On February 23, 2026, WWE legend AJ Styles was unexpectedly announced as an inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026, during a special segment on Monday Night Raw in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. The announcement came shortly after Styles concluded his wrestling career with a retirement match against GUNTHER at last month’s Royal Rumble event.
Emotional Tribute and Surprise Appearance from The Undertaker
During the Raw episode, AJ Styles delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on his two-decade-long career starting in 1998. As he addressed the crowd, The Undertaker made a surprise entrance and shared a memorable message before officially revealing Styles’ Hall of Fame induction.
“AJ, did you ever hear the phrase, ‘If you see me coming, you’re already gone?’ I changed that phrase a little bit. Because if you see me coming, that means you’re going. AJ, it is my esteemed honour to inform you that you are the newest inductee in the 2026 class of the WWE Hall of Fame,”
The Undertaker declared.
Styles’ Legacy Celebrated by Wrestling Peers and Family
The announcement filled the arena with excitement as Styles’ wife and children, seated in the front row, embraced proudly. Wrestling stars from across Styles’ extensive career journey gathered backstage, including Abyss, Bobby Roode, Petey Williams, Jeremy Borash, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows), Shinsuke Nakamura, Michin, and Omos. Following Styles’ farewell speech, prominent wrestlers such as CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, and Triple H joined him on stage to honor his legacy.
Reflecting on a Career That Began and Ended at Royal Rumble Events
In his emotional address, Styles recounted that he debuted in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble and concluded his in-ring career exactly ten years later at the 2026 Royal Rumble against GUNTHER. He addressed questions about not immediately retiring his gloves after the final match, explaining his symbolic gesture.
“I am a man of my word, and at the end of the day, all we have is our word,”
Styles said as he removed his jacket and set it in the ring, then spoke about his gloves.
He continued,
“I didn’t take off my gloves at the Royal Rumble because I wanted to take them with me to the house, and come here to Atlanta and be in this ring and leave my gloves at home.”
Gratitude and Commitment to Family as a New Chapter Begins
Styles expressed deep appreciation to his fans and family, emphasizing how crucial their support was throughout his career.
“From the bottom of my heart… I would’ve been nothing without you. Thank you for your love, and I love you right back. Thank you.”
He acknowledged that while he achieved nearly everything possible in wrestling, his focus now shifts to being a full-time father, making up for missed family moments like anniversaries, birthdays, and sports events.
Standing in front of the Atlanta crowd, he praised his wife’s unwavering support, saying,
“Right here in front of God and everybody in Atlanta, Georgia, my biggest flex is having the best wife in the world. You never slowed me down, you never told me to stop. You kept pushing me forward, you held the family together even though I watched them grow on FaceTime.”
He concluded by telling his wife,
“You’re The One. I love you. By the way, thank you guys for being here.”
Looking Ahead to WrestleMania and the Hall of Fame Ceremony
The upcoming WWE Hall of Fame ceremony will take place in Las Vegas on April 18-19, just before WrestleMania 42. AJ Styles’ induction solidifies his status as one of wrestling’s most influential figures, celebrating a phenomenal career marked by dedication, passion, and numerous accolades. This honor highlights not only his impact inside the ring but also his role as a professional mentor and devoted family man heading into the next chapter of his life.
