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

AJ Styles’ WWE Hall of Fame announcement wasn’t just a surprise for fans watching at home — it was a complete shock to him as well.

After The Undertaker appeared during the closing moments of the February 23 episode of WWE RAW in Atlanta to announce Styles as a 2026 Hall of Fame inductee, a new report confirms that “The Phenomenal One” was not informed ahead of time. According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, the company intentionally kept Styles in the dark about the reveal.

“That whole thing at the end with the Undertaker and the Hall of Fame announcement was a legitimate surprise to AJ, who they didn’t clue in.”

That makes the February 23 episode of RAW in Atlanta even more powerful in hindsight. The show was built entirely around honoring Styles following his retirement at the hands of GUNTHER at the 2026 Royal Rumble. He addressed his journey through TNA and Japan, thanked The Good Brothers, and spoke openly about missing birthdays, anniversaries, and family milestones during his career.

He then left his vest and gloves in the center of the ring — explaining he didn’t remove them at the Royal Rumble because he wanted to do it at home in Atlanta. That’s when the arena went dark.

The Undertaker’s gong echoed through the building as he rode out on his motorcycle to Kid Rock. After teasing “unfinished business,” he delivered the big news: AJ Styles would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Now, knowing Styles wasn’t informed in advance, his reaction and visible emotion are even more meaningful. The moment wasn’t staged for him — it was real. With Stephanie McMahon already announced for this year’s class, Styles’ induction is shaping up to be one of the biggest attractions of the ceremony.

Knowing now that AJ Styles wasn’t told ahead of time — does that make the Hall of Fame moment even better for you? Let us know what you think.