WWE Kept AJ Styles in the Dark About Hall of Fame Announcement

TLDR

WWE kept AJ Styles uninformed about The Undertaker's announcement that he would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during the February 23 episode of RAW in Atlanta. According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, the company intentionally kept Styles in the dark about the reveal, making his reaction and visible emotion genuine rather than staged. The announcement came after Styles had retired following his loss to GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble, and he had left his vest and gloves in the ring during what was presented as a farewell ceremony in his hometown of Atlanta.