Company reportedly kept The Phenomenal One unaware of announcement
Summary
– AJ Styles was not told about his Hall of Fame induction beforehand
– The Undertaker made the surprise announcement on WWE RAW
– Styles’ emotional reaction was completely genuine
AJ Styles’ induction into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 came as a shock to viewers, but it hit even harder for the man at the center of it. A new report confirms that Styles was never informed of the announcement in advance.
During the closing moments of the February 23 edition of WWE RAW in Atlanta, The Undertaker appeared to deliver the news. According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, WWE deliberately kept Styles in the dark about the plan, allowing the moment to unfold naturally before the live audience.
The episode had already been structured as a tribute to Styles following his retirement match against GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble. He reflected on his time in TNA and Japan, thanked longtime allies, and spoke candidly about the sacrifices he had made throughout his career. The tone was heartfelt as he addressed the Atlanta crowd.
Styles left his vest and gloves in the center of the ring, explaining he wanted to close that chapter at home rather than at the Royal Rumble. The arena lights then dropped, and The Undertaker’s gong echoed throughout the building before he arrived to make the Hall of Fame announcement.
Learning that Styles was kept in the dark adds another layer to the scene. His visible emotion was not rehearsed or staged. It was a genuine response to a career milestone delivered without warning.
With Stephanie McMahon already confirmed for the 2026 class, Styles’ induction now stands as one of the defining moments of this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony.
