{"id":144301,"date":"2025-10-19T00:10:37","date_gmt":"2025-10-19T04:10:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=144301"},"modified":"2025-10-19T00:10:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-19T04:10:37","slug":"aj-styles-wwe-japan-tour-send-off","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2025\/10\/19\/aj-styles-wwe-japan-tour-send-off\/","title":{"rendered":"AJ Styles Receives Emotional Send-Off During WWE Japan Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:2c900b72-bc07-4dbf-b0c4-366a11814ff3-3\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-8\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] thread-sm:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] thread-lg:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] thread-lg:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"55c5bfa5-15b6-44a8-a9fd-2b5c1323302f\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"117\" data-end=\"436\">AJ Styles likely wrestled his final match in Japan on October 18 during WWE\u2019s live event at the iconic Sumo Hall in Tokyo. It was an emotional moment not only for Japanese fans who have followed his wrestling career over the years, but also for Styles himself, who was shaped by his experiences as a performer in Japan.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"438\" data-end=\"627\">The event was part of WWE\u2019s SuperShow tour, but it quickly became something much more. It turned into a celebration of the long-standing connection between AJ Styles and Japanese wrestling.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"668\"><strong data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"668\">A Triumph with Greater Significance<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"670\" data-end=\"847\">That night, Styles faced Kofi Kingston and emerged victorious. While the match itself was thrilling, what came afterward was even more special and captured everyone\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"1031\">After the main event, members of the WWE roster returned to the ring to surprise AJ Styles with an emotional send-off. It was a heartfelt gesture that touched everyone in attendance.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1080\"><strong data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1080\">A Touching Tribute from the WWE Locker Room<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1082\" data-end=\"1301\">When Styles reentered the ring, he was met with roaring cheers from the Tokyo crowd. WWE Superstars surrounded him, offering their congratulations and respect to one of the most accomplished wrestlers of his generation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1605\">Styles then gave a heartfelt speech, thanking the Japanese people for their kindness, support, and the many fond memories he had built throughout his career. To make the moment even more meaningful, longtime rival and former NJPW colleague Shinsuke Nakamura translated his words for the local audience.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1607\" data-end=\"1765\">The emotional farewell reached its peak when Ivar and CM Punk lifted AJ Styles onto their shoulders, a powerful show of respect and admiration from his peers.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1795\"><strong data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1795\">A Legacy Forged in Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1797\" data-end=\"2222\">Japan was more than just another stop in AJ Styles\u2019 career. It was where his legend was built. Between 2014 and 2015, Styles had a remarkable run in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), becoming a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and earning global recognition for his performances. He was among the few foreign wrestlers to earn deep respect in NJPW history, and his success there paved the way for his eventual arrival in WWE.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2224\" data-end=\"2257\"><strong data-start=\"2224\" data-end=\"2257\">Approaching the Final Chapter<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2259\" data-end=\"2428\">In recent interviews, AJ Styles has shared that he plans to retire from in-ring competition in 2026, closing the book on a career that has spanned more than two decades.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2640\">If the Tokyo match truly was his final appearance in Japan, it was the perfect way to say goodbye. He was surrounded by friends, respected by peers, and celebrated by fans who gave him the farewell he deserved.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_144050\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-144050\" style=\"width: 290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-144050 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/AJ_Styles_21_April_2016_11-290x300.jpg\" alt=\"Image of WWE's AJ Styles\" width=\"290\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/AJ_Styles_21_April_2016_11-290x300.jpg 290w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/10\/AJ_Styles_21_April_2016_11.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-144050\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by Miguel Discart &amp; Kiri Karma (Photos Vrac), CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p data-start=\"2642\" data-end=\"3053\">AJ Styles\u2019 potential farewell in Japan was not just another WWE live event. It was a tribute to a man who gave everything to the sport he loves. From the arenas of Tokyo to the grand stages of WWE, the name AJ Styles has become synonymous with excellence, humility, and passion. Whether or not this marks his last appearance in Japan, one thing remains certain: AJ Styles\u2019 legacy will forever be <em data-start=\"3038\" data-end=\"3050\">Phenomenal<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>More From LWOS Pro Wrestling<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><i>Header photo \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=152106500\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">WikiMedia Creative Commons<\/a> \u2013 Stay tuned to the <\/i><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/\" target=\"_self\"><em><u><i>Last Word on Pro Wrestling<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a><em><i> for more on AJ Styles and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the significant news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><i>You can check out WWE programming on\u00a0<\/i><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/title\/81788927\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><u><i>Netflix<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a><em><i>\u00a0(Raw),\u00a0<\/i><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usanetwork.com\/wwe-friday-night-smackdown\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><u><i>USA Network<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a><em><i>\u00a0(SmackDown),\u00a0<\/i><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cwtv.com\/shows\/wwe-nxt\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><u><i>The CW<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a><em><i>\u00a0(NXT),\u00a0<\/i><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/tubitv.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><u><i>Tubi<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a><em><i>\u00a0(WWE Evolve),\u00a0<\/i><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aetv.com\/wwe\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><u><i>A&amp;E<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a><em><i>\u00a0(WWE Superstar Sunday \u2013 Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments), and\u00a0<\/i><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peacocktv.com\/watch\/home\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><u><i>Peacock<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a><em><i>\u00a0(WWE Main Event, as well as archives and premium live event streaming). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on\u00a0<\/i><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/wwe\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><u><i>YouTube<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a><em><i>, and catch fast-paced action on X (<\/i><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/i\/events\/1773457579022155776?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><u><i>WWE Speed<\/i><\/u><\/em><\/a><em><i>).<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AJ Styles likely wrestled his final match in Japan on October 18 during WWE\u2019s live event at the iconic Sumo Hall in Tokyo. It was an emotional moment not only for Japanese fans who have followed his wrestling career over the years, but also for Styles himself, who was shaped by his experiences as a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5606,"featured_media":142727,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12,2192,4,3],"tags":[145],"class_list":["post-144301","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-wrestling","category-wwe","category-wwe-universe","tag-aj-styles"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144301","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5606"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=144301"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144301\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":144315,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144301\/revisions\/144315"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/142727"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=144301"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=144301"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=144301"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}