During the recent WWE Raw event, The Undertaker revealed that AJ Styles, now retired, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This major announcement occurred live and sparked an outpouring of admiration from wrestlers across the industry. Styles’ induction highlights his significant impact on professional wrestling, with recognition coming from his longtime peers in both WWE and TNA Wrestling. The celebration of AJ Styles WWE Hall of Fame status has generated enthusiastic responses from colleagues, friends, and fellow competitors who continue to honor his legendary career.
Colleagues and Friends Pay Tribute to AJ Styles
AJ Styles’ long-standing friend and former TNA Wrestling partner Frankie Kazarian shared his heartfelt feelings on social media about the induction night. He expressed,
“Nights like this go beyond any accolade one can achieve. Being there for my brother @AJStylesOrg on an incredibly special night, and reuniting with @ThisIsTNA brethren is something I will take with me forever. And never let it go. Thanks you to the @WWE for making this happen.”
?Frankie Kazarian, Former TNA Wrestler
Another longtime colleague from TNA, Eric Young, praised Styles for his professional and personal character in a message that emphasized the respect Styles commands in the wrestling community. Young wrote,
“A quick note for @AJStylesOrg Thanks for all you have given our business! One of the very best to ever do it PERIOD! Thanks for being an example what a good person good husband good father and good man can be and never change no matter your level of success! Thank you for being a great friend to me from the first day we met!”
He added,
“You’re the example you’re the standard you’re the FN man!!! ( sorry for swearing)”
?Eric Young, TNA Wrestler
WWE US Champion Carmelo Hayes also acknowledged Styles’ career milestone on social media, commenting,
“Thank you AJ Styles! Hall Of Fame, LFG. Truly the Untouchable One. No debating. 🙏🏾💯 #ThankYouAJ”
?Carmelo Hayes, WWE US Champion
WWE Superstar and former TNA star Chris Sabin congratulated Styles by sharing,
“Thank you AJ Styles! Congratulations on a phenomenal career!”
?Chris Sabin, WWE Superstar
Details of the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
AJ Styles is slated to be formally inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during the 2026 ceremony, which will be held as part of WrestleMania Week in April. This event consistently honors wrestling legends, and Styles’ inclusion underscores his outstanding contributions to the sport. Styles has been celebrated both inside and outside the ring, with the induction ceremony serving as a pivotal moment to recognize his status as one of wrestling’s most iconic performers.
Industry-Wide Recognition and Social Media Tributes
Beyond WWE, various wrestling organizations and personalities took to social platforms to honor Styles’ journey. WWE’s official account declared,
“AJ Styles is OFFICIALLY a member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026! 😤@AJStylesOrg”
alongside a photo of the wrestler, emphasizing the excitement felt by fans and peers alike.
TNA Wrestling recalled Styles’ early promise quoting commentator Mike Tenay from 2002:
“Remember the name ladies and gentlemen – AJ Styles, the future of our sport has arrived.”
The Mexican promotion Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide nostalgically remembered Styles’ participation at Triplemanía, one of their top events, sharing a reflective post with the words
“Recordamos cuando AJ Styles participó en Triplemanía 🙌🥲”
Additional Personal Accounts Highlight Styles’ Influence
Many who worked alongside AJ Styles on the independent circuit and in major promotions reflected on his professionalism and inspiration. Matthew Rehwoldt shared his gratitude, stating,
“I feel so fortunate to have been able to share a locker room and even the ring a few times with AJ Styles. A guy who literally was an inspiration to me and my friends as wrestling fans coming of age and wanting to do this. Thank you, AJ ❤️”
?Matthew Rehwoldt, Wrestler and Commentator
Reflecting on Styles’ character, commentator Arda Öcal praised him as a person beyond his in-ring achievements:
“AJ Styles is also a Phenomenal human outside of the ring as well – a total pro. A long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away i.e. Canada) I called plenty of his matches on independent shows – always showed up early, giving advice to aspiring wrestlers. Didn’t matter how many people…”
?Arda Öcal, Wrestling Commentator
Fellow wrestler Cody Deaner expressed respect for Styles’ unique talent and legacy:
“I’ve had the honor and the privilege of tagging with AJ Styles. And I can say, even after being in the ring with him on a small indy ‘back in the day’ … there is only ONE @AJStylesOrg… The PHENOMENAL One.”
?Cody Deaner, Wrestler
The Enduring Legacy and What Lies Ahead for AJ Styles
AJ Styles’ inclusion in the WWE Hall of Fame marks a pivotal chapter in a career defined by excellence and admiration from peers. His influence stretches across multiple promotions, including WWE, TNA, AAA, and various independent circuits, where he has left a lasting impression. This honor recognizes his status as one of the greatest athletes in professional wrestling history, inspiring new generations of wrestlers and fans.
The upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony during WrestleMania Week will provide a fitting stage to celebrate AJ Styles’ contributions to the sport, solidifying his legacy and continuing to elevate the profile of professional wrestling worldwide. His induction also serves as a reminder of the dedication and passion required to reach the pinnacle of this demanding industry.
Nights like this go beyond any accolade one can achieve. Being there for my brother @AJStylesOrg on an incredibly special night, and reuniting with @ThisIsTNA brethren is something I will take with me forever. And never let it go. Thanks you to the @WWE for making this happen. pic.twitter.com/rxtnB95at8
— 👑 Frankie Kazarian 👑 (@FrankieKazarian) February 24, 2026
AJ Styles is OFFICIALLY a member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026! 😤@AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/3VJrHu3VOc
— WWE (@WWE) February 24, 2026
In the words of Mike Tenay in 2002:
“Remember the name ladies and gentlemen – AJ Styles, the future of our sport has arrived.” https://t.co/G8P0X7PEGg
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 24, 2026
Recordamos cuando AJ Styles participó en Triplemanía 🙌🥲 pic.twitter.com/rv47YsE814
— Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (@luchalibreaaa) February 24, 2026
Thank you AJ Styles! Hall Of Fame, LFG. Truly the Untouchable One. No debating. 🙏🏾💯#ThankYouAJ pic.twitter.com/F2SQitPpP0
— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) February 24, 2026
Thank you AJ Styles! Congratulations on a phenomenal career! pic.twitter.com/tHbYw7N1wO
— chriSabin (@SuperChrisSabin) February 24, 2026
A quick note for @AJStylesOrg
Thanks for all you have given our business! One of the very best to ever do it PERIOD!
Thanks for being an example what a good person good husband good father and good man can be and never change no matter your level of success!
Thank you for… pic.twitter.com/Lf7JHIrLcy
— Eric Young (@TheEricYoung) February 24, 2026
I feel so fortunate to have been able to share a locker room and even the ring a few times with AJ Styles.
A guy who literally was an inspiration to me and my friends as wrestling fans coming of age and wanting to do this.
Thank you, AJ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/piAG8smF8T
— Matthew Rehwoldt (@DramaKingMatt) February 24, 2026
AJ Styles is also a Phenomenal human outside of the ring as well – a total pro. A long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away i.e. Canada) I called plenty of his matches on independent shows – always showed up early, giving advice to aspiring wrestlers. Didn't matter how many people… pic.twitter.com/As95sNXVtH
— ᴀʀᴅᴀ Öᴄᴀʟ (@Arda) February 24, 2026
I’ve had the honor and the privilege of tagging with AJ Styles.
And I can say, even after being in the ring with him on a small indy “back in the day” … there is only ONE @AJStylesOrg…
The PHENOMENAL One. pic.twitter.com/sID7WokdE9
— Cody Deaner (@CodyDeaner) February 24, 2026
