AJ Styles Comments On A Possible Future With WWE, Mentions Retirement Plans

[Prince Bálor]

Former IWGP and TNA Champion AJ Styles has quickly become one of the most sought-after talents in wrestling. His New Japan Pro Wrestling run is arguably the greatest of his career, and has caused many to speculate a possible WWE offer.

In a must-listen interview with Wrestling Observer Radio, Styles said that he really enjoys being with New Japan Pro Wrestling, but if WWE made him an offer he couldn't refuse, he'd have to listen.

It also appears that Styles has about five more years in wrestling, as he said during the interview that he currently plans to retire by 42.

"At 42, that'll be 20 years for me. I think that's a good stopping point, if I make it. You never know what will happen next. Blowing out my knee at this point in my career could be career-ending. I was planning on retiring early, but apparently IUDs don't work for my wife," Styles joked.

See Also: AJ Styles On Why He Started Laughing After ROH To Destination America Deal, If He Would Go To NXT

Styles also opened up about his hopes for life after wrestling as an active performer.

"I really think I have a lot to offer, so I'd really like to open my own dojo and still be able to work with New Japan. Their guys could come stay with me and get some experience in the states. If New Japan needed some more gaijin,then I would be able to supply that. Thats what I'd like to do when all this is said and done, but liking and doing are two different things," said Styles.

You can hear the full, 52 minute interview over at Wrestling Observer.

Source

 

[Bort]

No chance in hell he retires at 42 unless he signs with NXT and moves to Raw pretty quickly. You gotta have a helluva savings and guaranteed royalties if you wanna retire at 42.

 

[Stopspot]

No chance in hell he retires at 42 unless he signs with NXT and moves to Raw pretty quickly. You gotta have a helluva savings and guaranteed royalties if you wanna retire at 42.

Doesn't he have some side business going as well? Most of the guys from his generation in TNA do. Joe for example is a landlord/in the real estate game.

 

[Bort]

Still not enough to maintain the current lifestyle with six figure salaries.

 

[Stopspot]

I think when he says retire he doesn't mean get the gold watch retire, but rather move on from wrestling into some other career. Which would most likely mean a decent lifestyle change as you pointed out. Granted I dunno if there is any data out on how exactly the Allen Jones family lives. Just what they make.

 

[seabs]

Looks like he'll be using his name/links to become a feeder school for NJPW. It's not a bad idea I suppose and I'd rather see him go then rather than be a Flair or Hogan.