenomenal One" would seek free agency or potentially join AEW. However, PWInsider reports that multiple sources within the company have confirmed that Styles and WWE have agreed to a new multi-year deal focused on talent development.
The new deal effectively ends rumors of Styles continuing his in-ring career elsewhere. Instead of testing the open market, the two-time WWE Champion is potentially taking on a role overseeing the development of upcoming talent at the WWE Performance Center.
The move is in line with comments made by Styles during his retirement tour, where he said he wanted to "beat the house" and transition to being a consultant while he was still mentally and physically sharp.
News of the contract follows an emotional tribute to Styles on the February 23 edition of Monday Night Raw in his home state of Georgia. During that broadcast, The Undertaker made a surprise appearance and officially announced Styles as the second inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Styles will be joined by Stephanie McMahon at the event, which is set to take place in Las Vegas during WrestleMania 42 week. PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported that the decision to retain Styles was a priority for Triple H and Nick Khan, who see Styles' experience in TNA, NJPW, and WWE as a huge asset to the current youth movement in NXT.
While AEW was reportedly willing to make a significant offer to get Styles back in the ring, the veteran has chosen the stability of a backstage role that allows him to spend more time with his family in Georgia.
