AJ Styles Reflects on Dream Opponents: Penta and Chad Gable

Former WWE Superstar AJ Styles recently expressed regret over missed opportunities to face certain opponents during his decade-long run with the company. In a discussion following his retirement at the Royal Rumble, Styles named Penta and Chad Gable as two wrestlers he wished he could have shared the ring with.

A Desire to Face Penta

Styles highlighted Penta’s talent and charisma as reasons for wanting to compete against him. “I wonder what it would be like to be in there with Penta, to go back-and-forth. I’d love to get back in the ring with Chad Gable,” Styles stated according to WrestlePurists.com. Despite a celebrated career, Styles acknowledged that there will always be matches that didn’t happen.

Chad Gable Also on the List

Alongside Penta, Styles also expressed a desire to have faced Chad Gable before retiring. He noted the potential for a compelling match with Gable, recognizing his skill set. “Here I am retired, so that’s not gonna happen,” Styles lamented.

Hall of Fame Bound and Recent In-Ring Action

AJ Styles is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026 as reported by WrestlePurists.com. This announcement came as a surprise to Styles, who was seemingly unaware of the honor before it was revealed by The Undertaker.

Prior to his retirement, Styles teamed with Dragon Lee and Penta to defeat The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor, JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio) in a Six-Man Tag Team Match on Raw on October 6, 2025 according to WWE.com. Penta is currently scheduled to challenge Dominik Mysterio for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

The Importance of Mentorship

Styles also emphasized the importance of younger wrestlers asking questions and seeking guidance from veterans, noting that fresh perspectives can be valuable. He recalled a recent experience watching an independent wrestling match with his son, realizing that some moves might be unfamiliar to newer fans and require explanation.