AJ Styles On Retirement: It’s Hard To Give Something Up, But There’s A Right Time

AJ Styles lost to Cody Rhodes at Backlash this month, but it was not his first encounter with a Rhodes.

The Phenomenal One wrestled against Cody’s father, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes in 2003. They battled in one of TNA’s weekly pay per views, in an all-out brawl that had the crowd on their feet.

That match saw AJ Styles defend the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Dusty, and he picked up the win in 15 minutes against the WWE Hall of Famer.

Styles spoke to SO CATCH by Hal 2 before facing Cody at Backlash in Lyon, France. He was asked about his match with Dusty Rhodes, and claimed he learnt a lot from the wrestling legend. Not just in the ring, but also as Dusty was on the creative team in TNA.

“Dusty always had advice to give me, and I’m very thankful that I was able to not only wrestle with him but learn from him. Not only from, you know, just being in the ring, but he also was over creative when I was in TNA. So, it was a big deal at that time for me to work with Cody or work with Dusty. And then, here we are, I’m working as his son.”

AJ Styles: There’s A Right Time For Retirement From Wrestling

AJ Styles continued. The former WWE Champion was asked about previous comments he made about his retirement from wrestling.

Styles responded that it is difficult to give a date for his retirement. However, he noted that he will do so when is the best time for him and the WWE, although when that is is unknown.

“It’s hard to have a date. It’s hard to give something up. When you get older, there’ll be a time when you’re going to have to give up something that you love to do. But you know, there’s a right time and place to do it.”

“Now, pinpointing when that will be is the most difficult thing that you will do. So, remember this when you become an old man like myself. Figuring out what you want to do because you know in your heart that you could still do this. But at the same time, there’s a time and a place to call it quits and give someone else the reigns and let them do their thing. And you take a step aside and let them do what they need to do and what’s best for the wrestling and WWE.”