WWE Announces 'Tribute To AJ Styles' On Next Week's Raw In Atlanta

The former WWE Champion's retirement has fans wondering about his next move.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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WWE is honoring the recently retired AJ Styles with a special tribute segment on next week's episode of Raw in Atlanta, Georgia. Styles, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, had a decorated career spanning multiple promotions before retiring at the Royal Rumble last month. While it's unclear if Styles will be in attendance for the tribute, the move suggests WWE is still invested in his brand and legacy.

Why it matters

AJ Styles is one of the most accomplished and respected wrestlers of his generation, having achieved success in WWE as well as other major promotions like TNA and NJPW. His sudden retirement at the Royal Rumble has left many fans speculating about his next move, with some wondering if he could end up in AEW like other 'retired' WWE stars. The tribute segment on Raw indicates WWE still sees value in Styles and wants to honor his contributions to the company.

The details

Styles retired at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last month, passing out in Gunther's Rear Naked Choke. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion spent a decade with WWE, debuting at the 2016 Royal Rumble and retiring at the 2026 Royal Rumble. Over the course of his lengthy career, Styles became a multiple time WWE Champion, as well as a United States and Tag Team Champion.

  • AJ Styles retired at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • The 'Tribute to AJ Styles' will take place on next week's episode of WWE Raw in Atlanta, Georgia.

The players

AJ Styles

A former IWGP Heavyweight Champion who spent a decade in WWE, becoming a multiple time WWE Champion as well as a United States and Tag Team Champion.

Gunther

The wrestler who defeated AJ Styles at the 2026 Royal Rumble, leading to Styles' retirement.

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What they’re saying

“With many of Styles friends and former co-workers working in AEW, many expect Styles to end up in the company, but there has been no concrete confirmation of Styles's plans, outside of speculation on either outcome from various sources.”

— Ross W Berman IV, Author (wrestlinginc.com)

What’s next

The tribute segment on next week's Raw in Atlanta will provide more insight into WWE's plans for honoring AJ Styles and whether he will make an appearance.

The takeaway

AJ Styles' sudden retirement has left many wrestling fans wondering about his next move, with speculation that he could join AEW to reunite with former colleagues. However, WWE's decision to hold a tribute segment on Raw suggests the company still sees value in Styles and wants to properly honor his accomplished career.