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WWE Pays Tribute to AJ Styles as Brock Lesnar Returns
Raw features celebration of Styles' career, Lesnar's comeback, and more
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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On Monday's episode of WWE Raw, the company is set to hold a celebration honoring the career of AJ Styles, who recently lost a retirement match to Gunther at the Royal Rumble. However, the festivities may be interrupted, as Gunther could show up to gloat over sending Styles into retirement. Additionally, Brock Lesnar is scheduled to make his return to Raw, while other big names like CM Punk and Liv Morgan are also set to appear.
Why it matters
Styles' retirement is a significant moment in WWE history, as he has been one of the company's top stars for years. The celebration of his career is a chance for the company and fans to reflect on his many accomplishments. Lesnar's return is also highly anticipated, as he is one of the biggest draws in the industry. The episode promises to be an eventful one, with several major storylines and matches set to unfold.
The details
Styles lost a retirement match to Gunther at the Royal Rumble in January. Gunther failed to qualify for the Elimination Chamber, and Styles' former tag team partner Dragon Lee has taken issue with Gunther's glee over sending Styles into retirement. Lee is expected to address the situation if Gunther interrupts the celebration. In addition to the Styles tribute and Lesnar's return, the episode will feature Liv Morgan deciding which world title she will challenge for at WrestleMania, and CM Punk addressing his upcoming world heavyweight championship defenses against Finn Balor and Roman Reigns.
- Styles lost his retirement match to Gunther at the Royal Rumble in January.
- Gunther failed to qualify for the Elimination Chamber after losing a match to Je'Von Evans.
The players
AJ Styles
A former WWE superstar who recently lost a retirement match to Gunther at the Royal Rumble.
Gunther
The wrestler who defeated Styles in a retirement match at the Royal Rumble and failed to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.
Dragon Lee
Styles' former tag team partner who has taken issue with Gunther's glee over sending Styles into retirement.
Brock Lesnar
A former WWE world champion who is set to make his return to Monday Night Raw.
CM Punk
The current WWE world heavyweight champion who will address his upcoming title defenses.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“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)
The takeaway
This episode of WWE Raw promises to be an eventful one, with the celebration of AJ Styles' career, the return of Brock Lesnar, and several other major storylines and matches set to unfold. Fans can expect a night filled with high-profile moments and potential surprises as the company continues to build towards WrestleMania.
