WWE star AJ Styles is nearing the end of his career. The Phenomena One has been a major star for the company since debuting in the promotion back in 2016.
AJ Styles was arguably one of the biggest stars to make a name for himself in wrestling outside the WWE. He worked in several companies, including WCW, TNA Wrestling, ROH, and NJPW, before joining Vince McMahon and his company. In the WWE, the star quickly rose through the ranks, capturing the WWE title in a few months. He also became a grand slam champion and a reliable worker.
Last year, the Phenomenal One confirmed that 2026 would be his last year in wrestling and he would not renew his contract. This led to speculations on how WWE will book him in this final run. From the beginning of this year, he has been separated from his tag team partner, Dragon Lee, and placed in a program with Gunther. In fact, AJ Styles had a confrontation with the Ring General this week on RAW.
The major question is who should be AJ Styles’ final opponent when the wrestling legend finally hangs up his boots. While the WWE roster boasts of several talented individuals who can rise up to the occasion, one major name makes the most sense. AEW star and former International Champion Will Ospreay would be the best choice for AJ’s retirement match. However, the dream encounter is almost impossible since Ospreay is under contract with the Tony Khan-led company.
AJ Styles vs Will Ospreay!
The only ever singles meeting between them, and it took place back in 2015pic.twitter.com/191mcfm3i9
— Ciarán (@CiaranRH93) November 21, 2023
The two stars also have history together as they faced each other at RevPro High Stakes in 2015. This led to a thrilling singles encounter between the two. Osperay has often gone on record as saying that AJ Styles was a massive inspiration to him growing up. He mentioned that the star’s triple-threat match against Christopher Daniels and Samoa Joe inspired him to become a high-flying in-ring worker.
What is Will Ospreay doing?
The Aerial Assassin has made an impact in AEW since he debuted in the company in 2024.
The star has been sidelined from in-ring action recently. He needed surgery after suffering two herniated discs. He underwent successful neck surgery back in September 2025 and has been recovering ever since.
His partner, AEW star Alex Windsor, recently shared an update on his recovery. She mentioned that the recovery has been challenging, but the star is staying positive.
There is no definite timeline for his return. However, Ospreay would be looking to return before AEW All In at London in August 2026.
