5 matches AJ Styles must have before he retires

The Phenomenal One is one of the best in-ring performers of his generation. AJ Styles is respected, loved and valued by his peers and the WWE Universe. His wrestling ability is exceptional, and he can put on a great match with just about anyone.

When AJ Styles debuted as a surprise entrant in the 2016 Royal Rumble match, fans were elated because one of the best had finally stepped into a WWE ring. AJ Styles became a multi-time WWE Champion, United States Champion, Intercontinental Champion and RAW Tag-Team Champion.

Styles has also put on classics with Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and The Undertaker throughout his WWE tenure.

However, AJ Styles is forty-three now. Despite his age, he continues to wrestle as a full-time Superstar competing at an elite level. In January, he claimed that he could wrestle for the next six years but sometimes felt that his in-ring career could end within 12 months.

AJ Styles' WWE contract expires in 2024. It will most likely mark the end of his illustrious career. That leaves WWE with plenty of time to put together five pivotal match-ups involving Styles.

This list explores five matches AJ Styles must have before riding off into the sunset.

#5 AJ Styles versus Shinsuke Nakamura

AJ Styles faced Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34

'The King of Strong Style' and 'The Phenomenal One' are two names synonymous with professional wrestling. They have fought several times in WWE and NJPW. However, their one-on-one match in NJPW was better than any of their encounters in WWE.

AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura first collided at WrestleMania 34. They put on a great match. However, the expectations were sky-high heading into the match, and they couldn't exceed them. Nakamura turned heel after the match, and their feud continued over the spring of 2018, culminating in a Last Man Standing Match at Money in the Bank where Styles won to retain his WWE Championship.

Their feud was marred by low-blows, questionable booking decisions, and insane expectations. Another high-stakes rivalry is essential to rectify these errors. The expectations won't be that high this time around, and it will allow these two icons to produce a match-of-the-year candidate.

#4 AJ Styles versus Bobby Lashley

AJ Styles and Bobby Lashley have never competed in a one-on-one match in WWE.

The Almighty and The Phenomenal One are well-traveled veterans who have performed in the world's top wrestling promotions. Bobby Lashley and AJ Styles found considerable success in TNA and WWE. However, these veterans have surprisingly seldom crossed paths.

The current WWE Champion is at the pinnacle of his career. Bobby Lashley has never been more vicious and dominant. Meanwhile, AJ Styles has entered the tag-team division and holds the Raw Tag Team Championships alongside his bodyguard Omos. Consequently, AJ Styles has stayed away from the main-event scene.

WWE has shown an interest in elevating younger stars at the expense of older stars, as indicated by the lack of part-timers at WrestleMania 37. This may mean that the chances of witnessing two established veterans like AJ Styles and Bobby Lashley collide under the bright lights are slim. However, it would be an injustice for such a dream match to never come to fruition.

In all likelihood, AJ Styles versus Bobby Lashley may take place. At present, it is difficult to predict the timing of the match. However, if Styles were to enter the WWE Championship picture, this match could happen much sooner.

AJ Styles and Bobby Lashley might be at the tail-end of their careers, but they could still steal the show together.

#3 AJ Styles versus Seth Rollins

AJ Styles faced Seth Rollins at Money in the Bank 2019

AJ Styles and Seth Rollins are arguably the modern-day versions of Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. With their excellent wrestling ability and dedication, they have become top stars. However, in the case of Hart and Michaels, those two were infamous for their memorable rivalries.

At Money in the Bank 2019, Seth Rollins successfully defended his Universal Championship against AJ Styles in a stellar match. Their rivalry was cut short, and WWE never followed up on their match at Money in the Bank. AJ Styles and Seth Rollins had a rushed, lackluster feud that left much to be desired. As incredible as their match was, the feud should've lasted longer.

Since their initial encounter, they have crossed paths a couple of times but have never engaged in another full-fledged rivalry. The Messiah versus The Phenomenal One is still a blockbuster feud that will boost ratings and sell-out live crowds.

Unfortunately, a few roadblocks must be dealt with if AJ Styles is to face Seth Rollins again. Seth Rollins competes on SmackDown, while AJ Styles competes on RAW. Moreover, both stars are heels, and WWE is not very comfortable with heel versus heel matches.

Seth Rollins and AJ Styles need to battle again, but this time, the match should occur at SummerSlam or WrestleMania. WWE doesn't need to rush this feud like it did in 2019. If given enough time, they could tell a great story in and out of the ring.

#2 AJ Styles versus Triple H

Triple H and AJ Styles led WWE and TNA through the first decade of the twenty-first century. The Game may not have the wrestling prowess of the Phenomenal One, but the COO is a certified legend that can hang in there with the best.

Ten years ago, an encounter between Triple H and AJ Styles would have been a must-see when both stars were in their prime. In 2021, it is still a dream match, and fans would love to see the two legends battle it out in a WWE ring.

There is one hurdle to a potential showdown between AJ Styles and Triple H. The Cerebral Assassin has largely stepped away from the ring and has taken up a more corporate role. This is limiting opportunities for the fourteen-time World Champion to compete.

AJ Styles wanted to face Triple H at WrestleMania 37, but the COO declined the offer because of his busy schedule. The Game didn't have enough time to get into wrestling shape for a blockbuster match at WrestleMania. Hence, the match never came to fruition, and AJ Styles ended up competing for the Raw Tag Team Championships at the event.

As time passes, it becomes less likely that fans will ever see Triple H versus AJ Styles. However, Triple H hasn't retired and still has some gas left in the tank. If the Game can muster up the strength for another high-stakes match, AJ Styles might eventually get the match he wanted at WrestleMania 37.

#1 AJ Styles versus Edge

Edge and AJ Styles want to face each other.

When Edge miraculously returned to in-ring competition at the 2020 Royal Rumble match, he engaged in a bone-chilling face-off with AJ Styles. After trading a few blows, Edge nailed AJ Styles with a wicked Spear that injured the latter. Edge tossed Styles over the top rope.

It was a dream match that many fans had crossed off their list when Edge retired. However, Edge is back in great shape at the right time and wants to end his career on his terms.

Styles, as consistent as he has always been, continues to build his list of accolades. This match would have happened a long time ago, but AJ Styles was making a name for himself worldwide when the Rated-R Superstar was winning World Championships in WWE.

The timing is perfect for a colossal dream match between AJ Styles and Edge. Their brief staredown at Royal Rumble 2020 had the crowd buzzing. The magic these two veterans could create in a WWE ring is beyond description.

The Hall of Famer also wants a match with AJ Styles. The Phenomenal One would also love to add Edge to the list of legends he has defeated.

Edge versus AJ Styles is a dream match of epic proportions worthy of headlining WrestleMania.