AJ Styles has been announced as the latest inductee in the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Class, with the induction set to take place over WrestleMania weekend.
The final segment of the February 23 episode of Raw paid tribute to The Phenomenal One’s career. Following a video package set to Higher by Creed that featured highlights from Styles’ TNA and WWE careers, Styles appeared live in his home state of Georgia. Styles reminisced about his career and said that while he has done everything, he has never been a full-time father, addressing his family who were sat in the front row.
Styles spoke about not leaving is gloves in the ring, stating that the reason he did not take them off is that he wanted to leave his gloves at home. Styles thanked the fans and it appeared that the show was about to end as the credits flashed up onscreen. However, there was one more surprise.
After the roster made their way to ringside, the lights went out and The Undertaker made his way to the ring. The Deadman then made the announcement that Styles would be honoured in Las Vegas later in the year as he would be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
It has since been reported by Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline that Styles was not aware that the honour was coming, and was legitimately surprised by what took place.
Regarded as one of the greatest in-ring wrestlers of all time and a huge influence on many of the stars of today, Styles is more than deserving of the honour for his accomplishements outsdie of WWE as well as what he achieved in the company over the past decade. After a breakout career in TNA that saw him and stars of the X-Division elevate the brand with exciting matches, Styles went on to New Japan and continued to prove why he is regarded asone of the best of all time with matches against the likes of Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi.
In 2016, Styles finally arrived in WWE as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble. From there, Styles went on to win the WWE Championship twice and continued to have phenomenal matches against the likes of Cody Rhodes, John Cena and Finn Balor. Styles was also the one chosen by The Undertaker to be The Phenom’s final opponent, which took place at WrestleMania 36. Styles competed in WWE one last time when he lost to Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble, 10 years on from his debut.
AJ Styles Is Second Inductee Into Hall Of Fame
Styles joins Stephanie McMahon as confirmed inductees in the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class. McMahon’s induction was announced at Wrestlepalooza back in September 2025, which one again saw The Undertaker break the news to the fans.
Featured image: WWE
