AJ Styles Receives Emotional WWE Farewell and Hall of Fame Induction
February 25, 2026 – A remarkable career was celebrated this week as WWE honored AJ Styles with a moving tribute on the February 23rd edition of “WWE Raw.” The segment, which unfolded after the show officially concluded, saw a gathering of wrestling icons and current stars paying homage to “The Phenomenal One.”
A Career Spanning Wrestling’s Biggest Stages
The tribute, captured in a near-five minute YouTube exclusive, brought together colleagues from Styles’ extensive career across WWE, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).1
TNA Roots and Surprising Recognition
Amongst those representing his TNA past were Frankie Kazarian, Drake Maverick (formerly Rockstar Spud), Bobby Roode, and Abyss. Kazarian and Maverick currently serve as backstage producers for WWE.12 A particularly touching moment occurred when Styles embraced Bobby Roode, remarking, “You got me good, dude,” in reference to the surprise announcement of his WWE Hall of Fame induction. Roode confessed he hadn’t been aware of the honor beforehand.12
Bullet Club Reunion and WWE Family
The reunion extended to Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, who shared the ring with Styles in both WWE and NJPW. Their appearance marked their first on WWE programming since their release from the company in February 2025.1 Representing their shared history in the Bullet Club were Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Finn Balor, and Cody Rhodes, with Balor and Styles exchanging the traditional “Too Sweet” gesture.12 WWE personnel, including Cathy Kelley, Stephanie Vaquer, Michin, and Asuka were likewise visibly emotional during the tribute.2
Final Match and Lasting Legacy
Earlier in the segment, Rhodes and Sami Zayn physically showed their respect by hoisting Styles onto their shoulders.12 Styles’ last match took place at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where GUNTHER made him pass out to the sleeper hold.2 Prior to that, Styles notably met Shinsuke Nakamura, his former NJPW rival, in a match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event. Nakamura later took photos of Styles’ sendoff on “Raw.”2
AJ Styles, born Allen Neal Jones on June 2, 1977, has had a storied career performing for WWE, NJPW, TNA, and Ring of Honor.3 He is a two-time WWE Champion and three-time WWE United States Champion.3