AJ Styles Addresses Similarities Between His Fake Retirement and Mark Henry’s

AJ Styles, a wrestling veteran, deceived Cody Rhodes with a fake retirement announcement on the May 31st episode of Friday Night SmackDown. During the segment, Styles mentioned his son’s graduation and hinted at stepping away from the pursuit of the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, he later surprised Rhodes with a sudden attack, culminating in a Styles Clash from the steel steps. This incident drew comparisons to Mark Henry’s 2013 fake retirement, where he emotionally bid farewell only to attack John Cena.

Speaking to Fightful, Styles clarified that any similarities between his actions and past events are coincidental. “All of them are happy accidents,” he said. “Nothing’s ever — you don’t plan it. Well, I wouldn’t say that. My gear is a little bit different. My gear is planned but when it comes to promos, not really.”

Styles lost to Rhodes at Clash at The Castle and is scheduled to compete at NOAH Destination in July. He has expressed respect for Henry, regardless of the situation.

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