On the February 23, 2026, episode of WWE Raw in Atlanta, Georgia, the show honored retiring wrestler AJ Styles with a career tribute, culminating in an emotional speech where he thanked his family and left his gear in the ring. The Undertaker then made a surprise appearance to announce Styles as the newest inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class, a revelation that caught Styles off guard. Styles celebrated the honor with his wife and children in the ring amid fan chants.
The February 23, 2026, WWE Raw at State Farm Arena in Atlanta was dedicated to celebrating the career of AJ Styles, who retired following his loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble earlier that year. The show featured multiple video packages highlighting Styles' achievements, including his TNA Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling stints, his 2016 WWE debut, and rivalries with figures like John Cena and Roman Reigns. Tributes came from wrestlers such as Rey Mysterio, Bayley, Nattie, Bobby Roode, Miz, Chris 'Abyss' Parks, Booker T, Randy Orton, and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Styles entered the ring to applause and chants, delivering an emotional speech. 'I’m not choked up because I’m sad,' he said. 'I am so thankful to be in Atlanta.' He reflected on his 28-year career, noting he had missed family milestones like birthdays and games due to wrestling commitments. Styles praised his wife for holding the family together and thanked his children, one of whom was absent due to illness. He addressed his final match against Gunther, calling it poetic as it mirrored his WWE debut at the 2015 Royal Rumble.
Symbolically, Styles removed his ring jacket and gloves, placing them in the ring. 'From the bottom of my heart, I would have been nothing without you,' he told the crowd. As wrestlers gathered on stage to applaud, the lights dimmed and The Undertaker's gong sounded. Riding a motorcycle to Kid Rock's Biker Taker theme, Undertaker entered and teased unfinished business before announcing, 'It is my esteemed honor to inform you that you are the newest inductee into the 2026 class of the WWE Hall of Fame.' Styles, reportedly unaware of the induction, smiled as fans chanted 'You deserve it,' and joined his family in celebration.
The announcement, similar to Stephanie McMahon's surprise induction at Wrestlepalooza in September 2025, confirmed Styles as the second member of the 2026 class. The ceremony is set for WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas. Post-show tributes poured in from wrestlers like Frankie Kazarian, who called it a special night reuniting with TNA brethren, and Triple H, who said Styles 'lived up to his full potential and is absolutely loved by everyone.' Styles has transitioned to a coaching role at the WWE Performance Center.
