AJ Styles, the man long known as the "Phenomenal One," has officially closed the book on his legendary in-ring career and will soon take his place among the immortals of professional wrestling. On February 23, 2026, during a special episode of WWE Raw broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia—just a stone’s throw from his hometown of Gainesville—Styles was announced as the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The news comes hot on the heels of his emotional retirement at the Royal Rumble, where he faced "The Career Killer" Gunther in a match that marked the end of nearly three decades inside the squared circle.
It’s hard to overstate the impact AJ Styles has had on the world of professional wrestling. From his humble beginnings on the independent circuit to his role as the cornerstone of TNA Wrestling and his triumphant runs in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and WWE, Styles has left an indelible mark at every stop. As the WWE production team rolled out a stirring video package set to Creed’s "Higher," fans were treated to a montage of career highlights, heartfelt wrestler testimonials, and never-before-seen backstage moments. The tribute was fitting for a man whose career has been synonymous with innovation, resilience, and, above all, excellence.
"Remember the name, ladies and gentlemen—AJ Styles, the future of our sport has arrived," declared Mike Tenay back in 2002. Those words, echoed by TNA Wrestling in their tribute, now ring truer than ever. For over a decade, Styles was the heart and soul of TNA, helping to define the company’s identity during its formative years. He was the inaugural X Division Champion, pioneering a "no limits" style that changed the landscape of modern wrestling. His reigns as TNA Heavyweight Champion and his unforgettable rivalries with the likes of Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, and Frankie Kazarian are etched in wrestling lore.
But Styles’ journey didn’t stop there. After leaving TNA in 2014, he took his talents to Japan, where he quickly became the leader of the infamous Bullet Club in NJPW. In a stunning debut, he captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Kazuchika Okada, announcing his arrival on the global stage. His classic bouts against Shinsuke Nakamura and others solidified his status as an international superstar. Styles’ time in Japan was marked by both critical acclaim and championship gold, but perhaps more importantly, it was a period of reinvention that prepared him for the next—and perhaps most storied—chapter of his career.
That next chapter began in 2016, when AJ Styles made his long-awaited WWE debut at the Royal Rumble. The reaction from the audience that night has since become the stuff of legend, as fans erupted in disbelief and excitement. Over the next ten years, Styles would achieve what many thought impossible: he became a grand-slam champion in WWE, capturing the WWE Championship twice, the United States Championship three times, the Intercontinental Championship once, and tag team gold on two occasions. In doing so, he joined an elite group of wrestlers who have held every major title the company offers.
On the night of his retirement, Styles addressed the WWE Universe with characteristic humility and honesty. Reflecting on his journey, he gave shoutouts to his longtime friends and rivals from TNA, remembered his time with the Good Brothers in NJPW, and spoke candidly about the bittersweet nature of his final match. "Things didn’t go the way I wanted against Gunther, but it’s poetic because I went out where I started," Styles said, referencing his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble and his decision to end his career at the same event a decade later. He explained that he didn’t remove his gloves in the ring that night because he wanted to do it in Atlanta, his true home. In a poignant moment, he placed his gloves and jacket in the center of the ring, delivering a heartfelt thank you to the fans: "From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
The outpouring of respect from the wrestling world was immediate and overwhelming. The entire Raw roster emerged from backstage to give Styles a standing ovation, while legends like Frankie Kazarian and The Abyss sent their own messages of appreciation. Then, as if scripted for maximum drama, the arena lights dimmed and the unmistakable sound of The Undertaker’s gong echoed through the building. Making his full "American Badass" entrance, The Undertaker stepped into the ring to announce that Styles would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The moment was made even more special as Styles celebrated with his wife and children in the ring, surrounded by friends, peers, and fans who have followed his incredible journey.
The WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set to take place over WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas—a fitting stage for a performer who has graced the biggest events in wrestling across the globe. Styles’ on-air career stretches all the way back to a brief stint in WCW, where he appeared on Nitro and Thunder before the company’s collapse in 2001. From there, he built his reputation on the independent scene, competing in Ring of Honor and NWA: Total Nonstop Action before becoming the face of TNA. His ability to reinvent himself, stay relevant, and deliver world-class performances in every environment is a testament to both his talent and his passion for the business.
For fans eager to relive Styles’ most "phenomenal" moments, TNA Wrestling has made a collection of his greatest matches available on TNA+ and YouTube. WWE’s tribute video, meanwhile, stands as a reminder of just how much one man can accomplish with determination, creativity, and an unwavering love for the sport. As The Undertaker put it during the Hall of Fame announcement, "AJ Styles forever cements his legacy as a member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026."
As the wrestling world prepares to honor AJ Styles during WrestleMania weekend, it’s clear that his influence will be felt for generations to come. He changed the game in TNA, conquered the world in NJPW, and became a grand-slam champion in WWE. Now, with his gloves and jacket resting in the center of the ring, the Phenomenal One steps into history—his legacy secure, his journey complete, and his fans forever grateful.