AJ Styles Still Hopes for a Dream Encounter with the Legendary Shawn Michaels

AJ Styles recently revisited hopes of a dream match or potential collaboration with Shawn Michaels after their in-ring clash never materialized.

AJ Styles Still Hopes for a Dream Encounter with the Legendary Shawn Michaels

AJ Styles and Shawn Michaels (via WWE)

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Shawn Michaels and AJ Styles are widely regarded as two of the greatest in-ring performers in professional wrestling history, making a dream match between the two a long-standing topic of debate among fans. Unfortunately, timing never worked in their favor. 

Michaels stepped away from full-time competition in 2010, just as Styles was dominating TNA, preventing the two from ever sharing the ring during their prime years. Despite that, ‘The Phenomenal One’ hasn’t given up on the idea. 

With Styles set to retire from in-ring competition in 2026, one unfulfilled item remains on his bucket list: a match with Michaels. While a traditional WWE bout now seems unlikely, Styles has hinted that if he remains with the company in a producer or coaching role, there may still be an opportunity to work alongside HBK in some capacity.

In a recent interview with Undisputed, Styles spoke candidly about the possibility of finally getting into the ring with Michaels and expressed genuine enthusiasm at the thought, even if it happened away from the spotlight.

The thing that I regret the most about not being able to get in the ring with Shawn Michaels is the opportunity to learn from him. That would have been priceless.

AJ Styles via Undisputed

Michaels officially retired from in-ring competition in 2010 after losing his iconic “Career vs. Streak” match to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26. He later returned for one final, widely criticized bout in 2018, teaming with Triple H against The Undertaker and Kane in Saudi Arabia. 

Styles, meanwhile, made his long-awaited WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble after an iconic run in TNA. Though rumors swirled about a potential clash between the two at the 2017 Royal Rumble, the match never came to fruition. 

Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Styles acknowledged that some things simply aren’t meant to be, but he remains hopeful about collaborating with Michaels in the future.

It just wasn’t meant to be. Hopefully we’ll get the opportunity to work together in some capacity, whether it’s developing talent or just helping the brand get better altogether.

AJ Styles via Undisputed

Today, Michaels serves as the head of creative and development at WWE’s Performance Center in Florida. According to Justin Barrasso, Styles has considered transitioning into a training or mentorship role at the Performance Center once his in-ring career concludes. The idea of stepping into the ring with Michaels, even in a closed-door setting at the PC, clearly excites Styles.

Whether as mentors, producers, or perhaps even sparring partners in a training environment, the prospect of Styles and Michaels collaborating in any form continues to captivate wrestling fans. 

AJ Styles reveals an interesting backstage update regarding John Cena’s special tribute at Crown Jewel

The WWE Universe officially said goodbye to John Cena on 13 December 2025 when he faced Gunther in his final match, bringing an end to a legendary 23-year in-ring career. While his year-long retirement run featured several memorable moments, one of the most talked-about highlights came earlier in October at Crown Jewel: Perth—his final showdown with AJ Styles.

John Cena and AJ Styles
John Cena and AJ Styles (via WWE)

At the premium live event, the 17-time champion and Styles went one-on-one for the last time, a bout many fans felt was a fitting epilogue to their iconic rivalry. The match more than lived up to expectations and stood out as one of the defining encounters of Cena’s farewell tour. 

Yet, one of its most powerful moments came before the bell even rang, when ‘The Last Real Champion’ publicly acknowledged Styles as ‘Mr. TNA.’ Given that both men were dominating rival promotions during the 2000s, the gesture carried deep meaning for Styles. 

Speaking on Six Feet Under with The Undertaker, Styles reflected on the match and the moment in Australia, admitting that Cena’s introduction caught him completely off guard. He explained that while the recognition surprised him, it also meant a great deal, as it signaled that Cena viewed him as an equal, something Styles considered incredibly validating. 

Styles also revealed that Cena actually faced some backstage backlash for the introduction, as it included references WWE typically avoids.

He got in trouble a little bit for that whole thing. I didn’t know that — Bullet Club was going to be in there. If you watch my reaction, I’m like, ‘Woah, uh-oh,’ you know? So, real cool for him to make me feel like as big a superstar as he was.

AJ Styles via Six Feet Under with The Undertaker

During the discussion, The Undertaker jokingly wondered what WWE could realistically do to Cena if the moment had caused legitimate backstage heat, noting that firing him certainly wouldn’t have been an option.

Cena ultimately retired from in-ring competition after tapping out to former World Heavyweight Champion Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event, closing the book on one of the most storied careers in wrestling history.

Since Cena’s swan song, attention has shifted toward the brewing rivalry between Styles and Gunther. The tension reached a boiling point this past Monday, when Styles slapped the smirk off the Austrian’s face during an in-ring promo, officially confirming a massive showdown between the two veterans.

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