AJ Styles has officially been announced for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026, marking the end of a nearly three-decade career in professional wrestling.
WWE confirmed the news on 23 February during an episode of RAW broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia, just weeks after Styles wrestled his final match at the 2026 Royal Rumble. The Phenomenal One will be inducted over WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas.
The announcement matters to wrestling fans worldwide, including the UK’s dedicated WWE audience, because AJ Styles is widely regarded as one of the most influential in-ring performers of the modern era.
His retirement and Hall of Fame induction symbolise the end of a generation.
What Did WWE Announce About AJ Styles?
WWE confirmed during Monday Night RAW that AJ Styles will join the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The ceremony will take place during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, one of WWE’s biggest annual events.
Styles’ final match took place at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where he faced “The Career Killer” Gunther. The bout marked the conclusion of a career that began in the late 1990s and spanned major promotions across the globe.
AJ Styles is OFFICIALLY a member of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026! @AJStylesOrg pic.twitter.com/3VJrHu3VOc
— WWE (@WWE) February 24, 2026
The Hall of Fame announcement video package featured:
- Career highlights from TNA Wrestling and WWE
- Testimonials from fellow wrestlers
- Never-before-seen backstage footage
- A soundtrack of Creed’s iconic 1999 hit “Higher.”
The choice of music resonated strongly with long-time wrestling fans, as Creed’s music was closely associated with wrestling’s late-1990s and early-2000s boom period.
Why Is AJ Styles’ Hall of Fame Induction Significant?
AJ Styles built a reputation as one of the most technically gifted and athletic wrestlers of his era.
Career Highlights at a Glance
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| WWE Championships | 2-time WWE Champion |
| TNA Legacy | Cornerstone of the X Division |
| Career Length | Nearly 30 years (late 1990s–2026) |
| Global Reach | Competed across the US, Japan, and worldwide promotions |
Styles helped shape the fast-paced, high-flying “no limits” style popularised in TNA’s X Division during the early 2000s. That style later became standard across major promotions, including WWE.
When he debuted in WWE in 2016, many questioned whether a star built outside the traditional WWE system could succeed at the top level. Styles quickly silenced critics by capturing the WWE Championship and headlining major events.
For UK fans, who regularly pack out arenas in London, Manchester, and Glasgow for WWE tours, Styles became a reliable crowd favourite thanks to his athleticism and consistent match quality.
How Did WWE Present the Announcement?
WWE aired a polished tribute package during RAW, echoing the company’s history of cinematic retirement tributes. Production teams blended archival footage with modern HD visuals, delivering a high-impact presentation.
The video leaned heavily into nostalgia, using Creed’s “Higher”, a track synonymous with wrestling’s turn-of-the-century popularity. The choice tapped into long-term fan sentiment.
“AJ Styles changed the game for modern wrestling,” one testimonial stated during the package.
The tribute drew strong reactions on social media, with UK wrestling fans on X (formerly Twitter) praising both the music choice and the emotional editing.
What Does This Mean for WWE’s Future?
AJ Styles’ induction signals a clear generational shift. WWE, now operating under TKO Holdings, continues to spotlight established legends while promoting newer talent.
Styles’ retirement follows a pattern seen in recent years, where veteran stars transition into ambassadorial or behind-the-scenes roles.
AJ Styles has officially put down his gloves in the ring.
AJ Styles is retired
Thank you, AJ #WWERaw
pic.twitter.com/OXxZYwBKFm— EliteRockerz (@EliteClubS0B) February 24, 2026
While WWE has not confirmed any future involvement for Styles beyond the Hall of Fame ceremony, industry analysts suggest he could take on mentorship or coaching duties.
For UK fans, the induction ensures Styles will likely appear during WrestleMania festivities, broadcast live on TNT Sports and WWE Network in the UK.
Why Does AJ Styles Matter to UK Wrestling Fans?
The UK has one of Europe’s strongest WWE fanbases. Major events regularly trend across British social media, and WWE’s premium live events air during prime late-night viewing hours.
Styles consistently delivered standout performances during UK tours. His matches often received some of the loudest crowd reactions, particularly during championship runs.
His Hall of Fame induction offers UK supporters a chance to celebrate one of the few modern stars who bridged independent wrestling credibility with mainstream WWE success.
