WWE RAW closed on February 23, 2026, in Atlanta with an emotional tribute to AJ Styles — but the final moments delivered something no one in the State Farm Arena saw coming.
Styles entered the ring to loud “Thank you, AJ!” chants, visibly soaking in the moment. He joked that he considered wearing a suit but remembered the last time he did, he “beat the piss out of Cody Rhodes,” so he thought better of it. If he got choked up, he insisted, it wouldn’t be because he was sad.
The Gainesville native reflected on his journey — from wrestling locally in Georgia and at the Asylum in Nashville for TNA, to competing in the Tokyo Dome and under the bright lights of WrestleMania.
He named Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, and Frankie Kazarian as part of the group that helped make their mark. He credited Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson for reminding him to have fun.
AJ Styles admitted he’s won world titles across the globe, but his “biggest flex” is his family. He thanked his wife and children, acknowledging the sacrifices made along the way. He noted the poetry of debuting in WWE at Royal Rumble 2016 and wrestling his final match at Royal Rumble 2026.
After addressing why he hadn’t left his gloves in the ring, Styles finally removed them and placed them on top of his vest, P1 logo facing up. The locker room gathered on stage as he threw up one final Too Sweet.
Then the arena went dark.
The Undertaker Reveals AJ Styles As Hall of Fame Inductee
A familiar gong echoed. The Undertaker rode to the ring and eyed the gloves and vest before addressing Styles. Referencing their unfinished history, he then delivered the surprise, informing Styles that he is the newest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
AJ Styles’ wife and children joined him in the ring as he embraced them.
If this was the final chapter of the Phenomenal One’s in-ring story, RAW ensured it ended with a Hall of Fame exclamation point.
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