AJ Types is winding down his phenomenal profession. Types, who wrestles John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel, lately confirmed he’ll retire from skilled wrestling within the subsequent 12 months.
Types, 48, is starting his countdown in the direction of retirement. As Types prepares to wrestle Cena on the latter’s farewell tour, he admits he’ll quickly dangle up the boots himself.
“I’ll positively retire throughout the subsequent 12 months,” Types informed Tokyo Sports activities (translation by Professional Wrestling Internet). “I do not need the followers to see me as anybody aside from AJ Types. That is the primary cause. I’ve determined to retire earlier than my physique can not transfer.”
Types expects to carry out at WrestleMania subsequent 12 months, however stated his involvement is unconfirmed. The 2-time WWE champion has ambitions to work with WWE as a producer or coach after retiring from wrestling, however wants extra time to take a seat with that call.
“I have never determined but, however I believe I am going to most likely work for WWE,” he stated. “It is likely to be good to coach younger wrestlers to be worthy of being on the principal roster.”
Types is extensively thought to be one of many biggest wrestlers of his era. He got here to prominence with TNA Wrestling and Ring of Honor after quick stints with WCW and WWE within the early 2000s. “The Phenomenal One” was instrumental to TNA’s success, significantly because the inaugural X-Division champion. Types can be TNA’s first triple crown and grand slam champion. An revolutionary performer, AEW star Will Ospreay is amongst those that credit score Types as a key inspiration.
Types’ signing with WWE felt like a pipedream. His athletic, small-man fashion was in some ways the antithesis of WWE’s prototypical principal occasion celebrity on the time. Nonetheless, a principal occasion run as New Japan Professional Wrestling’s prime champion led to communication between Types and WWE. His 2016 Royal Rumble debut stays one of many loudest, most memorable Rumble entries ever. In response to Types, Vince McMahon tabbed Types as a midcard act. Once more, Types defied expectations, successful the WWE world heavyweight championship in his debut 12 months. Types feuded with most of the firm’s prime stars. His feud with Cena, which he revisits at Crown Jewel, is taken into account the most effective rivalries of Cena’s profession.