Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 02/23/26 Review

By John Canton • Published Feb 23, 2026 22:30 EST
WWE Raw Deal February 23

It’s WWE Monday Night Raw featuring an AJ Styles tribute, Liv Morgan’s WrestleMania decision, Brock Lesnar, two big Elimination Chamber qualifiers, and more.

The WWE Elimination Chamber PLE is this Saturday night in Chicago, which means two more qualifying matches this week and a whole lot more. It feels like a big Raw tonight in Atlanta. Elimination Chamber only has four matches, including the two Chamber matches, plus CM Punk defending the World Title against Finn Balor and Becky Lynch defending the Women’s Intercontinental Title against AJ Lee. That means there are no SmackDown matches, which is sad to see, but there will be SmackDown representation in the Chamber matches. 

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1709 of Monday Night Raw, taking place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves was in the ring to welcome us to the show. They were about to mention AJ Styles, but here’s Gunther with the interruption.

Let’s Hear from Gunther

Gunther walked to the ringside area and told Cole and Graves to leave the ring. Gunther told them to go back to commentary to tell the audience how great he is. Gunther was booed heavily as he said it was disgraceful to celebrate a loser. Gunther said you like losers like Bill Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles. Gunther reminded us that what they all have in common is that he killed their career. Gunther said it should be a celebration for him.

Raw GM Adam Pearce walked out, saying that was enough. Pearce said he knew Gunther would do that, and Pearce said they are there to celebrate AJ Styles. Pearce said his security guys are there to escort him out. Gunther said he’s going to leave the building by choice because he’s disgraced about what is going to happen tonight. Gunther left the ring while Pearce and the security guys made sure he left. Before Gunther got to the back. Dragon Lee attacked Gunther in the aisle with some punches. Gunther went to the back.

Analysis: Good heat for Gunther as usual. He made valid points about retiring some big names over the last year and continues to brag about it.

They showed Gunther backstage, and Dragon Lee went after him again with more punches. The security guys pulled Lee off. Cody Rhodes walked up to Gunther backstage. Cody tapped Pearce on the shoulder and walked to the ring.

Analysis: A Cody Rhodes-Gunther feud tease? I would be all for that. They had that final two in the Royal Rumble a few years ago, and I loved it. A proper feud would be awesome. I think it’s certainly possible later in the year.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes made his entrance in his hometown of Atlanta, and he got a big pop. Cody was in dress clothes without a jacket. The fans loved him as usual. Cody is a SmackDown guy, but it’s not a bad idea to use him on Raw in Atlanta.

Cody: “So Atlanta…I know what you want to talk about.” Cody said that we’re here for AJ Styles. Cody called him wrestling royalty, but there was an interruption from Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Paul Heyman of The Vision.

Analysis: It’s already a night of interruptions, with two promos so far, and it’s only 12 minutes into the show.

Theory complained that fans were disrespecting The Vision by booing them. Theory said he was ashamed to be from Atlanta. Logan said Cody is not ashamed of being from Atlanta. Logan said Cody has zero common sense, like the people of Atlanta. Logan said that when Bronson Reed wins tonight, wins Elimination Chamber, and wins the WWE Title, they’ll take over SmackDown too, and Cody will be the first one out the door. Logan said that Reed will win his qualifying match. Cody said there’s somebody here who would disagree with that. It was Jey Uso entering through the crowd with Jimmy Uso – they are the World Tag Team Champions. Jey made his entrance for a few minutes.

Analysis: They brought Cody Rhodes to SmackDown, gave him the full entrance, and he barely said anything in the segment. It’s a weird way to book it, but I get it that they want to get to the matches.

The Usos finished their entrance while the people not involved in the match left. This was during a break. Jey did the run-it-back thing to keep his entrance going and kill some more time. The Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) made his entrance as the third man in the match.

Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso vs. Original El Grande Americano

I just realized this is the 11th triple threat match I’ve watched in the last 3 weeks of Chamber matches. I am so tired of triple threat matches. Just saying. Anyway, first pinfall or submission wins. No countouts and no disqualifications in this match. For Americano, I’m going to use OG in the play-by-play.

Jey rocked Reed with a jumping side kick to knock Reed out of the ring. OG went up top and hit a moonsault onto both opponents on the floor. Jey and OG sent Reed into the ring post. They went on a break for some fans as the action continued. Reed chilled on the floor for a few minutes as OG worked over Jey with a hammerlock and some armbars. OG kept working on Jey’s left arm. OG kicked Reed off the apron to the floor.

Jey worked over OG with punches into the turnbuckle. Reed returned from a three-plus-minute break and picked up both guys on his shoulders for a double Samoan Drop on both opponents. Reed hit a running elbow drop on Jey for a two-count. Reed choked Jey across the middle rope and kicked OG off the apron to the floor. Reed hit a front slam on Jey. OG hit a headbutt on Reed, then hit a bulldog/leg drop on both opponents. OG hit a Chaos Theory rolling suplex. OG jumped off the top with a headbutt on Jey, but I’m not sure if he touched him, and Reed broke up the pin. Grande hit a German Suplex on Reed for a two-count. They went to a break for some fans as the referee, Rod Zapata, made the X symbol for an injury, indicating an injury to Reed. The doctor at ringside checked on Reed while OG and Jey were in the ring. Jey and OG basically did nothing for two minutes while they tried to figure out if Reed could continue. I should point out they weren’t showing Reed on the floor being checked on by doctors, but it was happening on the far side of the ring.

There was a replay of Reed breaking up the pin attempt earlier, and Reed immediately looked at his right biceps. Reed was also shown on the floor, looking at his biceps, confirming a right-arm injury. Jey hit a suicide dive onto OG on the floor. Referee Rod Zapata was talking to both guys, probably to let them know how much time they had and what the finish was. Jey went up top, OG went after him, and Jey headbutted OG off the top. Jey went up top and jumped off with an Uso Splash, but OG got the knees up, leading to a pin attempt. OG applied an Ankle Lock on Jey, who broke free. Jey rolled through to get out of the hold. Jey hit a superkick, OG hit a rolling Liger Kick, and Jey bounced off the ropes with a Spear. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jey Uso

Analysis: *** The match was solid, but it fell apart in the middle when Bronson Reed hurt his arm, forcing them to adjust on the fly. I think the plan was for Reed to win, which would have made sense given that it would have been logical to include somebody from The Vision in the match. Jey and OG had some good exchanges throughout the match. I feel bad for Reed, though. He was doing a job and thriving in his career, but now he’s likely going to be out for a while. The Vision might be cursed as a group with these injuries.

Jey Uso’s win means the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match now looks like this: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams vs. Jey Uso. The winner will challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE Title at WrestleMania.

Analysis: I think Cody Rhodes should be the favorite to win. I’m not sure if that’s my pick. I thought they would do Drew-Cody-Jacob Fatu at WM42, so maybe that’s the plan. I don’t know.

A video aired of AJ Styles making his debut at Royal Rumble 2016. Good memory.

They showed Shinsuke Nakamura and Bobby Roode talking backstage as two guys who had long histories with Styles.

CM Punk was shown arriving with NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick, who won the Daytona 500.

Clash In Italy will take place on Sunday, May 31st, and there’s a tour around Europe during that period as well.

Liv Morgan made her entrance with Intercontinental Champion and AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio as the show went on a break for some fans. Dom was ready to talk, but a camera guy at ringside told him he had 2 minutes, so they just waited. They walked around for a few minutes to kill time.

The WrestleMania 42 commercial aired.

Let’s Hear from Liv Morgan with Dominik Mysterio

Dominik Mysterio said you are in the presence of the greatest Intercontinental Champion and AAA Mega Champion, and the Royal Rumble winner of all time. Dominik said now it is the moment you’ve all been waiting for, as Liv decides who she will face at WrestleMania. Dominik called out the two champions, with Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer going up first. The WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill, who lives in the Atlanta area, was next.

Liv said she’s ready and has decided who she wants to face. Liv said Stephanie’s words caught her by surprise. Liv said she’s not used to being that vulnerable. Liv said she didn’t realize how privileged she really was. Liv said she has spent 10 years with the best medical care and the best facilities. Liv kept talking about how Stephanie had to fight for 10 years just to be here, and the fans booed as Liv spoke. Liv said she was sorry she judged Vaquer. Liv said she needs to focus on her story, and with that said… Liv looked at Jade.

Liv turned back around and hit Jade in the head while holding the microphone. Liv looked at Jade, who left. Liv attacked Vaquer with punches. Liv hit a double-knee attack. Vaquer leaned up against the ropes, so Liv hit Oblivion on Vaquer. Liv posed with the Women’s World Title.

Analysis: There’s the official WrestleMania 42 choice, with Liv Morgan selecting Stephanie Vaquer as her opponent. It was an emphatic attack, with Liv hitting Vaquer with a microphone shot to the head. That was also the obvious choice, since Vaquer is on Raw like Liv and is a babyface opponent who makes sense as a WrestleMania opponent for Liv. The segment didn’t drag on, so I was cool with it. I think Liv beating Vaquer at WrestleMania is very likely.

Je’Von Evans was interviewed by rapper Offset, who said he had the theme song for Elimination Chamber. The New Day’s Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods (with his right arm in a sling) and Grayson Waller. Woods and Kofi complained about Offset hanging out with Evans. Evans and New Day exchanged words, so Kofi will face Evans tonight. Waller called Offset “Setoff” as the awkward white guy in the segment.

Maxxine Dupri made her entrance. I think it’s a new theme song, but I don’t always pay attention to stuff like that. They went on a break for some fans after that.

There was a video featuring WWE superstars talking about how they will miss AJ Styles and thanking him for his impact on their careers. The comments came from Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Roman Reigns, Kurt Angle, Charlotte Flair, and others.

Nattie was up next as the Low Key Legend, looking serious as usual.

A video aired about AJ Styles winning the WWE Title for the second time in 2017. Thanks for hindering Jinder Mahal with that title change.

They showed Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson backstage to celebrate AJ Styles. They greeted Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Michin as well. They were there for AJ Styles.

Maxxine Dupri vs. Nattie

Their last match ended in a double countout, so now it’s the rematch. Dupri hit a spin kick and kicked Nattie out of the ring. They left the ring as Dupri hit a cross body block on Nattie on the floor. Dupri tried to grab Nattie on the floor, but Nattie kicked Dupri into the ring post. Dupri sold it like she was knocked out. Nattie did some worked punches to the back of the head until referee Eddie Orengo pulled her off. Nattie was announced as the winner in about 2 minutes.

Winner by referee’s stoppage: Nattie

Analysis: * A women’s match that is under 3 minutes? What era is this? I’m surprised it was so short. I get that it was the surprising finish kind of ending with Dupri selling the ring post spot as if she was knocked out to show that Nattie is dangerous and can end a match at any point. I am happy Nattie got the win, so that’s good to see. More of that, please.

The Judgment Day was shown backstage in their clubhouse. Raquel Rodriguez spoke confidently to Liv Morgan about Raquel’s match tonight. JD McDonagh told Finn Balor that he wants what is best for him. Finn Balor said that sometimes brothers fight, and it’s all good. Balor said he wants to become World Champion on his own. Dominik Mysterio complained about how nobody was watching his back. Dominik wanted some help next week against Pent,a and JD said he’d help him. Finn said maybe Dominik needs to take some responsibility and do it on his own. Finn left. JD said he’d talk to Finn about it.

They mentioned Conor Benn has signed with Zuffa Boxing, which is owned by TKO Group that also owns WWE. Cole was excited about it.

Trick Williams was interviewed by Cathy Kelley at the entrance. The fans love the “Whoop That Trick” song. This was during a break for some fans. Trick said he heard Atlanta had the best chicken wings, so he had to show up with his lemon pepper steppers. Trick said he’ll get the job done in the Elimination Chamber and run down his opponents. Trick ended it by telling Atlanta what they will do, and the fans chanted “Whoop That Trick.”

Analysis: Trick is a heel, but that was like a babyface promo. I think Trick will be a face soon. He’s good in both roles.

They showed driver Tyler Reddick, rapper 2 Chainz, and rapper Lil Yachty at ringside.

A video aired about the free agent Oba Femi, who still has to decide which brand to join.

Raw GM Adam Pearce was with the crate, saying it should not be opened until February 28, 2026. Pearce wondered why it was there. A backstage worker told him that Nick Aldis had told them to deliver it. Pearce said to put it on the truck and take it to Chicago for Elimination Chamber, where he and Aldis could open it.

Rusev spoke to Adam Pearce backstage, and they were interrupted by Oba Femi. Rusev and Femi looked ready to fight, but Pearce told them to calm down and said tonight is for AJ Styles. Pearce walked away with Rusev.

Analysis: It should lead to Femi against Rusev on Raw, and that should be a Femi win.

Let’s Hear from Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman

The former 10-time WWE World Champion Brock Lesnar made his entrance wearing a cowboy hat and a leather vest, accompanied by the WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman. Heyman discussed his many responsibilities while reminding us that he’s also the advocate for “The Beast” Brock Lesnar, a role he’s held many times. Heyman said that the top two matches at WrestleMania used to be the WWE Title match and The Undertaker match. Heyman noted that Lesnar beat The Undertaker at WrestleMania (at WrestleMania 30 in 2014) and that Lesnar has now become that main event spot.

Heyman wondered who would face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, and the fans were chanting for “Oba Femi,” I believe. Heyman claimed there was no man brave enough to face Lesnar. Heyman cued up a graphic on the screen telling us about Lesnar’s future appearances.

It was announced that Lesnar will be on Raw on March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6, and April 13 on the road to WrestleMania. Heyman said all anybody has to do is come down the aisle and get up in Lesnar’s face. The fans wanted Oba Femi again. Heyman said he didn’t think anybody would answer Brock Lesnar’s Open Challenge for WrestleMania. Heyman said the real main event at WrestleMania is whoever gets their ass kicked and conquered by Brock Lesnar. Heyman said there is nobody in the locker room to take that ass-kicking from Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Heyman and Lesnar left at that point.

Analysis: They flew Brock Lesnar all the way to Atlanta just for Paul Heyman to announce a Brock Lesnar Open Challenge at WrestleMania, and we’ll have to wait to see who answers it. Since Lesnar’s next Raw appearance is on March 16th, we’ll have to wait about three weeks. I think it should be Oba Femi in that spot, but I don’t know if that’s the plan.

Becky Lynch delivered a promo in a video package, saying AJ Lee once held a butterfly title. Lynch said she has made this Women’s Intercontinental Title the most talked-about and most represented title in all of WWE. Lynch said AJ Lee didn’t deserve this title, but Lynch deserves to get rid of her. Lynch said she’ll prove she’s the best women’s wrestler ever.

Analysis: I think Lynch will keep her title at Elimination Chamber. It may be a DQ win or something like that, and then that sets up a rematch at WrestleMania with Lee winning the Women’s IC Title there.

Je’Von Evans made his entrance, joined by rapper Offset. They went on a break for some fans, followed by a WrestleMania 42 commercial.

Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods & Grayson Waller) vs. Je’Von Evans (w/Offset)

The veteran Kofi smacked Evans with a slap in the face. Evans came back with a superkick for two. Evans clotheslined Kofi out of the ring. Waller distracted Evans, so Kofi avoided a dive attempt. When Kofi tried a cheap shot, Evans hit a knee strike, knocking Kofi down for two. Kofi tossed Evans out of the ring. Kofi was on the apron, and he kicked Evans on the floor. They took a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.

It was Kofi in control during the break, which is expected for the heel in the match. Evans tried to get some momentum with punches and hit a couple of kicks to knock Kofi down. Evans jumped off the bottom rope leading to a spinning kick to the back of Kofi’s head for two. That was cool. Evans went up top with a moonsault attempt, but Kofi avoided it and Evans landed on his feet. Kofi hit an SOS for a two count as usual for that move. Evans was selling a left knee or foot injury. Kofi went for a kick, but Evans rolled him up for two. Evans bounced off the ropes and hit a spinning kick to the head to knock Kofi out of the ring. Evans jumped over the top with an impressive dive on Kofi on the floor. That was great. Waller punched Evans on the floor without the referee seeing it. Kofi hit a leg drop to the back of Evans’ head for a two count. Waller argued with Offset, who tossed Waller over the commentary table. Kofi yelled at Offset, so Evans capitalized by going up top and hit an OG Cutter for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Je’Von Evans

Analysis: ***1/4 It was an impressive performance for Je’Von Evans, hitting some incredible moves throughout the match. Evans selling the knee injury also showed that he’s a guy who can do the basics of pro wrestling and he’s more than just a high flyer. Kofi doesn’t win singles matches anymore, so taking a loss here wasn’t a surprise. It was smart to have Evans go over ahead of the Elimination Chamber PLE this weekend.

There were clips shown of various WWE superstars talking about AJ Styles’ impact on their careers and how they loved. Some of the featured people were Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, Bobby Roode, Nattie, Booker T, and others.

They showed TNA’s Frankie Kazarian walking backstage. Frankie opened the door to the boiler room, where Abyss appeared! That is WWE Producer Christopher Park, who wrestled in TNA as Abyss. That’s cool to see an Abyss sighting on Raw.

CM Punk made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion for a promo up next. There was a break for some fans, so Punk killed some time greeting the fans around the ring.

A video aired about the classic AJ Styles/John Cena match from SummerSlam 2016. It was probably the match of the year and one of the best of the decade. Styles beat Cena clean with a Phenomenal Forearm. I loved that match.

Finn Balor was featured in a video discussing how CM Punk wasn’t the only person with people mad at him. Balor said he had people mad at him too and that he needs to do this. He said he needs to prove he can be champion. He said it’s been 10 years. He said you can lose a lot from a defeat. He said that when he lost to Punk in Belfast, he learned to stop asking what if and to tell himself that he will become World Champion and that he will go on to main event WrestleMania. He said that everyone will know who the real best in the world is.

They showed NBA legend Dwight Howard ringside with a WWE Title. They also showed rapper/producer Jermaine Dupri and comedian Funny Marco. Rapper and actor Bow Wow was ringside as well, and he’s not Lil Bow Wow anymore.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk

CM Punk said he’s not here for himself because he’s here for the Phenomenal AJ Styles, so he told the fans to chant his name, and they did. Punk said he has some things he needs to address. Punk delivered his line about how it’s great to be alive on a Monday night in Atlanta. Punk said that Finn Balor ruined his last time facing AJ Styles. Punk said he’s doing the best he can by giving the fans what they want. Punk mentioned great champions in the past, like Terry Funk, Harley Race, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and the list goes on. Punk asked what if Roman Reigns was here tonight? The fans cheered and chanted “OTC” for Reigns, who was not there.

Punk said he doesn’t like dealing in what-ifs because he’s not here. Punk said he’s here every Monday night, making every city and every tour in every country. Punk said Roman Reigns will be here in Indianapolis. Punk wondered what if he doesn’t wait until WrestleMania and punches Reigns in his stupid face on Monday. Punk said he deals in facts. Punk said he’ll let Balor and Reigns ask what if. Punk reminded them that he is the champion and the best in the world. Punk said he doesn’t have to ask himself if he’s the main event of WrestleMania because he is the main event of WrestleMania. Punk said his name is CM Punk, and that was it.

Analysis: I like CM Punk’s promos a lot, but that was just an average promo for a guy who is arguably the best talker in WWE. It felt like he was told to fill five minutes, so he went over a few things he says all the time. I think the whole point of that was to say that Roman Reigns is going to be on Raw next week. Punk didn’t really talk about his title defense against Finn Balor on Saturday, so it made Balor feel like an afterthought.

They showed Petey Williams and Jeremy Borash backstage, both of whom have a lot of TNA history with Styles and now work for WWE. Omos was also there as a former Tag Team Champion with AJ Styles.

There is another match as Iyo Sky made her entrance as one-half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions. They went on a break for some fans at that point. The introductions of Kairi Sane and Raquel Rodriguez took place during the break.

Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Raquel Rodriguez vs. Iyo Sky vs. Kairi Sane

The first pinfall or submission wins. There are no countouts and no disqualifications in this match.

It was Raquel in control early in the match, but then Sky and Sane worked together to weaken the larger opponents. They kicked Raquel out of the ring. Sane stopped working with Sky when she realized what she was doing. Sky hit a back body drop on Sane. Raquel got back into it, picked up both women, and hit a double fallaway slam across the ring. Sane pulled the top rope to send Raquel out of the ring. Raquel fought off a diving Sane, so Sky hit a springboard moonsault onto both opponents on the floor. The action continued during a break as Sane pulled back on Sky’s legs, but Raquel stopped that submission attempt. Raquel tossed Sane out of the ring. Raquel worked over Sky with elbow drops. Raquel hit a fallaway slam on Sky across the ring. Sane attacked Raquel on the apron, but the lift attempt failed.

Sky gained momentum, sending Sane face-first into the mat and kicking Raquel to keep her on the floor. Sky hit a missile dropkick on Sane. Sky charged, and Raquel hit a Pounce to knock her down. Raquel clotheslined Sane. Sky and Sane shoved Raquel into the ring post. Sky hit a cross-body block onto Raquel on the floor. Sane went up top and hit the Insane Elbow on Raquel on the floor. Sky dropkicked Raquel over the barricade. Sane hit a back fist on Sky on the floor. Sane jumped off the top. Sky avoided it, and Sane got a backslide pin for two. Sky hit a double underhook backbreaker. Sky went up top and hit Over The Moonsault on Sane for two, but Raquel pulled Sane to stop the pin. Raquel clotheslined Sane on the floor. Sky dropkicked Raquel into the turnbuckle. Sky sent Raquel throat-first across the top rope. Sky went up top and hit a missile dropkick, followed by the running knees against the turnbuckle. Raquel got a hold of Sky by the turnbuckle, and Sky kicked Raquel away. Sky jumped off the turnbuckle with a DDT on Raquel. Sky went up top, and Sane punched her down. Sane went for the Insane Elbow, but Raquel got her boots up. Raquel hit a Tejana Bomb on Sane for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Raquel Rodriguez

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good match with an exciting final few minutes. Going into this match, the obvious result was that Sane would take the pin, since Sky and Raquel are pushed at a decent level, so of course, Sane was going to lose. I thought Sky winning was a possibility, but I don’t mind Raquel getting the big win.

Women’s Elimination Chamber Match looks like this: Rhea Ripley vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. Kiana James vs. Raquel Rodriguez

It was announced by Michael Cole that Bronson Reed suffered a right biceps tear and will be out indefinitely.

Analysis: That’s brutal. That usually requires surgery, and I’m guessing probably 4-6 months out. The Vision is cursed.

There was a rundown of the Elimination Chamber card for this Saturday, February 28th, in Chicago.

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Rhea Ripley vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. Kiana James vs. Raquel Rodriguez

* World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk vs. Finn Balor

* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams vs. Jey Uso

Next Monday on Raw in Indianapolis:

* Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta

* Gunther vs. Dragon Lee

* Roman Reigns returns

Jade Cargill was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the upper deck. Jade thinks that Liv made the right choice by avoiding Jade at WrestleMania. Cathy asked Jade about the Women’s Elimination Chamber, and Jade ranted about it, but the interview was cut off because it was during the break.

AJ Styles Career Retrospective Video

There was an AJ Styles video package set to the song “Higher” by Creed, which is over 20 years old, but it’s fitting for a guy like AJ Styles and the era he represents. I like the song. It’s classic. Anyway, the video package was outstanding, showing highlights and images of AJ Styles in TNA, along with his WWE run over the last 10 years. They also showed some clips of AJ’s wife and four kids. There were a lot of comments from WWE personalities talking about what Styles meant to them.

Analysis: That was terrific. Loved that. I’ll watch it again during the week, I’m sure.

AJ Styles Tribute

The former 2-time WWE Champion, AJ Styles, made his entrance wearing his customary leather vest, one of his shirts, and jeans as he made his way to the ring. I have always loved his WWE theme song. Styles entered the ring and was greeted by cheers from the fans. They showed Cole and Graves standing and clapping at ringside. The show was at the 2-hour and 20-minute mark, around when Raw ended last week, but they are going longer this week, which is a good thing. The fans chanted “Thank You, AJ” for a few minutes before Styles could say a word.

Styles said he was going to wear a suit, but the last time he did, he beat up Cody Rhodes, so he’s not going to do that tonight. Styles said he’ll get choked up, but he doesn’t want you to think he’s sad. Styles spoke about how grateful he was to be in Atlanta, Georgia, since he grew up 45 minutes down the road in Gainesville, Georgia. Styles said a lot of people don’t get to have a celebration like this very often, so thank you. Styles said that at his core, he is still that kid from Gainesville who fell in love with pro wrestling. Styles talked about places he has wrestled, including in TNA, the Tokyo Dome, and WrestleMania.

Styles mentioned Daniels, Joe, and Frankie Kazarian in TNA, along with so many others. Styles said, with some uncertainty, that he left TNA and went to Japan. Styles said that Gallows and Anderson showed him what it was like to have fun in pro wrestling. Styles said he has literally done almost everything. Styles said the one thing he hasn’t done is be a full-time father. AJ’s wife and four kids (three boys and one daughter) were at ringside. Styles said he’s missed birthdays, anniversaries, games, and, if you name it, he’s missed it all. Styles said that is tough. Styles said his flex should be all the World Championships he has won in his career. Styles said his biggest flex is having the best wife in the world. Styles said you never slowed me down, never told me to stop, and held the family together, even though he watched them grow on FaceTime. Styles thanked his kids for being there and said one of his sons was home with the flu.

Styles said he knows that things didn’t go the way they should have against Gunther at the Royal Rumble. The fans booed. Styles said not many people get to go out the way they started. Styles said that his debut was at Royal Rumble 2016 and his last match against Gunther was at Royal Rumble 2026. Styles said there were questions about why he didn’t leave his gloves in the ring. Styles said that he is a man of his word and, at the end of the day, all we have is our word. Styles put his Phenomenal One jacket in the ring. Styles said he wanted to take his gloves with him to the house. Styles said he wanted to come here to Atlanta and leave his gloves at home. Styles put his gloves on the jacket in the ring. Styles said from the bottom of his heart, he would be nothing without you (the fans) and that he loves you right back. Styles went onto the turnbuckle and saluted the fans.

Analysis: Great speech. AJ Styles got a few minutes to speak from the heart, and he did a great job of making his points, while also explaining why he didn’t take his gloves off at the Royal Rumble. I think he had a good reason. Saying a proper goodbye in his home state of Georgia likely meant a lot to Styles, so I’m glad it happened this way because it feels like this is what AJ wanted.

The locker room emptied as Triple H stood in front, and they lined up by the entrance, where they applauded for AJ Styles. There were many familiar faces there, including the top stars on the roster standing in the front, like Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, LA Knight, Sami Zayn, and so many others. The fans chanted “AJ” for Styles as the cheering continued.

The lights went out, and The Undertaker’s classic gong sounded. The Undertaker drove down to the ring on a motorcycle, dressed as the American Badass version of the Deadman. Taker entered the ring with Styles.

The Undertaker asked AJ Styles, “Are you going to leave your stuff here and leave?” He said the two of them had unfinished business. The Undertaker asked Styles if he’d heard the phrase: “If you see me coming, you’re already gone.” Taker said that if you see him coming, you’re already gone. He said it was his esteemed honor to inform Styles that you are the newest inductee in the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. The fans cheered as Styles looked stunned, then smiled at Taker. They shook hands and hugged. The fans chanted, “You deserve it” for Styles.

AJ Styles’s wife, daughter, and two sons went into the ring and hugged him. There were graphics on the screen showing the WWE Hall of Fame logo for AJ Styles. The show signed off there.

Analysis: We have seen The Undertaker do that surprising WWE Hall of Fame announcement surprise to other people like Stephanie McMahon, and now he’s done it to AJ Styles as well. I think AJ was genuinely surprised by it, which always makes it better. That means AJ Styles will get to do another speech in less than two months at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. That’s cool. For the people who thought there might be some angle to set up another AJ Styles match, that didn’t happen, but I think being inducted into the Hall of Fame and looking absolutely shocked was a nice way to end the celebration. Well done. To the people who complain about the Hall of Fame or say why not put this guy instead of that guy. In this case, people will say why not John Cena ahead of AJ Styles. Maybe John Cena has another commitment on the weekend of WrestleMania, or maybe John wants to go in another year, and he told WWE that. I don’t know. I find it weird how people complain about stuff like that. This isn’t a pro sports Hall of Fame where a guy has to wait 5 years for people to vote on a ballot. It’s just WWE. There are no set rules. If WWE wants to put AJ Styles into the WWE HOF this year, then celebrate it and be happy for him and his family. Bitching about that sort of thing is so bizarre to me.

A graphic was shown saying: “In Loving Memory of Kerwin Silfies 1950 – 2026.” He was a longtime WWE director who passed away recently. Rest in Peace, Kerwin.

This week’s Raw had a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes on Netflix.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. AJ Styles. Thank you, AJ! That’s it. Just him.

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2026 Average: 7.50

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

This week’s Raw was solid for most of the show. Not great or anything, but I liked how they paid tribute to AJ Styles throughout. The AJ Styles celebration was built up well and had a nice surprise at the end, with The Undertaker telling Styles he’ll be in the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame. I think Styles was genuinely surprised by the announcement, which made it better. Styles did a nice job with his speech, too. I loved the video package WWE aired about him, too. Creed! Nice throwback there.

I thought the match quality was weaker than a typical Raw, which hurts the show a bit. They still advanced some storylines, like Liv Morgan choosing Stephanie Vaquer at WrestleMania, and Brock Lesnar has an open challenge for WrestleMania, but we don’t yet know who will answer it. The fans want it to be Oba Femi, and I think that’s the right call.

I feel terrible for Bronson Reed, who suffered a torn biceps while breaking up a pin attempt. The Vision is cursed, with Seth Rollins hurting his shoulder, then Bron Breakker with a hernia injury, and now Reed. Brutal.

The next WWE PLE is Elimination Chamber on February 28th in Chicago. Here’s the lineup so far:

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams vs. Jey Uso

* World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk vs. Finn Balor

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Rhea Ripley vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. Kiana James vs. Raquel Rodriguez

* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee

You can watch WWE Elimination Chamber, streaming live on Saturday, February 28, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN in the United States and Netflix everywhere else.

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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email [email protected]

Twitter/X @johnreport