AJ Styles brought his celebrated professional wrestling career to a close Monday night in Atlanta, Georgia, receiving a surprise announcement from a legend of the industry: The Undertaker. In a segment filled with emotion and respect, The Undertaker revealed that Styles will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, capping off a remarkable run for the “Phenomenal One.” The announcement came after Styles formally announced his retirement on Raw, reflecting on a career that spanned multiple continents and promotions.
The evening began with a video tribute set to Creed’s “Higher,” highlighting key moments from Styles’ career. Speaking from the ring in his home state, Styles expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have a celebratory send-off. “I grew up 45 miles down the road in Gainesville, Georgia,” Styles said, acknowledging the personal significance of the location. “People don’t get to have a celebration like this when they retire and I am thankful for this night.”
Styles’ career journey, as he recounted, took him from early days in Gainesville, known as “The Asylum,” to iconic venues like the Tokyo Dome and WrestleMania. He paid tribute to peers who helped shape his career, including Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, and Frankie Kazarian, acknowledging their contributions to the wrestling landscape. He also fondly remembered his time in Japan and the camaraderie he shared with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, stating they showed him “what it was like to have fun.”
Beyond the championships and accolades, Styles spoke candidly about the personal sacrifices inherent in a life dedicated to professional wrestling. He acknowledged missing birthdays, anniversaries, and important family events while pursuing his passion. However, he emphasized that his greatest achievement was his marriage. “I have the best wife in the world,” Styles said to his wife, Wendy, who was in attendance. “You never slowed me down and told me to stop. You pushed me forward and held the family together.” He affirmed his commitment to his word, stating, “I didn’t leave my gloves in the ring [at the Rumble], but I am a man of my word,” before symbolically removing his vest and gloves and placing them on the mat.
The emotional moment was punctuated by a standing ovation from the fans and the WWE roster. Then, the arena lights dimmed, and The Undertaker’s signature gong reverberated through the arena. The Undertaker arrived on his motorcycle, initially teasing a continuation of their past rivalry. He famously stated, “If you see me coming, that means you are going,” a line that initially led fans to believe a match might be in the works. WWE.com reported that the tease was a setup for a far greater honor.
Instead of a challenge, The Undertaker announced Styles’ induction into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The moment was marked by a heartfelt embrace between the two stars, and Styles was soon joined in the ring by his family. Bleacher Report noted that Abyss, Frankie Kazarian, Petey Williams, Bobby Roode, and much of the WWE roster were present on stage to celebrate Styles’ career.
Styles’ retirement follows a loss to Gunther at January’s Royal Rumble, marking the end of an era for the two-time WWE Champion and Grand Slam Champion. Newsweek reported that Gunther has now ended the careers of Styles, Bill Goldberg and John Cena.
The WWE Hall of Fame induction will take place during WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas this April, alongside Stephanie McMahon, who was previously announced as an inductee. Styles’ legacy extends beyond WWE, having established himself as “Mr. TNA” and a leader of the Bullet Club faction in Recent Japan Pro-Wrestling before his surprising debut in the 2016 Royal Rumble.
As Styles transitions into retirement, he has even hinted at a potential future return under the right circumstances, and expressed interest in potentially teaming with his son as he enters the wrestling business. For now, however, the focus remains on celebrating a career that has left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.
The WWE universe now looks ahead to WrestleMania 42, where Styles will be formally honored for his contributions to the sport. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his skill, dedication, and the lasting impact he has had on fans worldwide. Share your favorite AJ Styles moments and memories in the comments below.
