On February 23, 2026, WWE RAW delivered an intense and surprising live broadcast from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, featuring the highly anticipated Elimination Chamber go-home matches. The night’s events prominently included a Men’s Elimination Chamber Triple Threat Qualifying Match and a heartfelt tribute to “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, highlighting the evening’s focus on WWE RAW February 2026 highlights.
The event began at 8:00 PM Eastern Time, streaming on Netflix for U.S. audiences and other platforms internationally. Fans were treated to a lineup that foreshadowed major WrestleMania 42 stakes, with WWE World Tag Team Champion Jey Uso, Bronson Reed, and El Grande Americano battling for a spot, while the women’s division featured a qualifying clash involving Raquel Rodriguez, IYO SKY, and Kairi Sane.
Featured Matches and Notable Segments Scheduled for February 23
The card was stacked with several high-profile encounters and announcements, including:
- A Men’s Elimination Chamber Triple Threat Qualifying Match featuring The Vision’s Bronson Reed, WWE World Tag Team Champion Jey Uso, and El Grande Americano
- A Women’s Elimination Chamber Triple Threat Qualifying Match with Raquel Rodriguez, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion IYO SKY, and Kairi Sane
- A singles contest between Alpha Academy’s Maxxine Dupri and Nattie
- Remarks from WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, known as “The Best In The World”
- An announcement by Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan regarding her WrestleMania 42 plans
- The dramatic return of Brock Lesnar, “The Beast Incarnate”
- A tribute segment honoring the decorated career of AJ Styles
Opening Moments Marked by Tension and Clash Between GUNTHER and Officials
The broadcast commenced with commentators Michael Cole and Corey Graves introducing the show and highlighting the forthcoming AJ Styles tribute. However, GUNTHER interrupted, entering the ring with a defiant message criticizing the celebration of Styles and other wrestling legends. He disparaged former stars like Bill Goldberg and John Cena, declaring himself as the true force who ended their careers.
In response, RAW General Manager Adam Pearce confronted GUNTHER in the ring, insisting that tonight was dedicated to celebrating AJ Styles’ contributions. Pearce ordered security to escort GUNTHER out, but the wrestler opted to leave on his own terms, expressing disdain for the event. As GUNTHER exited with a final pose, Dragon Lee launched a surprise attack from behind, sparking a backstage brawl that necessitated intervention.
Dispute Escalates Backstage as Security Intervenes
The altercation between GUNTHER and Dragon Lee continued beyond the ramp, with frequent clashes and aggressive exchanges until security personnel intervened. Adam Pearce remained in the area, confronting GUNTHER and questioning his attitude toward the night’s theme. During this tense moment, Cody Rhodes, known as “The American Nightmare,” emerged, glaring at GUNTHER before departing backstage.
Following these events, Cody Rhodes took center stage in the ring, signaling a shift in the evening’s tone and setting the stage for upcoming developments in WWE storylines.
Significance of Tonight’s WWE RAW and Expected Impact
The February 23 episode of WWE RAW offered fans a blend of competition, confrontation, and commemoration, weaving intense rivalries alongside respect for wrestling’s history. The high-stakes qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber will influence the trajectory toward WrestleMania 42, while the tribute to AJ Styles provided an emotional acknowledgment of one of WWE’s most influential performers.
Brock Lesnar’s surprise return added a layer of unpredictability that is expected to ripple through forthcoming WWE programming. The tensions around GUNTHER’s outspoken behavior hint at escalating feuds, especially with stars like Dragon Lee and Cody Rhodes now involved.
As WWE RAW continues to build momentum in this critical phase, fans can anticipate repercussions from tonight’s confrontations and matches, shaping key narratives heading into the biggest event on the wrestling calendar.
“You were trying your best, but it was not good enough… it is disgraceful to have a celebration for a loser.” ?GUNTHER, Wrestler
“We are going to celebrate the career of AJ Styles.” ?Adam Pearce, RAW General Manager
“He is going to leave, not because he is being told to leave, but because he is disgraced by what is going to happen tonight.” ?GUNTHER, Wrestler
