Top WWE Superstar Reportedly Signs Contract Extension
The contract status of AJ Styles has been a topic of discussion for some time, but a new report indicates he will be remaining with WWE for at least another year. His future in wrestling has been a key storyline, both on and off screen.
According to a new report from Fightful Select, the former WWE Champion has signed a one-year contract extension with the company. The outlet noted that sources close to Styles confirmed he had shared the news with them, though the exact start and end dates of the new deal are not yet known.
The Retirement Clock
This contract news is significant given Styles' own public comments about his future. Earlier this year, the freshly turned 48-year-old stated that he promised he will retire from in-ring competition before he turns 50.
He has been firm on this point, noting that while he loves the business, he is not afraid of retirement and wants to be there for his family.
This new one-year extension will take him right up to the doorstep of that self-imposed deadline, leaving fans to speculate on his plans for a final run.
In a 2022 interview, Styles also made it clear that he wants to end his career with WWE. He said he has no desire to work anywhere else and would love to transition into a backstage role with the company if the opportunity arises after he hangs up his boots.
The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as...
The WWE logo is seen on the front of the WWE wrestling world headquarters on January 28, 2024 in Stamford, Connecticut. WWE founder Vince McMahon resigned from the WWE and its parent company TKO as executive chairman and its board of directors following allegations of sexual assault made public in a lawsuit in Connecticut. A former employee Janel Grant accused McMahon, 78, of sexual assault and sexually trafficking her. MoreA Phenomenal WWE Career
Since making his shocking debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, AJ Styles has been one of WWE's most decorated and respected performers. He is a two-time WWE Champion, with his second reign lasting an impressive 371 days. He has also held the Intercontinental and United States championships, making him a WWE Grand Slam Champion.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
Known as "The Phenomenal One," he is widely regarded as one of the best in-ring wrestlers of his generation. He has competed in memorable feuds and matches against nearly every top star in the company, including John Cena, Roman Reigns, and The Undertaker, whom he faced in the highly acclaimed Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36, which was The Undertaker's final match.
Recent In-Ring Action
Prior to a brief hiatus, Styles was last seen on WWE programming in mid-June. He picked up back-to-back victories on Raw against Chad Gable and JD McDonagh.
These wins came as he was involved in a storyline with The Judgment Day and was expected to challenge Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship before Mysterio was sidelined with an injury. The new contract ensures that storyline, or a new main event push, is now possible upon his return to television.
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