WWE RAW on February 23, 2026, opened with a celebration planned for AJ Styles at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta — but the night quickly turned into anything but a tribute.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves were in the ring to kick off what WWE billed as a show honoring Styles’ legendary career. Before they could get far, Gunther stormed in through the crowd, immediately dismissing the segment and telling commentary to return to their desk and “tell everyone how great” he is.
The self-proclaimed “Career Killer” wasn’t interested in nostalgia. He called the tribute “disgraceful,” mocking fans for celebrating “a loser” and lumping Styles alongside Bill Goldberg and John Cena — both of whom he previously forced into retirement.
According to Gunther, what they all have in common is simple: he ended their careers. In his view, the only celebration warranted was his own.
Dragon Lee Attacks Gunther After AJ Styles Tribute Disruption
RAW General Manager Adam Pearce quickly interrupted. He repeatedly shouted, “That is enough!” Pearce arrived with security and ordered Gunther out of the building, stating the night belonged to Styles. Gunther initially resisted but claimed he would leave “of his own volition” rather than be “disgraced” by the ceremony.
However, as he stood on the stage, Dragon Lee blindsided him. The two brawled before security intervened. The chaos didn’t stop there. Near the Gorilla position, Dragon Lee struck again, reigniting the fight until officials separated them once more.
Gunther’s “Career Killer” persona — built on retiring Goldberg in 2025, John Cena later that year, and Styles at Royal Rumble in 2026 clearly isn’t sitting well with everyone in the locker room.
With Elimination Chamber approaching and WrestleMania 42 looming, Gunther tried to steal the spotlight. Instead, he found himself in the fight — and it wasn’t even bell time.
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