AJ Styles didn’t quietly fade into retirement — and now the real reason behind his decision has come to light straight from someone who heard it directly from him.
After officially ending his in-ring career following his loss to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble, Styles made it clear he was stepping away. WWE quickly honored him with a tribute on Raw and confirmed his Hall of Fame induction, but behind the scenes, the decision had already been made for reasons far beyond storyline or timing.
Speaking on the Talk’n Shop podcast, Karl Anderson revealed the private conversation where Styles told him exactly why it was over.
“He said, ‘Dude, I have to. My neck is hurting too…