AJ Styles‘ former stablemate Karl Anderson has commented on the uncertainty surrounding the WWE star’s future in pro wrestling. The Phenomenal One could become a free agent in February 2026 when his current contract reportedly expires.
Karl Anderson on Whether AJ Styles Will Retire Or Not
Karl Anderson was namedropped by AJ Styles in a mysterious promo on RAW this past Monday (September 8). He suggested that somebody didn’t want him in WWE anymore, explaining that he no longer has backup from The Club.
AJ Styles’ group, also known as The O.C., quietly disbanded in late 2024 before Anderson and Luke Gallows were released in February 2025. The former two-time WWE Champion moved to RAW while The Club’s fourth member, Michin, remained on SmackDown.
The promo has fuelled talk of a possible storyline emerging that incorporates Styles’ contract situation and the growing doubts that he’ll sign a new deal. He told fans that he had competed at “his last SummerSlam” back in August, which only further raised eyebrows.
Anderson was asked for his thoughts on Styles possibly calling time on his illustrious career come next year. He told Jonathan Coachman on his Off The Ropes podcast: “AJ Styles – he can wrestle as long as he wants to wrestle. He can go as long as he wants to go. The thing with AJ, he’s such a family man, he’s always ready to hang it up.”
The Machine Gun added: “He likes to tell us that he can sit down if he wants to, he can stay home if he wants to. He’s done his thing, he’s proved his point that he’s one of the best wrestlers of all time to ever do this. He’s proved everything that he’s ever needed to prove – but he likes being home.”
Anderson gave his opinion on what’s in store for Styles come February 2026 and he predicts that it won’t be the end for the legendary WWE star: “Knowing AJ Styles, and knowing his competitive nature, I truly believe in my heart – and we don’t talk, and it’s not that we don’t speak a lot, it’s a quick, ‘I love you, I hope you’re doing good buddy, I miss you’ – I don’t think, knowing AJ Styles’ competitive nature, I don’t think he’s gonna hang it up.”
He concluded: “I heard his contract ends in February, and who knows what the truth is to any of that. I still think, no matter what, whether it’s with WWE or it’s not – which, I think it’s gonna continue being with WWE, I think AJ Styles is happy where he’s at – I think AJ’s gonna continue. I really believe that.”
Jon Alba claims that Styles put feelers out to other companies before penning a one-year contract extension earlier this year. There was said to have been “mutual interest” in the TNA icon trying out an alternative, which many assume would be WWE’s main competitor, AEW.
AJ Styles’ Contract Situation Set To Be Used In Storyline
There was plenty of intrigue achieved by AJ Styles’ promo on RAW, with fans playing detective over who he was blaming for his current troubles in WWE. Some pointed towards Triple H, while others recalled legitimate heat with Paul Heyman in the past.
Wrestlevotes reports that Styles’ promo wasn’t a shoot and that the promotion are attempting something different to see if it catches on. Most fans were aware this was a work, given the ‘off-air’ promo was eventually posted on WWE’s YouTube channel.
This at least will give AJ an interesting story to work with as he edges closer to the expiration of his current deal. If WWE is prepared to blur the lines between kayfabe and reality, they should allow the 48-year-old to tease heading to AEW and perhaps have “negotiations” on air with Triple H if the two parties can agree on a new deal behind closed doors.
