The air crackled with anticipation at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, but a revelation surfaced that may have stolen the thunder from a looming showdown. Shinsuke Nakamura, a longtime rival of AJ Styles, inadvertently hinted at a potentially seismic shift in the wrestling world – the possible end of an era.
Styles, known throughout the industry as the “Phenomenal One,” has openly discussed retirement, pinpointing 2026 as a possible farewell. However, a far more immediate exit looms large: Saturday’s Royal Rumble, where he’s scheduled to face the formidable GUNTHER in a dream match with his career hanging in the balance.
Nakamura’s Instagram Story, presented as a personal diary entry, recounted a conversation from last year’s tour in Japan. He recalled pressing Styles on his future, receiving a startlingly direct response: “The Royal Rumble. I’ve already decided.” The weight of those words now hangs heavy, suggesting a planned conclusion to a celebrated career.
Their history runs deep, forged in the arenas of New Japan Pro Wrestling before Styles joined WWE in 2016. Nakamura’s post revealed a profound respect for his opponent, describing Styles as “almost like a brother and a best friend, in my own way.” He expressed a fervent desire to give Styles a fitting send-off, a final clash worthy of his legacy.
The match itself lived up to the hype, a captivating display of skill and athleticism that left fans breathless. But almost immediately after, speculation ignited online. Fans quickly connected Nakamura’s diary entry to the Rumble match, fearing he’d unintentionally revealed Styles’ fate.
Social media exploded with theories, many convinced Nakamura had spoiled the outcome – a loss for Styles, and the end of his in-ring career. Others hoped it was a calculated misdirection, a clever “work” designed to mislead the audience. The uncertainty only amplified the drama surrounding the upcoming event.
Styles himself has been signaling a winding down for months, admitting in April 2024 that his body was pleading for rest. He acknowledged a desire to continue wrestling, but conceded that the physical toll was becoming unsustainable. He hinted at WWE being the ideal place to conclude his journey.
Regardless of the outcome at the Royal Rumble, one thing remains certain: a remarkable career is nearing its end. The wrestling world watches with bated breath, hoping for a memorable final chapter for a true icon of the sport.
