Sun Jan 25 01:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Styles and Nakamura Set to Reignite Rivalry Amidst Retirement Speculation

The Story:

AJ Styles, “The Phenomenal One,” is slated for action at the upcoming January 24, 2026, Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal. This appearance follows an invitation to SmackDown from General Manager Nick Aldis, during which Styles was confronted backstage by Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura alluded to Styles putting his career on the line against Gunther at the Royal Rumble and offered his assistance in helping Styles “prove himself” before this potential “retirement match.” This interaction sets the stage for what appears to be a rekindling of their storied rivalry, highlighted by their classic Wrestle Kingdom 10 encounter.

Key Points:

  • AJ Styles will compete at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24, 2026, in Montreal.
  • Nick Aldis invited Styles to SmackDown.
  • Shinsuke Nakamura confronted Styles backstage.
  • Nakamura referenced Styles’s potential career-threatening match against Gunther.
  • Nakamura offered to “help” Styles prove himself.
  • Styles and Nakamura have a celebrated history of matches, including Wrestle Kingdom 10.

Critical Analysis:

The timing of Nakamura’s offer to “help” Styles, coupled with the “retirement match” tease and the pre-existing hype around a potential Styles vs. Nakamura match at WrestleMania 42, suggests a carefully orchestrated storyline. The WWE is likely capitalizing on the history between Styles and Nakamura to build anticipation for a significant match, possibly at WrestleMania, by weaving a narrative of mentorship/competition leading up to the event. This is further supported by Triple H’s publicly stated excitement for the match, signaling a major push from management.

Key Takeaways:

  • WWE is actively building a narrative around AJ Styles’s future, potentially his retirement.
  • Shinsuke Nakamura is being positioned as a key player in Styles’s storyline.
  • A Styles vs. Nakamura match is being heavily teased, likely culminating at a major event like WrestleMania 42.
  • WWE is leveraging the historical context of Styles and Nakamura’s rivalry to generate fan interest.
  • Nick Aldis’s role as SmackDown General Manager is being utilized to initiate and drive storylines.

Impact Analysis:

The rekindling of the Styles-Nakamura rivalry has significant long-term implications. It serves as a major draw for both casual and hardcore fans, given their history. This storyline has the potential to elevate Nakamura’s status within the company, possibly leading to a championship opportunity. It also contributes to the broader narrative of Styles’s career, adding a layer of emotional investment as fans contemplate his potential retirement. The WrestleMania 42 match could be a career highlight for both wrestlers, drawing substantial viewership and potentially influencing the trajectories of other wrestlers on the roster.

Read More

Related News: