Former TNA star AJ Styles explains why he won't return to the WWE, talks about retirement

Former TNA star AJ Styles was interviewed recently by Slam Wrestling where he explained why it might not be a good time to go to WWE right now. He pointed out WWE’s stock issues and budget cuts as the primary reasons.

The current IWGP Heavyweight Champion said:

“It sure doesn’t seem like the right time to be going to WWE. I think the best place for me right now is New Japan. I’m happy with everything that’s going on there right now.”

Styles also talked about retiring in New Japan:

“At this point, I would be more than happy at some point in my career to just retire from New Japan. The respect that they have shown me … and I’m not talking about being the heavyweight champion … I’m talking about just overall treating me with respect and treating me like a star and trusting me to have great matches with guys I’ve never even been in the ring with. That means a lot to me. I hope that they see that ‘this guy’s going to help us out in the long run … he’s a team player.’ And I’d be more to, when my time comes to retire, to retire from New Japan Pro Wrestling.”