Right after confirming his retirement from WWE, AJ Styles was inducted into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. Veteran wrestler The Undertaker announced during the February 23, 2026, episode of WWE RAW. The moment appeared to catch Styles off guard.

AJ Styles to be introduced to WWE Hall of Fame

AJ Styles has become the latest wrestler to be added to the WWE Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for some of the industry’s most accomplished performers. During Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, The Undertaker announced that Styles would be part of the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. The news appeared to surprise Styles in the ring.

This announcement followed Styles confirming his retirement. The wrestler had previously stated that 2026 would be his final year in the ring. However, he chose to step away earlier in the year rather than continue through the full calendar.

“Why is now the right time? I mean, now’s the right time to retire, so I don’t make a fool out of myself, so I don’t embarrass myself. I’m on the verge of doing just that,” Styles explained during the RAW Recap show, “Now’s the time. It’s not easy, mind you, but it’s the time.”

AJ Styles is known for his extensive career in professional wrestling. Before joining WWE, he competed in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Ring of Honor. He rose to prominence during his time in TNA, where he won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship three times, and the X Division Championship six times.

After signing with WWE, he captured the WWE Championship twice. He is also tied with Randy Savage for the eighth-longest WWE Championship reign in company history.

He retires as one of the most decorated wrestlers of his era.