On tonight’s episode of WWE Raw, AJ Styles returned to his home state of Georgia to formally announce his retirement from professional wrestling. The “Phenomenal One” was surprised by an appearance from The Undertaker, who officially named Styles as an inductee for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
The segment began with a career retrospective video package set to the song “Higher” by Creed. Styles then made his way to the ring in Atlanta, noting the personal significance of the location. “I grew up 45 miles down the road in Gainesville, Georgia,” Styles said. “People don’t get to have a celebration like this when they retire and I am thankful for this night.”
Styles cited his time in Gainesville, “The Asylum,” the Tokyo Dome, and WrestleMania. He specifically mentioned his peers Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, and Frankie Kazarian, stating they made their marks on wrestling. He also referenced his tenure in Japan and his association with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, noting they showed him what it was like to have fun.
Styles addressed the personal toll of his career, stating that while he has won titles across the world, he has missed birthdays, missed anniversaries, [and] missed games. He identified his “biggest flex” as his marriage. “I have the best wife in the world,” Styles said to his wife Wendy in attendance. “You never slowed me down and told me to stop. You pushed me forward and held the family together.”
Styles added: “I didn’t leave my gloves in the ring [at the Rumble], but I am a man of my word.” He then removed his vest and gloves and put them on the mat.
Following a standing ovation from the fans and the WWE roster on the stage, the arena lights went out and The Undertaker’s gong sounded. The Undertaker came out to “American Bad Ass” on his bike.
“If you see me coming, that means you are going,” The Undertaker said to Styles. Fans popped big time for that because it seemed like Taker was setting up a match with Styles for WrestleMania. Taker referenced “unfinished business.” Styles seemed genuinely surprised and then Taker announced that Styles would be going into the Hall of Fame.
Styles and The Undertaker sharing a hug before Styles was joined in the ring by his family. Abyss, Frankie Kazarian, Petey Williams, Bobby Roode, and most of the WWE roster was on the stage as the show ended.
