Randy Orton issues statement following the WWE retirement of AJ Styles
As seen during the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble PLE, AJ Styles lost to Gunther in a career-threatening match. In a video published to WWE’s YouTube channel, several wrestlers commented on the retirement of Styles including Randy Orton..
“I remember when he first came to WWE, we were all so excited because we knew that he was one of the best of us. Everybody was familiar with his work from TNA and Japan, and I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work with AJ.
You know, I think that anyone in the back would agree that he’s one of the best wrestlers, pure wrestlers, entertainers, sports entertainers, whatever you want to call it, of this generation. You couldn’t say enough about how great he is in the ring.
But when it comes to outside of the ring, what I really respect about him is the kind of husband and the kind of father he is, the kind of locker room leader he is. He definitely leads by example. He’s straight-edge, clean-living, just an amazing man in general, and it was a privilege to work alongside AJ.
I hope that we keep in touch. AJ, if you’re listening to this, man, I love you, buddy. I wish you the best, and thanks for the good times inside the ring and out.”