"The last one" - AJ Styles confirms his final WWE show

AJ Styles has confirmed that his latest appearance in Japan was his final in The Land of the Rising Sun. The former WWE Champion is set to retire from professional wrestling next year.

Styles recently faced John Cena at the 2025 Crown Jewel Premium Live Event. This was the final match between the two legends, with Cena emerging victorious. Before the contest, The Phenomenal One confirmed that he will retire from professional wrestling in 2026.

On Instagram, Styles sent a message after his final appearance in Japan. He thanked the WWE Universe and also shared a photo of himself sporting his iconic mask, which he traditionally wears in Japan.

"The last one in Japan. Arigato gozaimasu," Styles wrote.

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You can check out Styles' post on Instagram below.

AJ Styles opened up about his retirement plans

Since debuting in WWE in 2016, AJ Styles has established himself as a top star. He has won the WWE Championship twice and has also held the Intercontinental and United States championships. He is also a former Tag Team Champion, having held the title with Omos.

At a recent WWE Live event in Melbourne, Styles scored a big victory over El Grande Americano. Post-match, he addressed the fans in attendance and confirmed that he will indeed retire from professional wrestling. Styles said:

"I don't have a lot of time, and I'm not supposed to be on this microphone right now. But I just want to thank you guys for cheering, some of the best fans in the world. Here's the truth: I'm probably not going to be seen again in a singlet like this anymore. So, I just wanted you to know from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much."

Earlier this year, AJ Styles unsuccessfully challenged Dominik Mysterio for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. He also returned to TNA Wrestling for the first time in years for a special appearance.

About the author

Soumik Datta is a professional wrestling journalist who has been following the business for more than a decade.

In 2017, Soumik joined the Sportskeeda Wrestling team and is best known for his work with the WWE team. He has previously contributed to the Sportskeeda AEW, MMA, and the football team where he specifically covered the Major League Soccer.

In 2024, Soumik crossed 50 million reads for Sportskeeda WWE. While working under Sportskeeda MMA, he interviewed prominent UFC fighters, including Justin Gaethje, Sean O'Malley, and Cory Sandhagen, among others. He is also being followed by John Cena on X (formerly Twitter).

In 2025, Soumik became an Assistant Content Manager at Sportskeeda, but continues to cover and write about the hottest and trending news topics.

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Edited by Soumik Datta