In a heart-pounding showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats, AJ Styles emerged victorious over Shinsuke Nakamura at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, setting the stage for what could be the most pivotal—and potentially final—match of his career. With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, Styles is gearing up to face Gunther in a bout that could spell the end of his legendary run in the ring. But here's where it gets controversial: is this high-stakes gamble a fitting climax to Styles' career, or a risky move that could leave fans heartbroken? Let’s dive in.
The match against Nakamura wasn’t just a warm-up—it was a riveting chapter in their decade-long rivalry, reignited for this special event. Nakamura, ever the strategist, targeted Styles’ knee with a brutal Calf Crusher, a move that nearly turned the tide in his favor. The tension peaked when Nakamura had Styles set up for the Kinshasa, only to collapse from his own weakened state. Styles, ever the showman, countered with a Kinshasa of his own, but Nakamura’s resilience kept him in the fight until the very end. It took the full force of the Phenomenal Forearm and the Styles Clash to finally secure the three-count.
And this is the part most people miss: this match wasn’t just about momentum—it was a nod to their storied history. Flashback to 2014, when Styles and Nakamura first clashed in NJPW Wrestle Kingdom, with Nakamura defending his IWGP Intercontinental Championship in a 24-minute epic. Both stars made the leap to WWE shortly after, with Styles debuting in the Royal Rumble and Nakamura in NXT. Their paths crossed again at WrestleMania 34 in 2018, but they hadn’t faced off in singles action since 2020. Their head-to-head record now stands at 5-2-2 in Styles’ favor, though one of those wins came via disqualification—a detail that still sparks debate among fans.
As Styles prepares to face Gunther, the wrestling world is buzzing with questions. Can he overcome the odds and extend his career, or will this be his final curtain call? Is Gunther the ultimate test for Styles, or is this matchup a step too far? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
