May 10, 2025 – WWE Backlash, Detroit, Michigan
In what became the most emotional moment of the night, WWE superstar AJ Styles delivered a shocking and heartfelt goodbye to the WWE Universe at Backlash 2025. After an intense match with Finn Bálor, the Phenomenal One stood tall in the center of the ring—but what happened next left fans stunned.
The Match That Marked the End
AJ Styles and Finn Bálor have had a long-standing rivalry built on mutual respect and fierce competition. The match at Backlash was no different—fast-paced, technical, and brutal. Styles landed a final Phenomenal Forearm and secured the pin, winning what many thought was just another chapter in their story.
But once the referee raised his hand, Styles didn’t celebrate. Instead, he called for a mic.
“It’s Time to Say Goodbye”
As fans rose to their feet, confused and curious, Styles slowly addressed the crowd.
> “I’ve given this everything I have for over two decades,” Styles said, visibly emotional. “But my body… it’s telling me it’s time to stop. This isn’t easy to say, but tonight… was my last match.”
The crowd gasped, and a somber silence filled the arena before chants of “Thank you, AJ!” rang out.
Tears welled up in the eyes of many fans, and even some front-row kids could be seen hugging their parents. Styles, too, was wiping away tears.
Locker Room Tribute
Within moments, the WWE locker room emptied as superstars from RAW, SmackDown, and NXT came to the stage to honor the legend. Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Bianca Belair, and even Randy Orton stood together and applauded. Triple H himself walked out and embraced AJ, whispering something in his ear that the cameras couldn’t catch.
Even Finn Bálor, his opponent that night, returned to the ring—not to fight, but to hug Styles and raise his hand high one last time.
A Career Worthy of a Legend
AJ Styles has had a storied career—multiple WWE Championships, unforgettable rivalries, and some of the greatest matches in modern wrestling history. From his surprise debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble to leading The O.C. and clashing with legends like John Cena, Styles has always delivered excellence in the ring.
Though he never announced a specific reason for his retirement, backstage sources suggest ongoing back issues and a desire to spend more time with family contributed to his decision.
What’s Next for The Phenomenal One?
There is already speculation that Styles may transition into a backstage producer or trainer role at the WWE Performance Center. Some even believe he could take on a commentator role or return down the road for one final match at WrestleMania.
But for now, AJ Styles walks away on his own terms, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
As the lights dimmed and Styles took one last bow, the only sound that echoed through the arena was a chant that said it all:
“You deserve it! You deserve it!”
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