wrestling news february 4 2026

 # Wrestling News: AJ Styles Finished with WWE, Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 42 Plans, and NJPW Exodus Begins

The professional wrestling landscape has been shifted to its core this week. Following the fallout of a massive Royal Rumble, we are seeing the end of legendary careers, the rise of "Phenomenal" free agents, and a total restructuring of rosters across WWE, AEW, and NJPW. Here is your comprehensive news breakdown for **Wednesday, February 4, 2026**.

## AJ Styles Finished with WWE; AEW and NJPW on High Alert

Is "The Phenomenal One" about to test the open market one last time? According to *Fightful Select*, AJ Styles has officially wrapped up his active in-ring career with WWE. This follows his high-stakes "forced retirement" match against GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble. 

While Styles’ contract is reportedly set to expire later this month, sources say he is satisfied with how his WWE run concluded. However, "retirement" in wrestling is rarely permanent. Word backstage at the recent *AEW Dynamite* suggests Tony Khan is preparing a massive offer to bring Styles in for a final legendary run. Not to be outdone, NJPW is also reportedly interested in a homecoming for the former Bullet Club leader to help stabilize their roster.

## Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi Discussed for WrestleMania 42

WWE is looking toward the bright lights of Las Vegas for **WrestleMania 42**, and a "clash of titans" is currently on the drawing board. On the latest *Wrestling Observer Radio*, Dave Meltzer noted that WWE is internalizing a "Beast vs. Ruler" program between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi.

The seeds were planted when Lesnar eliminated Femi during the Royal Rumble match. Femi has since vacated the NXT Championship and made a violent statement on *Raw* by decimating The War Raiders. While the match isn't 100% locked in, it is currently the frontrunner for Lesnar’s spot on the grandest stage of them all.

## NJPW Shakeup: Hiromu Takahashi and EVIL Departure News

New Japan Pro Wrestling is facing a historic talent exodus. The promotion has officially confirmed that **Hiromu Takahashi** will finish his 16-year tenure following *The New Beginning in Osaka* on February 11. 

The "Ticking Time Bomb" is reportedly looking to achieve one final major goal, leading to speculation of a jump to AEW, WWE, or even NOAH. To make matters worse for NJPW, *POST Wrestling* reports that **EVIL** (Takaaki Watanabe) is also expected to depart. This marks a massive turning point for the King of Sports as they look to rebuild their main event scene.

## Joe Hendry Wins NXT Championship; New Management Named

"I believe in Joe Hendry" is the new mantra of the NXT brand. In a chaotic Ladder Match on the February 3 edition of *NXT*, Hendry captured the vacant NXT Championship. This victory ushers in a new era for the developmental brand, which also saw **Mr. Stone** named the Interim General Manager by Shawn Michaels following Ava's departure.

In other roster news, the main roster has gained significant firepower. Following their standout performances in the Rumble, both **Jordynne Grace** and **Trick Williams** have officially signed with the *SmackDown* brand.

## AEW Dynamite Tonight: World Title Contenders Series Begins

Tony Khan is wasting no time finding a challenger for MJF at *Revolution*. Tonight’s *Dynamite* live from Las Vegas kicks off the **World Championship Contenders Series**. The loaded card includes:

*   **Kenny Omega vs. Andrade El Idolo** (Contenders Series Match)

*   **Hangman Adam Page vs. Mark Davis** (Contenders Series Match)

*   **Ricochet (c) vs. Jack Perry** for the AEW National Title

*   **MJF vs. Brody King** in a World Title Eliminator Match

Rumors are also swirling that AEW is close to signing **Clark Connors** following his exit from NJPW.

## Flip Gordon Wins 2026 CMLL Reyes del Aire

Flip Gordon continues his dominance in Mexico. As reported by *TheCubsFan.com*, Gordon emerged victorious in the **2026 Reyes del Aire** tournament at Arena México, defeating Yutani in the finals. As the current CMLL World Historic Middleweight Champion, Gordon has become one of the most successful *extranjeros* in recent history, further strengthening the working relationship between CMLL and AEW.

## Ratings Controversy: Nielsen’s "Big Data" Impact

The business side of wrestling is in a state of confusion due to Nielsen’s new "Big Data" methodology. Reports indicate a frustrating **20-30% drop** in the vital 18–49 demographic for *SmackDown*, *NXT*, and *Dynamite*. 

While total viewership numbers have remained steady, the "inexplicable" dip in the key demo has caused tension between the major networks (USA, WBD, The CW) and Nielsen. Dave Meltzer reports that internal data suggests the audience hasn't actually left; rather, the tracking system is failing to capture them accurately.

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**What do you think?** Should AJ Styles go to AEW for one last run, or should he stay retired? And is Oba Femi ready to take on "The Beast" at WrestleMania? 

**Sound off in the comments below!**