AJ Styles’ emotional farewell on WWE Raw was followed by a moment few saw coming, including the man at the centre of it.
The February 23 episode of Raw in Atlanta closed with AJ Styles placing his vest and gloves in the ring after delivering his retirement speech. Moments later, The Undertaker’s gong echoed through the arena before he rode to the ring and announced that Styles will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, the moment was not just a surprise for fans.
“That whole thing at the end with the Undertaker and the Hall of Fame announcement was a legitimate surprise to AJ, who they didn’t clue in,” Alvarez reported.
Raw was largely dedicated to celebrating Styles’ career. The Georgia native competed in his final match at the Royal Rumble last month, where he lost to Gunther. On Monday, Styles thanked his family and reflected on his journey through TNA Wrestling, Japan and WWE before symbolically leaving his gear in the ring.
When Will AJ Styles Be Inducted Into The WWE Hall Of Fame?
The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony traditionally takes place during WrestleMania weekend in the host city, alongside other WWE events. While official details for this year’s ceremony have not yet been announced, it is expected to be held in Las Vegas. The only other confirmed inductee so far is Stephanie McMahon, whose induction was revealed by The Undertaker last year at Wrestlepalooza.
If reports are accurate, Styles’ Hall of Fame announcement was as genuine a moment for him as it was for the Atlanta crowd.
