A Phenomenal Career Honored, A Legacy Immortalized
The Farewell of a Legend: AJ Styles' Emotional Departure from the Ring
In a poignant moment during the main event of "WWE Raw," AJ Styles, known as "The Phenomenal One," delivered a moving send-off to his fans and peers. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as the crowd chanted "Thank you AJ," acknowledging his remarkable contributions to professional wrestling. Styles, visibly moved, humorously remarked on his attire, recalling a previous instance where a suit preceded a confrontation with Cody Rhodes. His heartfelt address recounted the highlights of his storied career, touching upon the many battles and triumphs that defined his journey. As a symbolic gesture of his retirement from active competition, he carefully removed his jacket and signature gloves, placing them reverently on the ring canvas. He concluded his speech with a loving message to his family, who were present at ringside, underscoring the personal sacrifices and unwavering support that fueled his career.
A Gathering of Giants: Tributes from Wrestling's Elite
The significance of Styles' farewell was amplified by the presence of numerous wrestling luminaries. Among the distinguished guests were TNA legends Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Park, the latter now a WWE producer reprising his iconic Abyss persona. Former WWE and NJPW stars Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, collectively known as the Good Brothers and integral members of the Bullet Club and The OC alongside Styles, also attended to honor their comrade. Long-absent tag team partner Omos, a former championship holder with Styles, made a rare appearance, highlighting the deep bonds forged in the squared circle. Throughout the evening, various WWE Superstars delivered heartfelt video tributes, sharing anecdotes and praising Styles' unparalleled talent and dedication, setting the stage for the main event segment that celebrated his extraordinary career.
The Ultimate Recognition: Undertaker Announces Hall of Fame Induction
The emotional culmination of the night arrived with the unexpected appearance of The Undertaker. Following Styles' farewell speech, the arena plunged into darkness, only to illuminate with the ominous gong of The Undertaker's entrance music, as he made his way to the ring on his signature motorcycle. Challenging Styles' premature departure, The Undertaker declared that their "unfinished business" involved a momentous announcement: AJ Styles would be the inaugural inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class. This revelation brought forth renewed tears of joy from Styles, as the two legends shared a poignant embrace. The night concluded with Styles' family joining him in the ring, participating in a collective celebration of his illustrious career and his forthcoming induction into wrestling's most prestigious pantheon.