- Vivek Ganapathy
The Undertaker made a surprise return to the ring to reveal that AJ Styles would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026 as the crowd erupted.
So, I was chilling on a Sunday evening, sipping my masala chai, when the TV lit up with the familiar RAW intro. You know, those moments when you think, ‘just another night of promos and matches’, but then something huge flips the script.
AJ Styles was getting the spotlight on the February 23 episode of WWE Monday Night RAW. The whole thing felt like a big thank‑you party for a man who’s been swinging across rings for more than 20 years. The producers had put together a montage of his classic matches, and even the veterans in the locker room were standing up, clapping, and shouting his name. It was emotional—there were a few tears, a lot of applause, and you could almost feel the respect buzzing in the arena.
How the Night Turned From Tribute to Shock
When the segment finally wrapped up, AJ Styles walked over to the center of the ring, placed his jacket and gloves on the mat and just looked out at the fans. He thanked his family, his coaches, and everyone who ever believed in him. It felt pretty personal – almost like he was talking to us back home in Hyderabad, not just the millions watching worldwide.
Then, as if someone had pressed a sudden ‘pause’ button, the lights went dark. A thin fog rolled across the floor and that unmistakable gong started echoing – The Undertaker’s theme. Suddenly you could hear a distant bike revving, and the whole arena seemed to hold its breath.
And there he was – The Undertaker, riding his bike right into the middle of the ring. I could swear I felt my heart skip a beat. The guy’s presence is like a thunderclap, you know? He stood right in front of AJ Styles, and for a second, the whole place was just filled with this charged silence. It was almost cinematic.
At first, The Undertaker seemed to be talking about some sort of unfinished business with “The Phenomenal One.” I thought maybe he was setting up a future match or a storyline feud. But then, he dropped the bomb – he announced that AJ Styles would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026.
Why the Announcement Mattered So Much
Let’s pause a bit. The State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia isn’t just any venue. It’s actually the hometown state of AJ Styles. Even though he was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, his wrestling roots run deep in the South, and many of his early fans come from that area. Seeing his name echoed across the arena, with the home crowd cheering, added a layer of emotion that you just can’t script.
When The Undertaker said the words, the arena erupted. You could hear fans shouting, chanting, and some even started singing his entrance theme. The feeling was similar to when we watch a big cricket match and the crowd goes wild as a favourite batsman walks out. It’s that shared excitement, that collective pride.
From a storyline perspective, it’s a big move. Up until now, the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026 only had one confirmed name – Stephanie McMahon, announced at the 2025 Wrestlepalooza event. Adding AJ Styles not only balances the gender representation but also shows that WWE is keen on honoring the global talent that helped shape the brand.
A Quick Look at AJ Styles’ Journey
If you’re not familiar with AJ Styles’ background, let me fill you in. He started his career in the early 2000s, cutting his teeth in promotions like TNA (now Impact) and New Japan Pro‑Wrestling. Over the years, he built a reputation for his high‑flying moves, technical prowess, and a finish that left fans gasping. When he finally signed with WWE, he had already been a world champion elsewhere.
During his WWE stint, he captured multiple titles – the United States Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and even the WWE Championship. He’s known for his signature “Phenomenal” persona, which is why fans often call him “The Phenomenal One”. And just a few weeks before this RAW episode, he had a bruising match with Gunther at the Royal Rumble, which left him with a serious injury scare. That made his appearance on RAW even more emotional, because it was his first time back on the main stage after that career‑threatening bout.
All these achievements, combined with his humility and work ethic, are why the Hall of Fame nod feels deserved. The fans in India, especially the ones who grew up watching his matches on Sony Ten, have always seen him as a role model – someone who dreamed big and kept grinding.
The Undertaker’s Role in Hall of Fame Announcements
The Undertaker isn’t just any wrestler; he’s a living legend, a figure who’s been part of WWE for decades. His presence adds weight to any announcement he makes. Remember when he first introduced “The First Female Inductee” back in 2023? That set a precedent for using his mystique to highlight major Hall of Fame news.
In this case, The Undertaker’s sudden entrance gave the whole segment a dramatic flair that a regular backstage interview could never achieve. It also gave fans a nostalgic reminder of the “Deadman” era, while simultaneously spotlighting a modern star like AJ Styles. It’s like mixing old‑school cricket legends with the new generation – a bridge between eras.
The Undertaker’s hint about “unfinished business” also sparked a lot of chatter online. Some fans speculated it could be a hint at a future match, maybe a tag‑team showcase with AJ Styles. Others thought it was just a storyline device to make the Hall of Fame reveal feel even bigger.
Reactions From the Locker Room and Fans
Right after the announcement, a wave of WWE talent walked down the ramp, clapping and cheering for AJ Styles. You could see the respect in their eyes – men who have shared the ring with him over the years, and younger guys who grew up idolising him. It reminded me of how, after a great performance in a college fest, seniors come up to congratulate you. There’s that same mix of admiration and pride.
On social media, the hashtag #AJStylesHallOfFame started trending instantly. Indian fans were posting screenshots of the moment, adding their own captions like “From the ring to the Hall – you’ve earned it, bro!” and “Seeing The Undertaker announce this was like watching a movie.” Even some non‑wrestling friends joined in, just because the drama was that gripping.
In the days that followed, WWE’s official account posted a short clip of The Undertaker’s entrance and used it to promote the upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony. The post gathered thousands of likes and comments, most of which praised both The Undertaker’s theatricality and AJ Styles’ achievements.
What This Means for the 2026 Hall of Fame Class
So far, we have two confirmed inductees: Stephanie McMahon, announced earlier in a Wrestlepalooza event, and AJ Styles, announced tonight. WWE usually releases the full list gradually, building hype and keeping fans guessing. It’s safe to say we’ll hear more names in the next few months – perhaps more legends from the 90s, or maybe a surprise inclusion from the indie circuit.
The Hall of Fame ceremony traditionally happens around the same time as WrestleMania, which means AJ Styles will have a big platform to walk the red carpet, reunite with old friends, and perhaps share a few stories about his early days in the industry. For Indian fans, it’s a chance to see one of our favourite wrestlers get the recognition he deserves on a global stage.
Personal Takeaway – Why It Felt Special To Me
Honestly, watching that segment felt like a personal celebration. Growing up watching WWE on TV, I’d always admired both The Undertaker’s eerie presence and AJ Styles’ high‑octane style. Seeing them together in the same arena, delivering a moment that combined nostalgia with fresh excitement, was something I didn’t expect.
It also reminded me of how sports, whether it’s cricket, kabaddi, or wrestling, can bring people together across cities and cultures. The crowd in Atlanta was a blend of long‑time fans, families with kids, and even some tourists who just wanted to be part of the spectacle. It felt very Indian, in a way – like the massive crowds at a Ranji Trophy final, cheering for a local hero.
Overall, the night reinforced why I keep following wrestling – the drama, the unexpected surprises, and the heartfelt respect shown between competitors. It’s not just about the fights; it’s about stories, moments that stay with you, and the feeling that you’re part of something larger.
