At WWE WrestleMania 42, Brock Lesnar left his boots and gloves in the midst of the ring after losing to Oba Femi, seemingly signifying his retirement from the professional wrestling industry. Then, on the May 18, 2026 episode of “WWE Raw”, Lesnar made a shocking return, attacking Femi and resetting their feud. Very similar to Lesnar, AJ Styles also retired this yr, but could he follow within the footsteps of “The Beast Incarnate?”
“Simply because Brock got here back does not imply I’m!” Styles exclaimed during an episode of his “The Phenomenally Retro Podcast.” Styles then weighed in on Lesnar’s return, and why it really works for Lesnar versus him potentially doing the identical. “I feel there’s definitely more meat [on the bone]. Based on the group response and everybody’s response who thought Brock was done, it really works!”
Styles further praised the best way WWE booked Lesnar’s return, noting that the corporate created a must-see clash between Lesnar and Femi. The veteran then circled back to the notions of him returning, criticizing a fake-out retirement. “And who would try this? Who would say they are going to retire and do not? Anyway! I do not think I ever said I used to be gonna retire, I just form of [did],” he explained.
While an official return to WWE as talent is not something “The Phenomenal One” is currently considering, he’s removed from retired from the industry. Styles opened up about his latest ventures inside the promotion, noting how he’s begun filling in for training and scouting, which is something he enjoys and as a method to transfer his passion to the subsequent generation.
In the event you use any quotes from this text, please credit “The Phenomenally Retro Podcast,” and supply a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.