AJ Styles Announces Retirement, WWE Hall of Fame Induction
Atlanta, Georgia – February 23, 2026 – In an emotional and career-spanning tribute held at State Farm Arena, WWE superstar AJ Styles announced his retirement from professional wrestling and was simultaneously revealed as the newest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame.
A Night Interrupted and a Career Remembered
The evening began with a planned celebration of Styles’ illustrious career, but was briefly interrupted by Gunther, who criticized Styles, Goldberg, and John Cena, calling them “losers” and claiming the night should celebrate him. The disruption led to altercations with Dragon Lee and a tense exchange with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce.
Despite the initial chaos, the focus soon returned to honoring Styles’ contributions to the sport. Highlights from his career were shown, including his debut in WWE at the 2016 Royal Rumble and his championship victories.
A Reflective Farewell
Styles addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform for them and reflecting on his journey from his beginnings in Gainesville, Georgia, to wrestling on the biggest stages in the world, including TNA, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and WWE. He acknowledged the sacrifices his family made to support his career, particularly the time spent away from them.
Styles recounted his experiences with fellow wrestlers like Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson, crediting them with shaping his career and helping him find enjoyment in the profession. He admitted that his recent match against Gunther at the Royal Rumble didn’t go as planned, but found a poetic resonance in ending his career where it began.
Hall of Fame Bound
The celebration took a momentous turn when “American Badass” Undertaker appeared, delivering the news of Styles’ induction into the 2026 class of the WWE Hall of Fame. Styles and his family shared an emotional embrace in the ring as the crowd celebrated his legacy.
Looking Ahead
AJ Styles’ retirement marks the end of an era for one of professional wrestling’s most captivating performers. His impact on the industry will be felt for years to arrive, and his Hall of Fame induction solidifies his place among the greatest of all time.