Monday Night Raw delivered an unforgettable, unscripted moment when The Undertaker made a surprise appearance to inform a retiring AJ Styles that he would be the newest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame. The emotional weight of the announcement was palpable in the arena, and WWE has now released footage capturing the immediate aftermath behind the curtain.
“I Really Can’t Think of the Words to Express How I Feel”
The company posted an exclusive backstage video on its official YouTube channel, showing Styles gathering with his wife and children just minutes after the television broadcast went off the air. The raw emotion of the moment was evident as the veteran processed the monumental honor.
“I guess we’re going to WrestleMania, at least to the Hall of Fame,” Styles said with a smile. “I’m very excited. I don’t know, I really can’t think of the words to express how I feel. ‘Gratitude’s’ a big one. ‘Thankful.’ ‘Blessed.’”
Styles emphasized that receiving the news in Atlanta—his adopted hometown—made the occasion significantly more profound. “I’m glad they were here to see it too,” he noted, gesturing to his family. “What a place, being told you’re going into the Hall of Fame in the city that you live in. It was going to be a great night, and you got married. It’s awesome.”
The city of Atlanta holds a special place in his storied career. According to the Cagematch database, Styles has competed in 14 matches within the city limits. His journey there spans from a dark match victory over Rick Micheals at a WWF Jakked taping in July 2001, all the way to a no-contest bout against LA Knight on WWE SmackDown in January 2024. Now, the city will forever be remembered as the place where his Hall of Fame legacy was cemented.