Legendary WWE star set to retire; Gunther's next victim confirmed? - 4 Directions for AJ Styles after devastating RAW loss

The final edition of WWE RAW this year has ended with a bang, as AJ Styles and Dragon Lee's WWE World Tag Team Championship reign has ended under 71 days at the hands of legendary tag team The Usos.

The tag team contest headlined tonight's episode of the flagship show, and all four superstars went toe-to-toe, giving fans a true professional wrestling classic and showcasing why they are named amongst the greatest of all time.

However, the bout ended with The Usos connecting their signature 1D on Dragon Lee and pinning him to become the new World Tag Team Champion. In this listicle, we take a look at four directions AJ Styles took after a devastating RAW loss:

#4. Set to end his WWE career

The Phenomenal One has already announced that he is nearing the end of his legendary professional wrestling career, and his title loss may be his final championship run.

Following his loss, Styles may kick off his retirement tour heading into the new year and could hang up his boots competing in his final match-up.

#3. Gunther's next victim

The Ring General has been on a tear this year, as he has been in the World Heavyweight title picture and then retired two major legends, Goldberg and John Cena, after defeating them, and has established himself amongst the top guys.

Since the Austrian star has defeated Cena, he has been teasing the fellow superstars, and creatives have been building the tensions between him and Styles, especially; this may lead to a feud between the two, and AJ could be the third victim of Gunther, which could lead to a retirement match in 2026.

#2. Feud against Lesnar

Brock Lesnar returned to the Stamford-based promotion earlier this year at SummerSlam 2025, quickly targeting John Cena, defeating him in dominating fashion at WrestlePalooza 2025, then taking part in a WarGames bout, and has now once again gone.

The Beast Incarnate could return and kick off a rivalry against AJ Styles before he retires next year, and an icon vs. icon feud between the two could be a massive box-office attraction.

#1. AJ Styles could switch brand

Styles has been a major part of the Monday Night RAW roster for a long time and has competed against almost all the major superstars on the red brand.

The title loss has now allowed the Phenomenal One to switch brands and jump ship to WWE Friday Night SmackDown, the brand once ruled by Styles.

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Edited by Angana Roy