AJ Styles Enters WWE Hall of Fame
Monday Night Raw featured a major tribute to AJ Styles, including TNA reunion appearances by The Abyss, Frankie Kazarian, Good Brothers, Bobby Roode, and Jeremy Borash, plus a surprise cameo by The Undertaker. Styles' induction into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame signals the end of an era and cements his status as a cross-promotional legend.
- Before his celebrated 10-year run with WWE, AJ Styles was a foundational star for TNA Wrestling (now Impact Wrestling) for 12 years, where he became the first-ever TNA X Division Champion and a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. The tribute on Raw featured TNA alumni like Abyss, Frankie Kazarian, and Bobby Roode, with whom Styles had historic rivalries and alliances. - In addition to his success in the United States, Styles had a significant international career, most notably in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) from 2014 to 2016. There, he became the leader of the influential Bullet Club faction and a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion. - The appearance by The Undertaker was a direct acknowledgment of their unique history; Styles was The Undertaker's opponent for his final match at WrestleMania 36. The cinematic "Boneyard Match" was a critically acclaimed main event that took place without a live audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. - Styles' final match took place at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where he was defeated by Gunther. He had previously stated that his WWE contract was set to expire in 2026 and he did not intend to renew it, choosing to end his in-ring career on his own terms. - Upon retirement, Styles became a WWE Grand Slam Champion, having held the WWE Championship twice, the Intercontinental Championship once, the United States Championship three times, and the Raw Tag Team Championship. - Following his retirement from in-ring competition, Styles has indicated he will remain with WWE in a non-wrestling capacity. He has expressed a desire to work with and help develop younger talent. - The Hall of Fame announcement took place in Atlanta, Georgia, which is near Styles' hometown of Gainesville, adding a personal touch to the honor. After the announcement, he left his signature gloves and vest in the center of the ring, a symbolic gesture of his retirement.
