Full Breakdown
AJ Styles Honored with WWE Hall of Fame Induction During Emotional Tribute on Raw
2/24/2026, 7:53:30 AM
Tribute to AJ Styles
On February 23, 2026, WWE's Monday Night Raw, held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, was dedicated to celebrating the illustrious career of AJ Styles, who recently announced his retirement following a loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble. The episode featured heartfelt tributes from fellow wrestlers, including Abyss, Frankie Kazarian, and The Good Brothers, who all gathered to honor Styles, known as "The Phenomenal One."
During the closing segment, Styles delivered an emotional speech reflecting on his career, mentioning his time in TNA and NJPW, and expressing gratitude to his family and fans. He explained his decision to leave his gloves and jacket in the ring, stating he wanted to retire in his home state of Georgia, fulfilling a promise to himself.
The Undertaker's Surprise Announcement
The tribute culminated in a surprise appearance by The Undertaker, who initially teased a potential rematch with Styles before announcing that he would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026. This announcement marked a significant moment in Styles' career, as he joins Stephanie McMahon in this year's Hall of Fame festivities. The Undertaker's presence added a poignant touch to the evening, as he and Styles shared a storied rivalry, including their match at WrestleMania 36.
Elimination Chamber Qualifiers
In addition to the tribute, the episode featured crucial qualifying matches for the upcoming Elimination Chamber event. Jey Uso secured his spot in the men's Elimination Chamber by defeating Bronson Reed and The Original El Grande Americano. Meanwhile, Raquel Rodriguez emerged victorious in the women's qualifying match against Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane, setting the stage for intense competition at WrestleMania 42.
Official Statements & Responses
WWE General Manager Adam Pearce emphasized the significance of the tribute, stating it was a chance for fans and colleagues to express their appreciation for Styles. Styles himself expressed gratitude to his family and fans, stating, "From the bottom of my heart, thank you," as he concluded his farewell.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the celebration, Gunther interrupted the tribute, expressing disdain for the event and criticizing Styles' legacy. His comments were met with disapproval from the audience and led to a confrontation with Dragon Lee, highlighting the contrasting narratives within the wrestling community regarding Styles' impact.
What's Next
As Styles prepares for his induction into the Hall of Fame, discussions around his future in wrestling continue. While he has confirmed his retirement from in-ring competition, there are speculations about potential appearances in other wrestling promotions, including TNA and AEW. However, the focus remains on his legacy and the upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony during WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “From the bottom of my heart, thank you.” — AJ Styles
- “we’ve got unfinished business.” — The Undertaker
The tribute to AJ Styles not only celebrated his contributions to professional wrestling but also marked a significant transition in his career, as he steps away from the ring to embrace new opportunities ahead.
