Few careers in pro wrestling have been as universally respected as AJ Styles’. From his early days in TNA where he built the house that he literally made famous, to his global ventures in NJPW, to his eventual WWE debut that shattered the Royal Rumble in 2016—Styles has proven time and time again why he’s phenomenal. But as every great story eventually needs a final chapter, the inevitable question looms: Who should AJ Styles’ last match be against?

That question feels more urgent now than ever. On a recent episode of Chris Van Vliet’s podcast, Insight, AJ revealed that he doesn’t plan to wrestle past the age of 50. With his 48th birthday coming up in June, the clock is ticking on one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen. So when the final bell tolls, who should be standing across the ring from him?

The Answer: Seth Rollins

There are plenty of compelling options. John Cena? They made magic in 2016, no doubt. Finn Bálor? There’s history and Bullet Club nostalgia. Shinsuke Nakamura? WrestleMania 34 didn’t quite hit the high notes, so there’s unfinished business. But none of them match the chemistry, the narrative weight, and the generational symbolism of Seth Rollins. Here’s why.

Styles and Rollins represent two very different evolutions of the modern wrestler. AJ was the indie cornerstone who proved you could be a top guy without WWE. Rollins, meanwhile, was the golden child of the WWE system post-Shield—handpicked, refined, and pushed. Their careers have run in parallel, both defined by innovation, endurance, and unforgettable matches. Putting them head-to-head for AJ’s swan song is like watching the final duel between two master swordsmen—one who carved his blade in the fires of the independents, and one sharpened under the WWE spotlight.

Rollins and Styles have crossed paths a handful of times in WWE, including a brilliant match at Money in the Bank 2019. It was technical, athletic, and dripping with mutual respect. If that was them with no real stakes on the line, imagine the emotional weight of a retirement match. They both thrive in big-match environments, and few can hang with AJ Styles in terms of pace, timing, and psychology. Seth can. And he has the cardio and versatility to help make AJ’s last match a masterpiece.

Styles doesn’t need to “pass the torch” in the traditional sense—he’s carved his own path and doesn’t owe anything to anyone. But Rollins is one of the few guys who’s still in his prime, who could believably “receive” that honor and carry the weight of such a match. AJ going out with a clean loss to Seth could be his final way of saying: The future’s in good hands.

AJ’s final chapter doesn’t need to be blood feud or betrayal. It should be built on respect. A quiet, simmering story between two of the best to ever do it—each knowing what the moment means. Give them a slow build. Let them talk about legacy, craftsmanship, and love for the business.

AJ Styles deserves a send-off that matches his career: no gimmicks, no shortcuts—just elite-level wrestling with storytelling that hits your heart. And Seth Rollins, love him or hate him, is that rare performer who can meet AJ at that level, rise with him, and help close the book with both grace and fire.

So when the time comes—whether it’s at WrestleMania, SummerSlam, or a quiet main event on a cool fall night—let it be Styles vs. Rollins. One last time. One last classic. And one more reminder that AJ Styles truly is phenomenal.