What is being said about AJ Styles potentially working for AEW or TNA Wrestling

As seen during the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble PLE, AJ Styles lost to Gunther in a career-threatening match. Fightful Select previously reported that Styles’ WWE contract was expected to expire in February 2026, though the outlet was unable to confirm whether an extension had been reached.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful noted the following regarding Styles potentially working for AEW…

“AJ Styles was a big topic of conversation at AEW last week. Nobody seems to know his official status, but if he becomes available, everyone we spoke to in AEW believes he will be approached by them.”

Regarding a potential return to TNA Wrestling, WWE sources indicated to Fightful that Styles would have been permitted to work there even while under a WWE contract if he had wanted to. One TNA source believed Styles had extended his WWE deal prior to the Royal Rumble, though that information could not be confirmed. NJPW was also said to have interest in possibly working with Styles as the promotion deals with recent talent losses.

A WWE source familiar with Styles’ situation stated that regardless of what happens next, Styles “very much” has control over the timing and circumstances of his retirement. Another source added that while WWE would gladly extend its relationship with Styles, he has been clear and firm about his plans regarding retirement.