Raw recap & reactions (Feb. 23, 2026): AJ goes to the Hall of Fame

Nothing jumped out at me about this week’s rasslin’ program. So rather than talk about why that is, I’m just using the opportunity to give my thoughts on the AJ Styles segment.

WWE produces a hell of a video package. They put a dope one together for a guy who made his name all over the world before setting WWE on fire for the last decade. Creed’s “Higher” was a fantastic touch that made me wistful or the late ‘90s, but also feels like an AJ song. If there was one misstep for me, it was showing Frankie Kazarian and Abyss backstage but not doing anything with them during the big moment. Especially after AJ shouted them out in his speech.

I also liked AJ’s reasoning for not ditching his gloves at Royal Rumble. Do I believe it was the plan at the time to do a tribute in Atlanta, therefore he wouldn’t need to leave his gloves in Saudi Arabia? No, not for a nanosecond. It’s still a touching reason and made the moment feel more momentous. He also touched on not being the greatest dad during his long career because he missed so much. He watched his kids grow through screens rather than always being at home. In a business where the money and the miles are the only real things, AJ’s sentiment on how the job affects parenting might need to get added to that list.

Will AJ wrestle again? He said he’s a man of his word, so this feels like the end of the road. I don’t know if I quite believe that but I will give him the benefit of the doubt since I don’t know the man.

The segment ended with Undertaker rolling out on his motorcycle and telling AJ he is formally inducted into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. That’s a huge deal for many reasons but even more so for a guy who was always Mr. TNA.

Now he’s a WWE Hall of Famer.

This was another okay episode of Monday television. Everything with Liv Morgan and Stephanie Vaquer cooked (despite Stephanie’s bleh entrance music), AJ Styles’ segment brought the emotion, and the Elimination Chamber filled out. The night just felt uninspired, almost like Elimination Chamber is perfunctory rather than a meaningful show. Bronson Reed’s injury sucks and that will no doubt upend several plans. Here’s wishing a speedy recovery to the guy.

What say you, Cagesiders? Does AJ wrestle again or is he truly putting his gloves on the shelf?