5 WWE Superstars AJ Styles must face if he comes out of retirement

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That said, if AJ Styles does come back to in-ring competition, he could have more matches besides teaming up with his son. If that happens, here are five WWE stars The Phenomenal One must face.

#5. Gunther

Gunther would be an obvious opponent if AJ Styles ever returns. The Ring General was the man who ended The Phenomenal One’s WWE career. He controversially defeated Styles in their first match in January on RAW. They met again at the Royal Rumble, with Styles putting his career on the line. Gunther won again.

That gives WWE an easy story if Styles decides to wrestle again. He could return and immediately target the man who forced him to retire. However, a third match would not have to be about revenge. AJ has already lost both of their previous encounters. This time, he could simply want to prove that he can still compete at the highest level against Gunther.

#4. Bron Breakker

Bron Breakker could be an interesting opponent for AJ Styles. Styles has spoken highly of Breakker and questioned why the young star has not become World Heavyweight Champion yet.

That makes a match between them even more interesting. If Styles returns, he could want to test Breakker for himself. The Phenomenal One could see if the young star is really as good as people believe. It would also give WWE a chance to put Breakker over a major veteran. A strong performance against Styles and a victory could help further establish him as one of WWE’s next top stars.

#3. Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles already have a history together. The two had a major rivalry in 2024. Styles challenged Cody for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash France, but The American Nightmare retained. They later faced each other in an I Quit Match at Clash at the Castle, where the QB1 won again.

That gives WWE an easy story if AJ returns. The company would not need to spend months explaining why the two are facing each other. They already know each other well.

#2. CM Punk

CM Punk is probably the most interesting opponent for AJ Styles. The two were supposed to face each other for the World Heavyweight Championship on the January 26, 2026 episode of RAW. However, Finn Bálor interfered, and the match ended in a disqualification.

That means they never got to settle things properly. If AJ returns, WWE could easily revisit that unfinished match. The story would not need much explanation because fans already know why the two have unfinished business. There is also a big difference between the two stars now.

AJ is a WWE Hall of Famer who has already retired from in-ring competition. Punk, meanwhile, is the current Undisputed WWE Champion. A returning Styles challenging Punk would immediately feel like a major match. It would also give WWE a good reason to bring The Phenomenal One back into the ring.

#1. Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles would be special

Finn Balor could be a very special opponent for AJ Styles. There is a storyline reason for the match to take place. Balor interfered in AJ’s match against CM Punk in January, preventing Styles from getting a proper result.

That gives AJ a reason to target The Prince if he returns. There is also plenty of history between the two outside WWE. Styles and Balor were both major figures during the Bullet Club era.

Moreover, the two are close friends outside wrestling. Balor was visibly emotional when discussing Styles after his retirement. If AJ does return, another match between the two could be a special moment. It would have enough history behind it while also giving fans a match they would enjoy.