During Monday Night Raw in Atlanta, WWE honored retiring superstar AJ Styles with a tribute segment that culminated in his induction into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame by The Undertaker. Styles delivered an emotional speech reflecting on his career and family sacrifices before leaving his gloves in the ring as a symbolic farewell. The event also featured Bronson Reed's injury, altering plans for the upcoming Elimination Chamber.
WWE Raw aired live from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 23, 2026, drawing 11,834 attendees. The show opened with a tribute to AJ Styles, interrupted by Gunther, who called Styles a 'loser' and claimed to have ended careers like those of Bill Goldberg, John Cena, and Styles. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce had security escort Gunther out, but Dragon Lee attacked him on the stage, leading to a brawl. Cody Rhodes then entered, hyping Styles as 'wrestling royalty,' before The Vision—Paul Heyman, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Bronson Reed—interrupted, with Logan Paul mocking Rhodes and predicting The Vision's dominance. Jey Uso joined to counter them, dancing through the crowd with Jimmy Uso.
In the first match, an Elimination Chamber qualifier saw Jey Uso defeat Bronson Reed and Original El Grande Americano in 15 minutes via top-rope splash. During the bout, Reed suffered a distal bicep tear while breaking up a pin, forcing an audible; reports indicate Reed was originally slated to win and advance. He is out indefinitely, impacting The Vision faction, which has seen Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker sidelined earlier.
Liv Morgan, accompanied by Dominik Mysterio, addressed Stephanie Vaquer and Jade Cargill for her WrestleMania opponent. After appearing reflective about Vaquer's hardships, Morgan struck her with the microphone and delivered Oblivion, signaling her choice while holding up her belt.
Other matches included Nattie defeating Maxxine Dupri via referee stoppage in two minutes after a ringside brawl, Je’Von Evans beating Kofi Kingston in 10 minutes with an O.G. Cutter amid distractions, and Raquel Rodriguez winning a triple threat Elimination Chamber qualifier over Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane in 12 minutes with a Tejana Bomb.
Paul Heyman introduced Brock Lesnar's return, promoting 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 praise from Rey Mysterio, Bayley, Randy Orton, and others. Styles entered emotionally, thanking Atlanta—45 minutes from his hometown—and his family. He noted missing birthdays and anniversaries, crediting his wife for holding the family together. Styles said his debut was at the 2015 Royal Rumble and his last match against Gunther at the 2026 Rumble was poetic. He left his gloves on his jacket in the ring, saying, 'From the bottom of my heart, I would have been nothing without you.' Wrestlers applauded on stage.
The lights dimmed, and The Undertaker appeared on a motorcycle to Kid Rock's Biker Taker theme. He told Styles, 'If you see me coming, that means you’re goin’,' before inducting him into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. Styles' wife and children joined for an embrace amid 'You deserve it' chants.
