Backstage update on AJ Styles’ future WWE role ahead of Royal Rumble

WWE fans are buzzing with excitement as AJ Styles gears up for a high-stakes matchup at the upcoming Royal Rumble event. The Phenomenal One is set to square off against Gunther in a singles match, with the added stipulation that if he loses, he will be forced to retire from professional wrestling.

In a surprising turn of events, Styles recently filed trademarks for “The Phenomenal AJ Styles” and the iconic P1 logo. This move sparked speculation among fans about his retirement plans and whether he may consider signing with another wrestling promotion post his WWE tenure.

Renowned wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer shed light on the situation in a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Fans have long hoped to see Styles compete in promotions like TNA, AEW, or Japan after his WWE run. While Styles expressed his desire to have a match in TNA, WWE only permitted him to make appearances there without booking him for a match. Meltzer also revealed that there have been no substantial talks about Styles potentially joining AEW, indicating that the veteran star may have a future role within WWE even after hanging up his wrestling boots.

During a recent episode of SmackDown, AJ Styles made a grand entrance in front of a raucous crowd in Riyadh. The Phenomenal One boldly proclaimed his victory over Gunther at the Royal Rumble and teased the start of his “Phenomenal Farewell Tour.” He even hinted at a potential rematch with CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.

However, Styles’ impassioned speech was abruptly cut short by Gunther, who entered the fray with a bone to pick. The Ring General taunted Styles, vowing to make him tap out just like he did to John Cena in the past. The verbal exchange between the two stars quickly escalated, with Styles calling Gunther out for tapping out like a “little b*tch.” Despite Gunther’s visible anger, he held back from engaging in a physical altercation with the fired-up AJ.

As the anticipation for the Royal Rumble match between AJ Styles and Gunther continues to build, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes showdown. Whether Styles emerges victorious or faces retirement, one thing is certain – the Phenomenal One’s legacy in the world of professional wrestling is far from over.

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