AJ Styles has potentially wrestled his final match in Japan. The former WWE Champion said during the Crown Jewel Kick-Off Show that he is retiring in 2026.
At WWE’s Supershow in Tokyo, Japan, which was held at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena, Styles came out to speak to the fans in attendance. Styles was introduced by CM Punk, who told the crowd that it’s likely this was the last time Styles has wrestled in Japan.
Styles told the fans that he wrote a note, which he asked Shinsuke Nakamura to read in Japanese, to ensure everyone they knew how much he loves and appreciates them.
“It should be me thanking you for everything you’ve done for AJ Styles. So thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I don’t know where I would be without you. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be here in the WWE if it wasn’t for you, coming and wrestling in Japan. But I wrote something and I had it translated in Japanese because I want to make sure it’s said in your language so you can know how much that I love and appreciate you. So Nakamura, if you wouldn’t mind, would you mind reading what I wrote?”
A rough translation of what Nakamura read for Styles is below:
“Everyone, as you all know, when I first came to Japan, to be honest, I didn’t know what people expected from me or if someone like me would even be accepted here. But from the very first day, you welcomed me with respect and passion. Every time I passed through the curtain to the ring in Japan, I gave everything I had because I felt you all were worthy of it. In return, you gave me something I will never forget: trust, energy, and love for professional wrestling. Maybe one day I’ll leave this ring, but a part of my heart will always remain here, in the hearts of the Japanese people and in each and every one of you. Thank you.”
After Nakamura read the note, several of the WWE roster came out to celebrate with Styles. Punk and Ivar of the War Raiders lifted Styles up on their shoulders. A group photo was then taken.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) October 18, 2025
Quotes are courtesy of F4WOnline.