AJ Types’ skilled wrestling future is now shrouded in uncertainty. On Saturday, Gunther beat Types on the 2026 Royal Rumble. The match stipulated that Types would retire from WWE ought to he lose. The aftermath raised questions on what precisely which means.

Final 12 months, Types introduced that he’d retire from skilled wrestling in 2026. His oath was examined sooner than anybody anticipated within the stakes of their Rumble match. On Saturday, the superstars advised a narrative a couple of defiant, world-class veteran attempting to beat an elite expertise of their bodily prime. Types put forth a willful effort earlier than in the end succumbing to Gunther’s sleeper maintain. 

Types obtained a standing ovation after the loss. Submit-match, Types teased putting his iconic gloves within the ring — a symbolic retirement gesture — however refused to after objections from the followers. Types positioned the gloves again on his fingers, elevating his arms triumphantly. Types soaked within the adoration earlier than strolling away reluctantly, preventing again tears.

Types’ half-commitment raised questions on what a WWE retirement means. He may depart for TNA, a WWE-partnered promotion for which Types was as soon as a cornerstone. If his WWE contract lapsed, he may probably soar to a different promotion like AEW. His alleged retirement may be a part of a extra elaborate WWE storyline.

Regardless of the case, Saturday’s end result furthered Gunther’s fame as a modern-day legend killer. In six months, he is gained retirement matches in opposition to Goldberg, John Cena, and Types.