WWE Raw arrived in Atlanta on February 23 for what was billed as a celebration of AJ Styles’ career, but the night quickly spiralled into chaos before ending with a moment few inside State Farm Arena will ever forget.
With WrestleMania 42 looming and Elimination Chamber qualifiers taking centre stage, Raw blended emotion, confrontation, and a stunning announcement that left the Georgia crowd on its feet long after the final bell.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves opened the show from inside the ring before being interrupted by Gunther, who stormed through the crowd and dismissed both commentators.
The self-proclaimed “Career Killer” mocked the fans for gathering to celebrate AJ Styles, calling it “disgraceful” to honour a loser. He reminded Atlanta that he ended the careers of Goldberg, John Cena, and Styles, insisting he should be the one receiving a tribute.
Adam Pearce emerged with security, ordering Gunther to leave. Gunther agreed, but chaos erupted when Dragon Lee blindsided him on the ramp. Security separated the two, only for Lee to break free backstage and continue the attack before Gunther was finally escorted from the building.
Backstage, Gunther crossed paths with Cody Rhodes in a tense moment before Rhodes headed to the ring.
Cody Rhodes addressed the Atlanta crowd, but was interrupted by The Vision, with Paul Heyman handing the microphone to Austin Theory. Logan Paul declared Bronson Reed would win both his qualifier and the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber.
Rhodes hinted someone might disagree, and Jey Uso made his entrance alongside Jimmy Uso. OG El Grande Americano followed, setting up the night’s first qualifier.
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Triple Threat Match: Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed vs. OG El Grande Americano
All three men brawled from the opening bell. Americano dazzled with a middle-rope moonsault to the outside and punished Jey’s arm throughout the match. Reed shifted momentum with a thunderous double Samoan Drop and a powerslam.
Americano nearly stole the victory with an Ankle Lock and a diving headbutt, but Jey fought through, landing a superkick, a spear, and finally the Uso Splash to secure his spot inside the Chamber.
Winner: Jey Uso
Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio entered next, with Dominik boasting about Morgan’s Royal Rumble victory. Morgan called Stephanie Vaquer and Jade Cargill to the ring, teasing her WrestleMania 42 decision.
Morgan appeared reflective, even apologising to Vaquer for past comments. The mood shifted instantly as Morgan smashed the microphone into Vaquer’s head, unloading with right hands before connecting with a Codebreaker and Oblivion. Holding the Women’s World Championship high, Morgan made her statement without officially naming her opponent.
Nattie vs. Maxxine Dupri
Nattie wasted no time unleashing aggression on Maxxine Dupri. Dupri showed fight early, but Nattie’s intensity escalated quickly. After sending Dupri into the ring post and continuing to strike her despite the referee’s warnings, the official called for the bell to protect Dupri.
Winner: Nattie via referee stoppage
Backstage, Adam Pearce was shown instructing a crew member to send the mysterious crate to Chicago for Elimination Chamber.
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman followed, with Heyman declaring that the only “dead man walking” is whoever dares face Lesnar at WrestleMania 42.
Heyman revealed Lesnar will appear on five consecutive episodes of Raw beginning March 16 and issued an open challenge to the locker room. According to Heyman, no one has the courage to accept.
Je’Von Evans vs. Kofi Kingston
With Xavier Woods at commentary, Kofi Kingston faced rising star Je’Von Evans, who was backed up by famous rapper Offset.
Kingston attempted to outmanoeuvre Evans, even retreating up the ramp at one point. Interference from Grayson Waller gave Kingston an opening, and he landed a Famouser, but Evans kicked out. Moments later, Evans connected with the OG Cutter for a statement victory.
Winner: Je’Von Evans
CM Punk addressed Atlanta, insisting the night belonged to AJ Styles. However, he did not shy away from the looming threat of Roman Reigns.
Punk confirmed Reigns will appear on Raw next week and suggested he may not wait until WrestleMania 42 to throw the first punch.
He closed by declaring himself the World Heavyweight Champion, “The Best In The World,” and the WrestleMania main event.
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Triple Threat Match: Iyo Sky vs. Kairi Sane vs. Raquel Rodriguez
The women’s qualifier delivered frantic action. Raquel Rodriguez used her power to dominate early, but Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane countered with speed and aerial offence.
Sky landed Over The Moonsault to the outside. Sane answered with the In-Sane Elbow, and Rodriguez powered through both. In the closing sequence, Rodriguez caught Sane mid-air and planted her with the Texana Bomb to claim the victory.
Winner: Raquel Rodriguez
AJ Styles Celebration Ends With Shocking Hall Of Fame News
A career retrospective video honoured AJ Styles before he entered to a thunderous ovation.
Styles spoke emotionally about his journey from TNA Wrestling to Japan and eventually WWE. He thanked Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows and reflected on missing family milestones throughout his career.
He admitted Royal Rumble may not have ended the way fans hoped, but stood by his word. Removing his gloves in the ring, Styles thanked his wife Wendy and their children in attendance.
As the roster gathered on the stage to applaud, the arena went dark.
The gong echoed.
The Undertaker rode to the ring on his motorcycle and stood face-to-face with Styles. After teasing “unfinished business,” The Undertaker revealed the real reason for his appearance.
AJ Styles will be inducted into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.
The two embraced as Styles’ family joined him in the ring. Tears flowed as Atlanta celebrated its hometown hero one final time, closing Raw on an unforgettable note.
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