WWE Now – Raw Recap: AJ Styles Calls It a Phenomenal Hall of Fame Career

Date: February 24, 2026
Hosts: Sam Roberts & Megan Morant
Main Theme:
A special and emotional Raw recap centered on the surprise announcement of AJ Styles' immediate induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, reflecting on his storied career, his heartfelt farewell, and the major developments across Raw leading to Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania season.

Episode Overview

This episode covers a historic and feel-good edition of Monday Night Raw, highlighted by AJ Styles’ unexpected Hall of Fame reveal following what many believed would be a straightforward retirement sendoff. Sam Roberts and Megan Morant share their emotional reactions, analyze AJ’s legacy and tributes, break down Raw’s key matches and developing stories, and preview the rapidly changing landscape leading into Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

AJ Styles’ Hall of Fame Surprise

• Emotional Farewell: The hosts anticipated AJ’s retirement would be moving, but were surprised by the overwhelming positivity and celebration.
• The Undertaker’s Role:
  • The post-show segment had the entire roster on stage when the unmistakable “gong” signaled Undertaker’s entrance—heightening suspense and misdirection.
  • Sam initially thought Undertaker might challenge AJ to one last match or lead to some sort of swerve, referencing the “falsy ending” trope (03:00).
  • The twist was only clear right as Undertaker brought AJ into the ring, with both AJ and Sam realizing simultaneously that this was a Hall of Fame induction.
    • “I think AJ and I figured it out at the same time. Just as the smile started coming across AJ’s face…that was the moment.” – Sam Roberts (04:50)
  • Megan sensed the twist earlier, noting the clues in Undertaker's presentation and timing.
• Fan and Roster Reactions:
  • The emotional impact was amplified by the full roster’s presence and video tributes from WWE and wrestling luminaries.
  • Charlotte Flair’s off-air comment to AJ: “Who am I gonna text about my matches now?” – highlighting AJ’s behind-the-scenes influence (16:12).

AJ Styles’ Reflections (Interview, 17:36–22:38)

A series of rapid-fire questions gave AJ a direct voice on his decision and career highlights.

Why Retire Now?

“Now’s the right time to retire so I don’t make a fool out of myself, so I don’t embarrass myself. I’m on the verge of doing just that. Now’s the time. It’s not easy, mind you, but it’s the time.” – AJ Styles, (17:44)

Favorite Matches & Moments

“Shinsuke Nakamura and myself had an unbelievable match at Saturday Night Main Event… The match with John Cena at Crown Jewel in Australia. Man, I’m so glad I got to wrestle that guy. Punk, having that match with him… unbelievable matches and unbelievable moments.” – AJ Styles, (18:01)

Regrets & Dream Opponents

“I wonder what it’d be like to be in there with Penta… I’d love to get back in the ring with Chad Gable. I say I’d love that… but so many qualified wrestlers.” – AJ Styles, (18:50)

Meaning of the John Cena Match

“It was two guys who had wrestled a lot of different people and brung it all together to bring tribute to professional wrestling.” – AJ Styles, (19:31)

Could Retirement Have Happened Elsewhere?

“Had TNA offered me the deal that I had, I would have stayed there… But as things would have it, here I am in WWE and I’m grateful for it.” – AJ Styles, (20:02)

Why End It at Royal Rumble, Not WrestleMania?

“WrestleMania… has kind of lost its luster a little bit. The Royal Rumble…that’s where I made my debut. To be able to end where I started, it’s poetic.” – AJ Styles, (20:34)

A Message to Fans

“I’ve said this for two decades, and I mean it: AJ Styles would have been nothing without you, the fans.” – AJ Styles, (22:23)

Legacy & Industry Impact

• Career Spanning Eras and Companies:
  • Sam and Megan review AJ’s trajectory from a WCW Nitro debut, through TNA and Japan, to a decade of WWE excellence.
  • AJ brought his unique style to WWE, prompting even industry stalwarts like John Cena to elevate their game (12:00–14:00).
• Locker Room Contributions:
  • AJ’s consistent mentorship and support, cited as a reason for his universal respect.
• Emotional Video Packages:
  • Tributes from superstars (e.g., Texas Rattlesnake’s high praise), underscoring Styles as “the greatest professional wrestler walking on two legs” (16:46).

Main Raw Recap & Storylines

Elimination Chamber Qualifiers and WrestleMania Paths

Men’s Elimination Chamber (29:00–32:50)

• Final qualifiers: Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, LA Knight, Javon Evans, Trick Williams.
• Fan Interest: Sam and Megan discuss how this may be the most “popular” chamber lineup ever—every entrant is a crowd favorite.
• Key Stakes: Who gets to go on to WrestleMania, with Cody Rhodes in a particularly precarious spot—not having a guaranteed Mania match for the first time since returning to WWE.

Women’s Elimination Chamber (34:42–40:41)

• Raquel Rodriguez qualifies in a triple threat against IYO and Kairi Sane.
• Roster: Raquel, Rhea Ripley, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, Keanu James, Tiffany Stratton.
• Story Angles: Raquel’s momentum and “full circle” narrative, Rhea Ripley’s star status, dark horse possibilities for Keanu James and Tiffany Stratton.

Women’s World Championship Announcement

• Liv Morgan officially selects Stephanie Vacair as her WrestleMania opponent (46:08–48:29).
• Analysis: Contrasting journeys: Liv Morgan’s “sink or swim” WWE evolution versus Vacair’s decade-long struggle just to reach WWE.
• Quote:

  “This is truly sink or swim. And it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for Liv Morgan.” – Megan Morant (45:40)

• Hosts celebrate fresh main-event faces emerging on the WrestleMania stage.

Brock Lesnar’s Open Challenge & The WrestleMania “Beast” Tradition (49:14–54:07)

• Paul Heyman frames Lesnar as inheriting the “Undertaker match” spot at Mania.
• Possible opponents speculated: Gunther, Oba, Sami Zayn, Randy Orton.
• Brock’s presence remains a spectacle—open challenge set for March 16th Raw.

Other Major Segments

• Tributes to AJ Styles:

  • Rare cross-promotion appearances (e.g., Frankie Kazarian, Abyss, Jeremy Borash) represent AJ’s influence beyond WWE.

    “That was one of those, like, if you know, you know, beautiful moments.” – Sam (10:18)

• Injuries Impacting The Vision Faction:

  • Bronson Reed injured (bicep tear), Seth Rollins and Braun Breakker also sidelined—Logan Paul and Austin Theory now sole Vision representatives.

• Mystery and Intrigue: The Crate

  • Ongoing tease involving a mysterious crate at ringside, sparking wild speculation (Our Truth? Santino Marella?).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You can have infinity favorite wrestlers.” – Sam Roberts’ comedic aside on wrestling fandom (08:50)
• “AJ Styles' career is this sort of very widespread thing that has made a giant impact on all of pro wrestling.” – Sam Roberts (14:04)
• “AJ Styles would have been nothing without you, the fans.” – AJ Styles, direct interview (22:23)
• “The Brock Lesnar match is the new Undertaker match at WrestleMania.” – Sam Roberts on Heyman’s declaration (51:56)
• “This elimination chamber...could start an insane fan club. Like, these are the most popular wrestlers on the roster.” – Sam Roberts (30:29)

Key Timestamps

• AJ Styles Farewell & Hall of Fame Reveal: 00:31–06:03
• Undertaker’s Surprise Segment: 02:20–05:01
• AJ Styles' Legacy Across Companies: 10:32–14:04
• Direct Interview with AJ Styles: 17:36–22:38
• Tribute Reactions & Locker Room: 16:07–16:46
• Men’s Elimination Chamber Breakdown: 29:15–34:30
• Women’s Elimination Chamber Breakdown: 34:42–40:41
• Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vacair at WrestleMania Announced: 46:08–48:29
• Brock Lesnar Challenge & Mania Spot: 49:14–54:07
• Most Anticipated Elimination Chamber Matches & Closing Thoughts: 55:56–58:20

Episode’s Tone & Atmosphere

• Reflective and celebratory, with vivid appreciation for AJ Styles’ influence.
• Engaging banter and playful rivalry between Sam and Megan, especially regarding favorite wrestlers and rising stars.
• Expert insight and “insider” anecdotes, balanced with excitement for what lies ahead at Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania.

Summary

This WWE Now Raw Recap captures a landmark night in WWE history—AJ Styles’ retirement evolving into a Hall of Fame celebration, the emotional resonance for fans and colleagues, and the seismic shifts across the roster as the Road to WrestleMania intensifies. Through compelling discussion, interviews, and in-depth match analysis, Sam Roberts and Megan Morant pay tribute to AJ’s legacy while igniting excitement for the high-stakes showdowns to come.