WWE News: AJ Styles hints at retiring soon

<p> — AJ Styles after defeating Jinder Mahal to become a two-time WWE Champion

What's the story?

It's hard to imagine a pro wrestling world without AJ Styles, but by the sounds of it that's exactly what is going to happen eventually. AJ Styles told 97.9 The Box in Houston that he plans on taking it easy in a couple of years so he doesn't have to miss any more of his children's life events.

In case you didn't know...

AJ Styles is one of the best pro wrestlers on the planet and he's been up there for a number of years. After helping establish Impact Wrestling as a legitimate company in a lot of ways for a decade, Styles took off the indy circuit where he ended up in New Japan.

Styles' run in New Japan Pro Wrestling was monumental not only due to the quality of his matches, but his influence as leader of The Bullet Club, a franchise that has lived on far past his exit.

By the time he ended up in WWE as a surprise 3rd entrant in the 2016 Royal Rumble AJ Styles was on fire. He's kept up that phenomenal reputation to this date. It's really hard to believe how much AJ Styles has been able to accomplish in the short time he's been with WWE, but they don't him the Phenomenal One for no reason.

The heart of the matter

AJ Styles and Drew McIntyre were guests on 97.9 The Box in Houston this week to promote the big WWE events in the area when AJ Styles started opening up a little bit about getting older. He said It's harder to pull off those amazing skills to be at that Phenomenal level at this point in his career although it's not impossible as he continues to prove it in the ring and the gym.

"The older you get, the less energy you have to maintain it!" Styles said. "It is what it is, but if you still have that drive and you can still do it, why not? Get in the gym and get it done, and look good in the meantime."

AJ Styles has wrestled for 18 years of his life at this point and it looks like he's looking forward to a day where he won't have to work in the ring anymore. His philosophy is that he works hard now and enjoy it later. He also said in a couple years he won't have to worry about missing his children's activities which really makes you have to wonder if he plans on re-signing with WWE when the time comes.

"Work hard now, you enjoy it later," Styles said. "In a couple of years, I'll be able to catch every football game, every baseball game, every basketball game, cheerleading, gymnastics, whatever they're in."

What's next?

If AJ Styles did retire in his early 40's he could certainly have a great life ahead of him to enjoy with his family. He could always have more kids as well and add to the tattoos on his side.

But he has been on top for a while now wherever he's worked and if he's been smart about it and handled his money wisely he very well might have a solid nest egg to live the rest of his life without working again.

Author's take

AJ Styles might never retire because the business won't let him. People love AJ Styles and even after he's done actually wrestling there's nothing stopping him from teaching people how to be Phenomenal.