AJ Styles Comments on Possibly Joining WWE, When He’d Like to Retire

AJ Styles is easily one of the biggest free-agent names on the market that has yet to attempt a WWE run.

Styles, 37, is a former two-time TNA Heavyweight Champion, three-time NWA Heavyweight Champion, two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, and six-time TNA X-Division Champion.

In a recent interview on Wrestling Observer Radio, Styles said that he loves working with New Japan Pro Wrestling, but he wouldn’t turn down an offer from World Wrestling Entertainment if the deal made sense to him, possessing a “never say never” attitude.

“New Japan is a place where I belong right now,” he said.

When it comes to potential retirement, the highly-decorated champion has a number in mind in terms of how old he’ll be when he hangs up his boots for good, which won’t be close to 50 years old.

“At 42, that’ll be 20 years for me. I think that’s a good stopping point, if I make it. You never know what will happen next. Blowing out my knee at this point in my career could be career-ending. I was planning on retiring early, but apparently IUDs don’t work for my wife,” Styles joked.

To listen to the interview in its entirety, including Styles’ thoughts on what it’s like wrestling Japanese superstars and the veterans of New Japan, click here. (subscription required)

*with h/t to WrestlingInc.com

Editor’s Note

There are several big-name stars outside of WWE at the moment. You don’t necessarily need to name it with that company to become a legend in professional wrestling. Sting was a prime example of that before he made the jump. Styles is fantastic where he’s at, but just the thought of him competing for NXT or WWE and some of the dream matches he could muster up gets my mouth watering.

Follow @WalderSports