On the February 23, 2026 episode of WWE Raw in Atlanta, retiring wrestler AJ Styles received a career tribute and was surprised by The Undertaker announcing his induction into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class. Styles delivered an emotional retirement speech, reflecting on his career and family sacrifices. The show also featured Brock Lesnar's return with an open challenge for WrestleMania.
The February 23, 2026 edition of WWE Raw aired live from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, streamed on Netflix. The show opened with commentators Michael Cole and Corey Graves introducing a tribute to AJ Styles, described as "a man widely considered the greatest in-ring technician." Gunther interrupted, calling Styles a "loser" and claiming he ended careers like those of Bill Goldberg, John Cena, and Styles. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce had security escort Gunther out, leading to a brawl with Dragon Lee. Cody Rhodes then entered, followed by interruptions from Paul Heyman, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Bronson Reed of The Vision faction, before Jey Uso appeared with Jimmy Uso.
A triple-threat Elimination Chamber qualifier saw Jey Uso defeat Bronson Reed and El Grande Americano in 15 minutes to advance, though Reed suffered a distal bicep tear and will be out indefinitely. Liv Morgan, accompanied by Dominik Mysterio, announced her WrestleMania opponent as Jade Cargill, attacking Stephanie Vaquer after feigning vulnerability. Other matches included Nattie defeating Maxxine Dupri via referee stoppage in 2 minutes after Dupri hit the ring post; Je'Von Evans beating Kofi Kingston in 10 minutes; and Raquel Rodriguez winning a triple-threat qualifier over Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane in 12 minutes to join the Elimination Chamber.
Brock Lesnar returned with Paul Heyman, who promoted an open challenge for WrestleMania on March 16, 23, 30, April 6, and 13, stating no one has stepped up. Video packages highlighted Styles' career from TNA and New Japan to WWE, with tributes from Rey Mysterio, Bayley, Randy Orton, and others. Styles entered emotionally, thanking fans and his family, noting he grew up 45 minutes away. He reflected on missing family events and praised his wife for holding the family together. Styles left his jacket and gloves in the ring, symbolizing retirement.
The lights dimmed as Undertaker's bell sounded. Riding a motorcycle to Kid Rock's Biker Taker theme, Undertaker entered and teased unfinished business before announcing, "AJ, it is my esteemed honor to inform you that you are the newest inductee in the 2026 class of the WWE Hall of Fame." Styles' wife and children joined him in celebration amid "You deserve it" chants from the crowd of 11,834. Wrestlers applauded from the stage as Styles exited.
