# Wrestling News Roundup: AJ Styles & Big E Retire, The Rascalz Join AEW, and TNA Legal Drama Explodes
Welcome to your Sunday wrestling news briefing for **February 8, 2026**. It has been a whirlwind week in the industry as the road to WrestleMania and Revolution heats up. From emotional retirements of legendary figures to major roster shifts and legal battles, we have everything you need to know from the top insiders at *The Wrestling Observer*, *Fightful Select*, and *PWInsider*.
## 1. The Phenomenal Era Ends? AJ Styles’ Future Post-Royal Rumble
Following a brutal career-threatening loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, the wrestling world is bracing for the end of "The Phenomenal One." **Dave Meltzer** reports in the *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* that AJ Styles has likely wrestled his final match as a full-time WWE competitor.
While Styles has reportedly engaged in talks with Triple H regarding potential "final opponents" for a farewell tour, the backstage consensus is that the Gunther match was booked as a definitive passing of the torch. While Tony Khan has publicly expressed admiration for Styles—sparking rumors of a "one-off" AEW appearance—sources close to Styles indicate he is currently leaning toward a permanent transition into a coaching and ambassadorial role within the WWE Performance Center.
## 2. AEW Signs The Rascalz; Anna Jay on the Move?
AEW President Tony Khan has officially confirmed that **The Rascalz** (Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, and Myron Reed) are "#AllElite." The trio’s signing comes on the heels of their high-octane victory in the Las Vegas Parking Lot Fight on *Collision*.
On the flip side, **Fightful Select** reports a cooling relationship between AEW and **Anna Jay**. Jay has been absent from programming for several weeks, and with her contract reportedly set to expire in the coming months, there are currently no creative plans for her. **Sean Ross Sapp** notes that WWE’s NXT brand is keeping a close eye on the situation, viewing Jay as a high-priority free agent.
## 3. WWE Secures European Standout Rayne Leverkusen
The WWE expansion into Europe continues to bear fruit. According to **Fightful Select**, WWE has officially signed **Rayne Leverkusen**. Leverkusen has spent the last month dropping her titles across the independent circuit, including the PROGRESS and NWW Women’s Championships. Following a "tearful farewell" at Germany’s *Hustle 40: Thunderstruck*, she is expected to report to the Orlando Performance Center by the end of February to begin her journey in NXT.
## 4. Backstage Reaction to "Anti-ICE" Chants on Dynamite
The February 4th episode of *Dynamite* caused a stir beyond the wrestling world due to "F*** ICE" chants directed at Brody King and MJF. While such chants can be polarizing, **Fightful Select** reports that AEW officials were "quite happy" with the mainstream media attention and viral engagement the segment generated.
However, **Dave Meltzer** clarified on *Wrestling Observer Radio* that the office is cautious. While they enjoy the buzz, they are wary of being pigeonholed as a "politically aligned" promotion and currently have no intentions of integrating the chants into a formal, long-term storyline.
## 5. Big E Announces Retirement; Sol Ruca Questions Rumble Booking
In a heartbreaking update, **Big E** has officially confirmed his retirement from in-ring competition. After years of grueling rehabilitation following a severe neck injury, the former WWE Champion stated he is prioritizing his long-term health. Fans can expect to see him remain with the company in a broadcasting and personality role.
In other WWE news, **Fightful** revealed some backstage tension regarding the Women’s Royal Rumble. **Sol Ruca** reportedly questioned producers about her elimination spot, expressing concerns that a high-risk "Sol Snatcher" maneuver on the apron was neither safe nor logical for her character's exit. Producers ultimately moved forward with the spot, which led to her elimination from the match.
## 6. Chad Gable’s "Grand Heist" in AAA
The "forbidden door" between WWE and AAA remains wide open. Per **Lucha Blog**, **Chad Gable** made a surprise appearance at the *AAA on FOX* tapings under the persona "Original El Grande Americano." Gable "stole" a qualifying spot for the upcoming *Rey de Reyes* tournament, further cementing the cross-promotional partnership.
Additionally, a massive "dream match" is set: **Dominik Mysterio** will defend the AAA Mega Championship against **El Hijo del Vikingo** on March 14.
## 7. Legal War: Gail Kim vs. TNA (Anthem)
A major legal battle is brewing behind the scenes at TNA. **PWInsider** reports that TNA’s parent company, **Anthem**, has filed a lawsuit against Hall of Famer **Gail Kim**. The filing seeks to block Kim from pursuing whistleblower and discrimination claims against the company. While the specific details of Kim’s allegations remain sealed, the legal move indicates a significant and unfortunate rift between the promotion and its most iconic female star.
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### Quick Hits:
* **Stardom:** Saya Kamitani showed incredible toughness at *Supreme Fight* in Osaka, defending her title despite a dislocated finger mid-match.
* **WWE:** Qualifying matches for **Elimination Chamber** begin this Friday on *SmackDown*. Keep an eye on Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu, who are the current betting favorites.
* **NJPW:** On the "Road to New Beginning," **United Empire** scored a massive win over Yota Tsuji’s "Unbound Company" in 8-man tag action.
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**What do you think of today's news?** Is it time for AJ Styles to hang up the boots, or does he have one more run left in him? And how do you feel about Big E's move to the commentary booth?
**Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!**
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