Get Ready for an Unforgettable Night on WWE Raw as AJ Styles Gets a Monumental Send-Off!
WWE is pulling out all the stops for a special celebration honoring former WWE Champion AJ Styles, and it's shaping up to be a truly spectacular event. This isn't just going to be a nod from the Raw roster; talent from SmackDown is actually being flown in to be part of this significant tribute. This move clearly signals that WWE views this as a major, roster-wide acknowledgment of Styles' immense contributions.
But here's where it gets interesting... The decision to bring in stars from both brands suggests a desire to make this a comprehensive farewell, emphasizing the impact Styles has had across the entire WWE landscape. It's a powerful statement about his legacy.
The grand celebration is slated for Monday, February 23rd, and it's set to take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. For AJ Styles, this location holds extra significance as it's a stone's throw from his hometown of Gainesville, adding a deeply personal and emotional layer to what is already anticipated to be an unforgettable night for one of WWE's most beloved performers.
This heartfelt tribute arrives just about three weeks after Styles' hard-fought battle against Gunther at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The sting of that loss might still be present, making this celebration even more poignant.
And this is the part most people miss... While the AJ Styles celebration is the main draw, Monday Night Raw is packed with other must-see action and appearances!
Here's a peek at the full WWE Raw card for February 23, 2026:
- A special tribute to AJ Styles, with SmackDown talent gracing the Raw stage.
- The highly anticipated return of Brock Lesnar!
- An Elimination Chamber qualifying match: Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY vs. Kairi Sane.
- Another crucial Elimination Chamber qualifying match: Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso vs. Original El Grande Americano.
With Brock Lesnar making his comeback and two intense Elimination Chamber qualifying matches on the docket, WWE is masterfully building anticipation for the Elimination Chamber event, scheduled for February 28th at the United Center in Chicago. WWE Raw airs Mondays at 8 PM ET on Netflix.
Now, let's talk about the buzz: Is it truly necessary for WWE to fly in talent from another brand for a celebration? Or is this just a clever way to boost viewership for a specific episode? What are your thoughts on how WWE handles these major tributes? Let us know in the comments below!
