AJ Styles’ Last Tag Partner Honors Him After Retirement

AJ Styles’ retirement at the 2026 Royal Rumble felt different from most wrestling farewells.

When Styles stepped into the ring against Gunther in Riyadh, the stakes were clear. A loss would end his in ring career. After a hard fought match, Gunther picked up the win, and Styles’ legendary run came to a quiet, emotional close. The moment carried weight not just because of the result, but because fans knew they were witnessing the final chapter of one of WWE’s most respected careers.

As the dust settled, tributes quickly poured in from across the wrestling world. Fellow stars, rivals, and longtime fans all shared messages reflecting on Styles’ influence. Among them, one tribute stood out for its sincerity and personal touch. Styles’ final tag team partner in WWE, Dragon Lee, shared a heartfelt message that captured the deep bond formed during their time together.

Dragon Lee Shares a Meaningful Goodbye

Dragon Lee took to Instagram to honor Styles, offering words that felt genuine rather than scripted. In his message, Lee thanked God and life for bringing him together with Styles, saying he learned a great deal from him and calling him his brother. The message resonated because it came from someone who shared the ring with Styles during the final stretch of his career, not just as a teammate but as a student learning from a veteran.

Styles and Lee previously held the WWE World Tag Team Championship together, and although their reign did not last long, it left a lasting impact. Lee has openly spoken about how teaming with Styles helped him grow, both in confidence and in-ring awareness. That respect was clear in every word of his tribute.

Fans quickly reacted online, praising Lee’s message for its honesty and warmth. Many noted how rare it is to see such a genuine show of gratitude in an industry often driven by competition. The tribute added a human layer to Styles’ retirement, reminding everyone that his legacy goes far beyond championships.

Other wrestlers also shared their thoughts, with several veterans calling Styles a standard setter and a professional who elevated everyone around him. Even longtime rivals echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing his consistency and dedication over decades.

While Styles has not completely ruled out a possible appearance down the line, his retirement match marked a fitting pause. More than the match itself, the words from Dragon Lee and others confirmed what many already believed.