AJ Styles’ 5 Dream Matches That Should Happen Before His WWE Retirement
AJ Styles has spent 27 years in wrestling, fought iconic matches in every promotion and earned fans across the world. His name is now considered a gold standard in professional wrestling. But now that he has openly said his retirement is not far away. Now, fans are wondering who’s gonna face AJ Styles in his final matches?
In 2024, AJ himself said he could see the “finish line” ahead and staying away from his family is the main reason why he’s ready to leave WWE. Any hopes of him going to AEW are over too, as he made it clear he plans to end his career in WWE.
So let’s look at the 5 dream matches that could make AJ Styles’ retirement tour truly legendary.
1. CM Punk vs AJ Styles – From Real Life Heat to Mutual Respect
The relationship between AJ Styles and CM Punk has always been complex not just for the players but also the WWE fans. Punk publicly criticized AJ for staying silent on racial issues back in 2020. AJ responded by saying he had zero respect for Punk. But in 2023, when Punk returned to WWE, AJ was doubtful at first, but later admitted Punk had changed.
In 2025 they shared the ring in a Triple Threat on Raw, but never had a proper one-on-one match. Though they’ve fought several times on the indie scene in the 2000s, WWE has never booked a singles match between them. The stage is now set.
If AJ wants to close an old chapter before retiring, a final showdown with Punk needs to happen.
2. Roman Reigns – AJ is Going Back Where It All Began
AJ made his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble and his first in-ring clash was with Roman Reigns. At that time Roman was in his “Big Dog” phase and was getting booed, but AJ’s style and performance helped fans enjoy their rivalry.
People still remember that feud. But ever since Roman became the Tribal Chief, he and AJ haven’t had a real face-off. WWE should bring this connection back with a strong storyline where AJ and Roman collide mixing their past and present.
3. Je’Von Evans – The Young Star Who Reminds AJ of Himself
Je’Von Evans might not be on everyone’s list yet, but if it’s about continuing AJ’s legacy. And Evans fits perfectly for it. His speed, energy and awareness in NXT are just like AJ’s early days in the X-Division.
Like AJ, Evans always tries something new in the ring, naturally connects with fans and is quickly becoming a fan-favorite. If AJ wants to pass the torch before retiring, Evans should be the one.
This match could be a best WWE match, where the legendary past meets the future.
4. Motor City Machine Guns – A TNA Reunion That Can Make WWE History
Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley also known as Motor City Machine Guns are legends AJ Styles worked with during his TNA run. When they arrived in WWE in 2024, it brought back an entire era for fans.
AJ teamed up and clashed with Sabin in TNA, while his moments with Shelley were limited but impactful. WWE could set up a tag team or singles match with these two.
And if the match is produced by someone like Bobby Roode, Petey Williams or Abyss original TNA names then it would become more than just a match. It would be a tribute to their shared history.
5. Gunther – The Most Fitting Final Opponent for AJ Styles
Gunther is now one of the most feared and dominant wrestlers in WWE. He retired Goldberg, took the title from Jey Uso and brings new levels of brutality every time he fights.
So far, AJ and Gunther have only faced off in house shows. They’ve never had a singles match on TV. If WWE wants AJ’s final match to feel once-in-a-lifetime, there’s no better opponent than Gunther.
A high-stakes emotional match, where AJ fights his final bout against a powerhouse like Gunther, that’s something no fan can ever forget.
AJ Styles’ retirement tour should be a celebration of his legacy, rivalries and unmatched talent. Whether it’s unfinished business with CM Punk or a chance to revisit his past with Roman Reigns, every match would tell its own powerful story.
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