Key Highlights
- WWE has booked AJ Styles in a Royal Rumble match against Gunther.
- This booking sets up a potential third retirement for Styles, following Cena and Bill Goldberg last summer.
- D’Amore discusses the challenges of dealing with fans cheering heels and the nuances of character development.
- MLP signs its first television deal with Fight Nation, expanding globally.
The AJ Styles Retirement Controversy: WWE’s Bold Move or Strategic Decision?
The wrestling world was abuzz when news broke that WWE has booked AJ Styles for a Royal Rumble match against Gunther. This move, which comes just a month into the new year of 2026, raises more questions than answers. Is this retirement, or is it merely another clever storyline?
For those unaware, Styles had publicly announced his plans to retire in 2026, but the sudden booking against Gunther seems out of sync with that timeline.
D’Amore, reflecting on past experiences where fans cheered their heels, explains: “Sometimes you can’t ignore what’s going on, and sometimes it’s wise to just go with it.”
Styles’ character has been a complex mix of babyface and heel throughout his career. This duality adds an interesting layer to the storyline. D’Amore suggests that it is acceptable, even beneficial, to allow characters to experience frustration when they are booed despite their best efforts. “Even that kind of villain, that kind of cheat, surely would like to be cheered by his own people?” he muses.
Wrestling’s Dilemma: Cheering Heels and Character Nuance
The challenge for wrestlers is navigating the delicate balance between their in-ring personas and how fans perceive them. As D’Amore points out, not every wrestler can carry off an unpopular character without showing frustration or resentment.
WWE faced a similar dilemma during its European tour when Drew McIntyre was cheered on “SmackDown,” yet struggled for support in his subsequent matches. Similarly, Finn Balor’s Irish roots were used to his advantage, but WWE handled the situation differently.
The different approaches taken by WWE in these instances highlight the complexity of managing fan reactions and character development. It’s a fine line between catering to hometown support and maintaining narrative integrity.
MLP’s Global Expansion: A New Chapter for Canadian Pro Wrestling
In other news, Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (MLP) has made significant strides with the signing of its first television deal with Fight Nation. This partnership will bring MLP’s content to international markets including French-speaking Europe and Africa.
D’Amore, a long-time advocate for Canadian wrestling, shares his vision: “Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling exists because I realized I wasn’t done with pro wrestling when I was forced to exit TNA two years ago. There was still something in my blood, and I felt there was unfinished business.” He adds that the relaunch of MLP aims to showcase the very best in Canadian wrestling alongside international talent on a global stage.
Key upcoming events include Global Wars with Ring of Honor on March 27th, followed by MLP Uprising.
Both events will stream live on TrillerTV via transactional pay-per-view, with on-demand availability afterward on ROH Honor Club. The lineup features a mix of elite international talent and Canadian wrestlers.
As D’Amore looks to the future, he remains optimistic about the direction both MLP and AEW are taking: “This is the starting gun, not the finish line.” With a blend of industry experience and passion for pro wrestling, D’Amore continues to shape the landscape of independent wrestling in Canada.
The AJ Styles retirement storyline, coupled with MLP’s global expansion, showcases the dynamic and evolving nature of professional wrestling. As the sport continues to grow and adapt, these stories remind us that every move is part of a larger narrative.