Gunther has a major request for Michael Cole ahead of AJ Styles’ potential retirement match at the Royal Rumble 2026

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In a special request to Michael Cole, Gunther said he wanted to see him at ringside calling the match as he retires AJ Styles. Michael Cole didn’t have too much to say in response, as there wasn’t really much he could say.

In some ways, it looked like WWE was subtly teasing AJ Styles ‘ retirement at the Royal Rumble, although to many fans, this would be underwhelming as Styles said he planned to have a retirement tour that spanned throughout the year 2026.

One way or the other, either Styles’ career will be put to rest, or The Ring General and 2-time World Champion will find himself utterly humiliated. It’s going to be interesting to see the direction that this storyline takes, as putting one’s career on the line is as high stakes as it can get. If Styles wins in Saudi Arabia, it will likely set things up for a proper farewell tour this year.