WWE Raw: AJ Styles Retirement, Hall of Fame Induction & Elimination Chamber Qualifiers – February 23, 2026 Results

Atlanta played host to a bittersweet night of WWE Raw on February 23, 2026, as the promotion paid tribute to the retiring AJ Styles while also setting the stage for the upcoming Elimination Chamber event. The evening was marked by both celebration and disruption, culminating in a Hall of Fame announcement and a lingering question mark surrounding Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania plans.

The show opened with Michael Cole and Corey Graves in the ring to begin the planned tribute to Styles, but were immediately interrupted by Gunther. The imposing champion took control of the narrative, dismissing Styles, Goldberg, and John Cena as “losers” and declaring the night a celebration of his own dominance. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce intervened, attempting to restore order and allow the tribute to proceed, but Gunther’s defiance continued, leading to a physical altercation with Dragon Lee before being escorted backstage.

The opening segment underscored a clear tension between honoring a legend and the relentless pursuit of dominance that defines professional wrestling. Gunther’s actions, while disruptive, served to highlight Styles’ legacy by contrasting his accomplishments with the current champion’s aggressive ambition.

The wrestling action kicked off with a Triple Threat qualifier for the men’s Elimination Chamber match, pitting Bronson Reed against Jey Uso and The Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable). The match was unfortunately marred by an injury to Reed, who reportedly suffered a distal bicep tear, forcing him to withdraw. Jey Uso ultimately secured the victory, advancing to the Elimination Chamber. The injury to Reed raises concerns about the health of the Vision stable, as this follows previous injuries to other members.

Beyond the ring, WWE continued to build anticipation for WrestleMania 42. Brock Lesnar issued an open challenge for a match at the event, but remained vague on potential opponents. His advocate, Paul Heyman, emphasized the prestige of facing Lesnar, suggesting that no one is truly willing to accept the challenge. The continued promotion of Lesnar’s open challenge, across multiple dates, suggests a prolonged build-up and a potentially surprising opponent reveal.

A subplot involving Liv Morgan and the Women’s World Championship added another layer of intrigue. Morgan issued an apology to Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, only to turn on her and declare her intention to challenge Vaquer for the title at WrestleMania 42. This sets up a clash between two rising stars and adds another high-stakes match to the WrestleMania card.

Backstage segments featured various storylines, including tension within Judgment Day, with Finn Balor questioning Dominik Mysterio’s leadership, and a potential feud brewing between Rusev and Oba Femi. These developments suggest ongoing internal conflicts and the potential for new rivalries to emerge.

The final match of the night saw Raquel Rodriguez defeat Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane in a Triple Threat qualifier for the women’s Elimination Chamber match. Rodriguez’s victory adds another formidable competitor to the Chamber lineup, setting the stage for a potentially chaotic and unpredictable match.

However, the most poignant moment of the evening was undoubtedly the tribute to AJ Styles. The segment featured a comprehensive video package highlighting Styles’ career, from his early days in TNA to his success in WWE. Styles delivered an emotional speech, reflecting on his journey and expressing gratitude to his fans, family, and colleagues. The tribute culminated in a surprise announcement: Styles’ induction into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026. The Undertaker’s appearance to deliver the news added a fittingly iconic touch to the celebration.

Styles’ speech was particularly moving, as he acknowledged the sacrifices he and his family made throughout his career. His decision to leave his gloves in the ring, symbolizing his retirement, was a powerful gesture that resonated with fans. The WWE-TNA partnership was also highlighted as instrumental in making the tribute as comprehensive and meaningful as possible.

The night concluded with a sense of closure for AJ Styles, but also with a lingering sense of anticipation for the upcoming Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania events. WWE Raw delivered a compelling blend of nostalgia, drama, and in-ring action, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds.