AJ Styles didn’t care about winning or losing matches: ‘This is a show’
Posted: Jun 15th 2026 By: Bryan Rose
Wins and losses don’t matter to AJ Styles.
While answering a question on his Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles threw in his own two cents on the matter of wins and losses, saying that in the grand scheme of things, they didn’t matter to. What is more important is the story of the match.
“I could care less about wins and losses. They don’t mean anything. This is a show,” he said.” This is pure entertainment. This isn’t the UFC. That’s the biggest difference, and the older I got, my job wasn’t to be the heavyweight champion of the world. Some people want that, some people need that. I don’t. I didn’t. So my job was to make sure I got the younger talent over as well as I could. And if they were older, who cares? I had a job to do.”
“This is entertainment,” he further added. “You’re not going to the pay window and getting paid more for the win. It’s not the same. You’re watching a TV show.”
Styles had his last match at this year’s Royal Rumble, losing via submission to Gunther. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in April and now serves as a talent scout for the company.
Supplemental Information
Latest News
Jim Ross feeling ‘a lot better,’ broken toes slowing progress
Jim Ross is feeling “a lot better” after his recent health challenges, but two broken toes are slowin... Read More
Great Ideas That Didn’t Last: Gunner Scott
Throughout the history of pro wrestling bookers and promoters have always tried to come up with new, creative and innovativ... Read More
AJ Styles on retirement, matches with Cena and Gunther, his son, and more
AJ Styles sat down with Chris Van Vliet in Nashville, Tennessee to discuss his retirement match w... Read More
- Ethan Page talks NXT, move to main roster, working with Chelsea Green, The Rock, and more
- WWE SmackDown Comes to OKC: Royce Keys talks Royal Rumble debut
- Jeff Jarrett talks relationship with Dixie Carter, Dark Side of the Ring, TNA, and more
- Carlito talks departing WWE, time in Judgment Day, Bron Breakker spear, and more
Polling Booth
Why didn't you vote in the Oklafan Year End Polls?


