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    5 Better final WWE opponents for AJ Styles than Gunther

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    At WWE Royal Rumble 2026, AJ Styles will lock horns against Gunther in a singles match. However, this showdown could decide the fate of The Phenomenal One as his in-ring career will be on the line.

    When Styles demanded a rematch against The Ring General on the latest edition of Monday Night RAW, Gunther first refused but then offered him redemption only if he put his career on the line. Later, the veteran accepted the challenge, and their match was made official for the upcoming premium live event in Saudi Arabia.

    So, this means that if Styles suffers a loss, the two-time World Heavyweight Champion will be his final opponent. In this article, we discuss four better opponents for The Phenomenal One than Gunther:

    #4. CM Punk

    CM Punk is the current World Heavyweight Champion on Monday Night RAW. Both stars are indeed veterans of the squared circle, but they have never locked horns in a WWE ring, although they have competed in Ring of Honor.

    The present situation appears to be a perfect time for a match between them in the Stamford-based promotion. Instead of Gunther, AJ Styles should challenge The Second City Saint for a World Title match at Royal Rumble 2026.

    This will not only be a dream match for many, but Punk will likely be a great final opponent for Styles.

    #3. Bron Breakker

    Bron Breakker is one of the rising stars on the red brand. The Vision member has already established his strong presence on RAW, and as opposed to The Ring General, the Unpredictable Bada** could be a better final opponent for AJ Styles.

    Gunther is already an established name in the main event picture, but giving the two-time NXT Champion a chance to retire Styles will provide a massive boost to him as a singles star. If Breakker does face and defeat Styles in his last match, it will also serve as a passing of the torch moment for the young talent.

    #2. Former WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi

    Oba Femi vacated his NXT Championship and is all set to make his main roster debut imminently. Similar to Bron Breakker, Oba Femi can be a good final opponent for AJ Styles, especially as one of the freshest faces on the main roster.

    WWE can utilise the Nigerian star against Styles, and by defeating AJ, the company can put him over immediately upon his arrival on the main roster.

    #1. Finn Balor

    Finn Balor vs AJ Styles TLC 2017 🎵 – Flex – Polo G Ft Juice Wrld

    The last name in this list is Finn Balor. The former Universal Champion already has a long history with Styles, as both of them were members of The Bullet Club at different points in their careers. Facing The Judgment Day member in his final match could be a more fitting ending to Styles’ in-ring career.

    Even WWE can use the history of the two stars to generate more buzz for a potential retirement match. The nostalgia will allow more audience to invest in Styles’ final in-ring WWE showdown. This makes Balor a better opponent for The Phenomenal One than The Ring General.