In celebration of AJ Styles’ in-ring profession, legends and lively wrestlers gathered for a special tribute within the closing segment of “WWE Raw,” with Styles himself getting choked up on the microphone. After “Raw” went off the air, several others did as well.
As seen within the near-five minute YouTube exclusive, a string of heartfelt moments unfolded within the ring as Styles said goodbye to colleagues from WWE, Recent Japan Pro-Wrestling, and TNA. Amongst those from Styles’ TNA history were Frankie Kazarian, Drake Maverick (formerly generally known as Rockstar Spud), Bobby Roode, and Abyss, the previous two of whom now function backstage producers for WWE. When embracing Roode, Styles remarked “You bought me good, dude,” referencing his surprise on the news of his WWE Hall of Fame induction. Roode, nonetheless, admitted then that he had no prior knowledge of it.
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, who worked with Styles across WWE and NJPW, were also present for the tribute show, marking their first WWE appearances after being released from the corporate in February 2025. Like them, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Finn Balor, and Cody Rhodes served because the night’s former Bullet Club representatives. Balor and Styles even greeted one another with a Too Sweet.
Amongst Styles’ WWE family, Cathy Kelley, Stephanie Vaquer, Michin, and Asuka appeared visibly emotional. Before all of it, Rhodes and Sami Zayn hoisted “The Phenomenal One” on their shoulders.
Styles’ last match took place on the 2026 Royal Rumble, where “The Profession Killer” GUNTHER made him pass out to the sleeper hold. Prior to that, Styles notably met Shinsuke Nakamura, his former NJPW rival, in a match at WWE Saturday Night’s Major Event. Equipped together with his camera, Nakamura later took photos of Styles’ sendoff on “Raw” as well.