Monday Night Raw was a deeply emotional evening as WWE dedicated its Atlanta broadcast to celebrating the legendary career of AJ Styles. The “Phenomenal One” wrestled his final official match at the Royal Rumble last month, coming up short against Gunther. During Raw, Styles delivered a heartfelt retirement speech, expressing profound gratitude to his family, his peers, and the fans he encountered throughout his illustrious tenures in TNA, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and WWE.
A Legitimate Surprise for the Phenomenal One
The emotional peak of the segment occurred immediately after Styles concluded his remarks. Emulating a long-standing wrestling tradition, Styles placed his signature jacket and gloves on the mat. Suddenly, the iconic gong sounded, and The Undertaker made a surprise appearance. The legendary “Deadman” entered the ring not to fight, but to personally inform Styles that he would be the newest inductee into the prestigious WWE Hall of Fame class.
The moment was incredibly moving, and according to Bryan Alvarez, the raw emotion on Styles’ face was entirely genuine. Styles was reportedly kept completely in the dark regarding the Hall of Fame announcement and The Undertaker’s involvement. “That whole thing at the end with the Undertaker and the Hall of Fame announcement was a legitimate surprise to AJ, who they didn’t clue in,” Alvarez noted.
The WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony is traditionally held during the massive WrestleMania weekend festivities. While the company has yet to release specific logistical details for this year’s ceremony—which is heavily expected to take place in Las Vegas to align with WrestleMania 42—Styles is the second major name confirmed for the class. He joins former WWE executive Stephanie McMahon, whose own induction was surprisingly revealed by The Undertaker at last year’s Wrestlepalooza event.
