AJ Styles Receives Emotional WWE Raw Sendoff with TNA Alumni

WWE honored AJ Styles with a tribute segment on the February 23, 2026, edition of Monday Night Raw in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the end of his in-ring career. The celebration included appearances from several wrestlers who shared significant moments with Styles throughout his 27-year career, particularly from his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).

TNA Roots on Display

The tribute featured appearances by Abyss (Chris Park), The Good Brothers (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson), and Frankie Kazarian. Petey Williams, Jeremy Borash, and Bobby Roode, all former colleagues of Styles from his TNA days, were also present and shown on camera as seen on WWE’s official Twitter account.

Career Retrospective

Throughout the broadcast, WWE presented video packages highlighting key moments from AJ Styles’ illustrious career. Styles retired on January 31, 2026, after a match at the Royal Rumble where he competed against Gunther, with his career on the line as reported by TJRWrestling.

Gunther’s Potential Interruption

Gunther, who defeated Styles in his final match, hinted at the possibility of disrupting the tribute. In an interview, Gunther expressed his desire for people to move on and suggested he might “try and ruin that” according to Wrestlingnewsco.

A Phenomenal Career

Born Allen Neal Jones on June 2, 1977, AJ Styles has had a remarkable career spanning multiple promotions, including WWE, TNA, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and Ring of Honor (ROH) as detailed on Wikipedia. He is a decorated champion, holding titles in each of these organizations, including a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and a former RPW British Heavyweight Champion. Styles first appeared in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 2002, but declined a developmental contract before returning in 2016.

Looking Ahead

While AJ Styles has firmly stated his intention to retire, his impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. The tribute on Raw served as a fitting farewell to a performer widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. Fans continue to express hope for a potential return, but Styles remains resolute in his decision to end his in-ring career.