WWE Raw Honors Retiring AJ Styles, Lesnar Returns

Tribute to former champion, Lesnar's comeback highlight February 23 show in Atlanta

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The February 23, 2026 edition of WWE Raw will feature a tribute to recently retired former champion AJ Styles, who was forced to hang up his boots after losing to Gunther at the Royal Rumble. The show will also see the return of Brock Lesnar, while Liv Morgan chooses her WrestleMania opponent amid an ongoing conflict with women's champion Stephanie Vaquer.

Why it matters

Styles was a hugely popular figure in WWE, having won multiple world titles over his illustrious career. His retirement is a significant moment for the company and its fanbase. Lesnar's comeback will also generate major buzz, as the former champion remains one of the biggest draws in pro wrestling.

The details

The Raw event will take place in Styles' hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Ticket sales for the upcoming WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in Chicago are also reported to be strong, with just under 15,000 tickets distributed and a little over 2,000 still available. That event will feature CM Punk defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor.

  • The February 23, 2026 edition of WWE Raw will air live.
  • The WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is scheduled for March 2, 2026 in Chicago.
  • AJ Styles was forced to retire after losing to Gunther at the WWE Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.

The players

AJ Styles

A former multi-time WWE champion who was forced to retire after losing to Gunther at the Royal Rumble.

Brock Lesnar

A former WWE champion who is making his return to the company on the February 23 episode of Raw.

Liv Morgan

Currently embroiled in a conflict with women's champion Stephanie Vaquer, and will choose her WrestleMania opponent on the upcoming Raw show.

Stephanie Vaquer

The current WWE women's world heavyweight champion, engaged in an ongoing storyline with Liv Morgan.

CM Punk

The reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion, who will defend his title against Finn Balor at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.