In the high-octane world of professional wrestling, where "kayfabe" often blurs the lines between reality and fiction, it’s rare to find a bond as grounded as the one between AJ Styles and his wife, Wendy Jones. Most fans know AJ as the high-flying "Phenomenal One" who has conquered every ring from Tokyo to WrestleMania. But honestly? The guy you see on TV is only half the story.
Behind the scenes, the narrative isn't about championship belts or "Phenomenal Forearms." It’s about a relationship that started in the hallways of a Georgia high school and has survived the brutal travel schedule of a global superstar. As we hit 2026, the conversation around AJ Styles and wife Wendy has taken a poignant turn, as the veteran wrestler prepares to hang up his boots for good to finally be the husband and father he’s wanted to be for decades.
The High School Sweethearts Who Beat the Odds
AJ Styles, whose real name is Allen Neal Jones, met Wendy Etris while they were students at Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia. They weren't just a casual fling. They started dating on Valentine’s Day in 1996—a date so significant to AJ that he eventually named one of his sons Avery because he was born on that same anniversary.
While most young couples struggle to navigate the transition from high school to the "real world," these two were building a foundation that would eventually support a multimillion-dollar career. They tied the knot on August 5, 2000. At that time, AJ was still "Air Styles," a hungry kid wrestling for gas money and cheap pizza in small southern promotions.
Choosing Love Over a WWE Contract
One of the most legendary stories about AJ Styles and wife Wendy involves a choice most wrestlers would find impossible. Back in 2002, a young AJ was offered a developmental contract by the WWE. It was the dream, right? The chance to make it to the big leagues.
But there was a catch.
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The deal required them to move to Cincinnati, Ohio. Wendy was still in college finishing her degree to become a teacher. AJ looked at the offer—which wasn't exactly a king's ransom—and turned it down. He didn't want to disrupt Wendy's dream of being an educator just to chase a "maybe" in a ring. He chose her career over his own immediate advancement. That kind of sacrifice is basically unheard of in the ego-driven world of sports entertainment.
Wendy Jones: The Educator and the Anchor
While AJ was traveling the world, Wendy stayed home in Georgia, working as a high school teacher and raising their four children. She isn't a "WAG" in the traditional sense. You won't find her starring on Total Divas or constantly seeking the spotlight. She’s a professional with her own identity, which is likely why their marriage has lasted over 25 years.
Their family has grown quite a bit since those early days:
- Ajay Covell Jones: Born in 2005. His middle name is a tribute to AJ's best friend, wrestler Christopher Daniels (Daniel Covell).
- Avery Jones: The Valentine's Day baby born in 2007.
- Albey Jones: Born in 2009.
- Anney Jones: Their only daughter, born in 2014.
If you’ve ever seen AJ without his shirt on, you’ve seen the family history. He has a massive tattoo on his side with the birth dates of all four of his children. It’s a literal mark of where his priorities lie.
The 2026 Retirement: Why Now?
The biggest news regarding AJ Styles and wife Wendy lately is the firm expiration date AJ has put on his career. In late 2025 and throughout early 2026, AJ has been incredibly vocal about his retirement. He’s 48 years old. He’s seen friends like John Cena embark on farewell tours, and he’s decided he’s done.
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"I need to spend time with my family," he told fans during a recent appearance. He’s tired of missing the baseball games, the birthdays, and the quiet moments in Gainesville. His current contract is set to expire by the end of 2026, and he’s made it clear: he isn't re-signing.
The toll of the road is real. For a guy who wrestled in "cockroach-infested apartments" (his words) during his early days with Samoa Joe, he’s earned the right to go home. Fans might want one more year, one more match with Gunther or a young talent like Dragon Lee, but AJ is focused on being a "homegrown" husband again.
Dealing With the Spotlight
It hasn't always been easy to keep their lives private. Longtime fans remember the 2018 feud with Samoa Joe, where Wendy was actually brought into the storyline. Joe would taunt AJ, calling out to "Wendy" and suggesting AJ was a deadbeat dad who preferred the road to his family.
While Wendy did make a few brief appearances on screen to sell the drama, it was a rare glimpse into their personal world. For the most part, they’ve kept a "church and state" separation between the ring and the living room.
How They Make It Work
Honestly, the secret seems to be a mix of deep-rooted faith and a shared history that predates the fame. AJ has often said it’s "God first, family second, and wrestling somewhere down the line." When you have your priorities in that order, it’s easier to say no to the bright lights when they start to dim.
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Wendy’s career as a teacher also provided a sense of normalcy. While AJ was a superhero to millions, at home, he was just Allen, the guy who needed to help with the kids and keep the house running.
What’s Next for the Styles Family?
As AJ winds down his final months in the ring throughout 2026, the focus has shifted to the next generation. Their oldest son, Ajay, has shown serious promise in athletics, particularly baseball. AJ has been spending more and more time posting about his kids' achievements than his own championship wins.
For fans who want to follow this journey, the best way is to keep an eye on AJ’s personal social media, where he occasionally shares glimpses of their life in Georgia. Don’t expect a reality show, though. This is a couple that values the quiet life far more than the roar of a stadium.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're a fan of AJ Styles and want to respect the legacy of his family life as he moves toward retirement, here is how you can stay engaged:
- Watch the 2026 Farewell: Pay close attention to AJ's promos in late 2026. He is expected to give a formal farewell that will likely involve his family in the ring for the first time in years.
- Support the Transition: Many wrestlers struggle with "life after the ring." Following AJ's post-WWE ventures—whether it's gaming on Twitch or local coaching—is a great way to support him as he transitions into a full-time family man.
- Respect the Privacy: While the "Wendy" chants were a part of a famous storyline, remember that Wendy Jones is a private citizen and an educator. Keeping fan interactions respectful on social media is key to honoring the boundaries they've built.
The story of AJ Styles and wife Wendy is a reminder that even in a business built on "fake" fighting, the realest thing you can find is a partner who was there before the first bell ever rang.