Tag: WWE

AJ Styles Confirms He’ll Remain With WWE in Mentorship Role Following Retirement

AJ Styles may have officially closed the chapter on his in-ring career, but “The Phenomenal One” isn’t going anywhere.

After delivering an emotional farewell on this past Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, Styles left his gloves and jacket in the middle of the ring — a symbolic gesture that confirmed his retirement from active competition. Shortly thereafter, WWE announced that Styles will be inducted into the Class of 2026 Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.

With retirement rumors swirling, including speculation about a possible jump to AEW for one last run, Styles quickly put those ideas to rest.

Speaking on the Talk N Shop Podcast, the former WWE Champion made it clear that while his days of competing inside the squared circle are over, his relationship with WWE is far from finished. Styles confirmed he will continue working with the company in a backstage capacity, focusing on mentoring and developing the next generation of talent.

According to Styles, helping younger wrestlers grow into confident, complete performers is something he’s long wanted to do. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that talent feels ready when they step into a WWE ring — not just physically, but mentally as well.

Styles explained that if someone reaches television and isn’t fully prepared, he sees it as part of his responsibility to help get them there. For him, making sure emerging stars feel like they truly belong — that they’re ready to stand alongside the best in the locker room — is both a duty and a privilege.

The idea of shaping future main eventers clearly excites him. After decades of experience across multiple promotions and countless high-profile matches, Styles now shifts from building his own legacy to helping build others’.

While fans won’t see him lace up the boots again, it sounds like AJ Styles’ impact on WWE is only entering a new phase — one that could influence the company for years to come.

Xavier Woods Provides Injury Update After Stepping Away From WWE Action

Xavier Woods is staying positive despite dealing with a significant shoulder issue that has temporarily sidelined him from in-ring competition.

On the February 16 episode of WWE RAW, Kofi Kingston informed fans that his New Day partner would be stepping away from wrestling after battling a shoulder injury for roughly three months. Woods’ last match took place in a dark match ahead of the 2026 Royal Rumble, and he hasn’t competed since.

Now, Woods himself has shed more light on the situation.

Speaking on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, Woods revealed that the damage to his shoulder is more serious than initially believed. According to the former King of the Ring, doctors found multiple tears, describing his shoulder as having “gone through the meat grinder.”

At this point, the hope is that physical therapy will be enough to get him back to full strength. However, Woods acknowledged that surgery remains a possibility if rehab doesn’t resolve the issue.

Despite the uncertainty, Woods made it clear he’s approaching the situation with optimism. He said he’s staying positive about the recovery process and is prepared to undergo surgery if that’s what’s required to properly heal. In his view, everything happens for a reason, and he’s choosing to focus on the bigger picture rather than the setback itself.

For New Day fans, the news is obviously concerning. Woods has been a consistent presence on WWE television for years, whether competing in tag team action alongside Kingston or carving out his own singles opportunities. His absence will certainly be felt if recovery takes longer than expected.

As of now, there’s no official timeline for his return. The next few weeks will likely determine whether rehab is enough or if Woods will need to go under the knife.

We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Liv Morgan Opens Up About Spiritual Awakening: “I Think I Might Have Found God”

Liv Morgan is known for wearing her heart on her sleeve inside the ring, and now she’s doing the same outside of it.

During a recent appearance on the RAW Talk podcast, the Judgment Day member shared a deeply personal update about her life away from WWE cameras, revealing that she’s been on what she describes as a spiritual journey over the past five months — one that may have led her to rediscover faith.

When asked whether she considers herself religious, Morgan didn’t hesitate to explain that something has shifted in her life recently.

According to Morgan, a series of moments that felt bigger than coincidence sparked what she calls a “calling” to explore a relationship with God. While she acknowledged that it might sound cliché, she said the experiences felt meaningful enough to push her toward self-reflection and spiritual growth.

Morgan explained that religion wasn’t a major part of her upbringing. Though she attended church occasionally as a child, it never fully connected with her. As an adult, she says she lived somewhere in the middle — not fully believing, but not dismissing faith either.

Interestingly, despite her uncertainty over the years, Morgan revealed she has always made the sign of the cross before every match — even during times when she questioned whether God was real. In her words, that contradiction perfectly summed up her complicated relationship with faith.

Over the past few months, however, that uncertainty has evolved into something more concrete. Morgan described subtle but meaningful experiences that encouraged her to “lean in” spiritually. Since then, she says she’s felt an emotional shift that’s difficult to fully put into words.

The former Women’s Champion shared that she now feels a sense of unconditional love and reassurance that often brings her to tears. While she’s not currently reading the Bible cover-to-cover, she did start a daily devotional at the beginning of the year and has stuck with it consistently. She credits that practice with helping her stay grounded mentally and emotionally amid the pressures of WWE life.

Morgan also reflected on how her early perception of organized religion — which she felt was often framed around fear and obligation — may have shaped her hesitation toward faith. As an adult, she says she feels more empowered to define spirituality on her own terms, without pressure or rigid expectations.

Today, Morgan describes her faith as something that brings her trust and relief rather than fear. While she still deals with anxiety and the high-pressure environment that comes with being a WWE Superstar, she says she’s found comfort in believing that God “has her back,” allowing her to center herself and push through challenging moments.

As one of WWE’s most open and emotionally transparent performers, Morgan’s willingness to speak candidly about her personal evolution adds another layer to her ever-evolving story — both inside and outside the squared circle.

WWE Releases Emotional Post-Raw Celebration Footage Following AJ Styles Tribute Show & HOF Announcement

WWE has released exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from AJ Styles’ emotional farewell on Monday Night Raw, giving fans an extended look at the heartfelt celebration that followed the cameras going dark.

The closing segment of Raw was already heavy with emotion, as “The Phenomenal One” addressed the crowd and reflected on a career that spanned the globe. But once the broadcast ended, the real floodgates opened.

In the nearly five-minute video shared by WWE, Styles shared deeply personal moments with friends and rivals from every chapter of his journey — from TNA to New Japan Pro-Wrestling to WWE.

Several familiar faces from Styles’ TNA days joined him in the ring, including Frankie Kazarian, Drake Maverick (formerly Rockstar Spud), Bobby Roode, and Abyss. Maverick and Kazarian now work behind the scenes as WWE producers, but on this night, it was about celebrating their longtime friend. During an embrace with Roode, Styles jokingly told him, “You got me good, dude,” referencing the surprise announcement of Roode’s upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction. Roode insisted he had no advance knowledge of the honor.

The tribute also featured a rare WWE appearance from Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, who had been released from the company in February 2025. The duo, who teamed with Styles in both WWE and NJPW, stood alongside him once again. Other former Bullet Club members in attendance included Finn Bálor, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Cody Rhodes — highlighting the massive influence Styles had across promotions. At one point, Bálor and Styles shared a classic “Too Sweet” gesture, bringing things full circle.

Among Styles’ WWE peers, the emotion was palpable. Cathy Kelley, Stephanie Vaquer, Michin, and Asuka were visibly moved during the sendoff. Earlier in the night, Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn even lifted Styles onto their shoulders in a symbolic tribute to his impact on the business.

Styles’ final match came at the 2026 Royal Rumble, where GUNTHER — dubbed “The Career Killer” — forced him to pass out to a sleeper hold in a physically grueling contest. Prior to that, Styles revisited one of his most storied rivalries when he faced Shinsuke Nakamura at Saturday Night’s Main Event. In a poetic touch, Nakamura was seen capturing photos of Styles’ farewell on Raw, documenting the final chapter of a shared legacy that dates back to their NJPW days.

From TNA standout to global superstar, AJ Styles’ career has touched nearly every major corner of the wrestling world. WWE’s post-Raw footage makes one thing clear: his influence goes far beyond championship reigns and five-star matches.

For one night, the wrestling world — across generations and promotions — stood together to celebrate The Phenomenal One.

WWE NXT Preview 2/24/2026

WWE NXT tonight at 8/7c on The CW and Netflix (internationally).

  • NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Sol Ruca
  • NXT Tag Team Championship: DarkState (c) vs. Swipe Right
  • NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Myles Borne
  • WWE Speed Championship: Jasper Troy (c) vs. Elio LeFleur vs. Eli Knight
  • WWE Women’s Speed Championship #1 Contenders Tournament Match: Blake Monroe vs. Thea Hail

Bronson Reed Suffers Torn Bicep on Raw, WWE Confirms Indefinite Absence

WWE’s road to Elimination Chamber took an unexpected turn on Monday night.

During an Elimination Chamber qualifying match on WWE Raw featuring Jey Uso, Bronson Reed, and the returning Original El Grande Americano, Reed appeared to suffer an injury mid-match that ultimately changed the bout’s outcome — and potentially reshaped upcoming plans heading into WrestleMania 42.

According to WWE, Reed has torn his bicep and will be sidelined indefinitely.

Injury Alters Chamber Plans

The injury became apparent when Reed rolled out of the ring and began receiving attention from medical personnel. Cameras briefly caught him gesturing toward his arm, seemingly indicating the bicep area. Commentary also noted the concern as he failed to re-enter the match.

Later in the broadcast, Michael Cole confirmed that Reed had sustained a torn bicep and would be out indefinitely.

Behind the scenes, the injury reportedly caused a major pivot. WrestleVotes shared that Reed was originally scheduled to win the qualifier and secure a spot inside the Elimination Chamber this Saturday in Chicago. Instead, Jey Uso picked up the victory following Reed’s exit.

A torn bicep is no minor issue, often requiring surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period — sometimes stretching several months depending on severity. That would likely sideline “Aus-Zilla” well beyond WrestleMania season.

A Rough Stretch for The Vision

Reed’s injury comes at a particularly unfortunate time for The Vision faction.

Bron Breakker is already out of action after undergoing surgery earlier this month for a serious hernia. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins — the group’s former leader — has been on the shelf since October and was stripped of the World Heavyweight Championship as a result of his injury.

With Reed now added to the list, The Vision’s in-ring presence heading toward WrestleMania 42 is down to Logan Paul and Austin Theory, alongside Paul Heyman as the group’s mouthpiece.

That creates another layer of intrigue given the ongoing storyline involving a masked attacker who has been targeting members of the faction. Rumors have pointed toward Rollins being behind the attacks, potentially setting up a high-profile WrestleMania clash with Breakker. But with Breakker still recovering and Reed now sidelined, creative plans may need to shift dramatically.

Whether Paul and Theory step into more prominent roles in that storyline remains to be seen.

What’s Next?

WWE has not provided a timetable for Reed’s return, only confirming that he will be out indefinitely. If surgery is required — as is often the case with a torn bicep — fans could be looking at an extended absence.

For now, Jey Uso moves on to the Elimination Chamber, while The Vision finds itself in a vulnerable position at a critical point on the road to WrestleMania.

As always in WWE, the show moves forward — but this injury is one that could have ripple effects far beyond a single match.

AJ Styles Gets Emotional Raw Farewell, Leaves Gloves In The Ring, Named As An Inductee For WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Monday night’s episode of WWE Raw delivered an unforgettable send-off for one of the most influential performers of the modern era. AJ Styles closed the show in an emotional main event segment that not only celebrated his legendary career but also confirmed his place in WWE history — as the first announced inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class.

A Night Built Around “The Phenomenal One”

Throughout the broadcast, WWE paid tribute to Styles with a series of video packages highlighting his journey from international standout to WWE Champion and locker room leader. Several WWE Superstars offered words of appreciation, reflecting on his impact inside and outside the ring.

The tribute extended beyond the current roster. In attendance were longtime friends and former allies from multiple chapters of Styles’ career. TNA legends Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Park — the latter appearing in his iconic Abyss persona — were present for the occasion. Former WWE and NJPW stars Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, known collectively with Styles as The Good Brothers and members of Bullet Club and The OC, also showed up to support their longtime teammate. Even Omos, Styles’ former tag team partner, made a rare appearance for the celebration.

It was a gathering that underscored just how wide Styles’ influence stretches across the wrestling world.

An Emotional Goodbye

When Styles made his entrance for the final segment, the crowd immediately filled the arena with chants of “Thank you, AJ.” Clearly overwhelmed, Styles soaked in the moment before delivering a heartfelt promo that traced the arc of his career — from his early days to becoming one of WWE’s most respected performers.

In classic AJ fashion, he mixed humor with sincerity, joking that he would have worn a suit for the occasion, but the last time he did that he ended up fighting Cody Rhodes.

As the moment grew more emotional, Styles removed his jacket and laid it in the center of the ring. He followed by placing his signature gloves on the mat — a symbolic gesture long associated with retirement in pro wrestling. With his family watching from ringside, Styles offered one final “thank you” and “I love you” before the locker room emptied onto the stage. Paul “Triple H” Levesque joined the group in applauding Styles, creating a powerful scene of respect from peers and executives alike.

The Undertaker Delivers A Final Surprise

Just as it appeared the night was coming to a close, the familiar gong echoed through the arena. The lights went out, and when they came back up, The Undertaker emerged on his motorcycle.

In a fitting bit of theatrics, The Deadman asked Styles if he was really planning to leave his gear in the ring and simply walk away. He then revealed there was still “unfinished business” — announcing that AJ Styles will be the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The surprise announcement brought fresh tears to Styles’ eyes as he embraced Undertaker. Moments later, his family joined him in the ring to celebrate the milestone, closing the show on a note of gratitude and legacy.

A Career Worthy of Immortality

Styles’ WWE run alone includes multiple world championships, show-stealing matches at WrestleMania, and leadership roles in groups like The OC. But his Hall of Fame nod also represents decades of influence across TNA, NJPW, and beyond — cementing him as one of the most well-traveled and respected performers of his generation.

Whether this marks the official end of his in-ring career remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: AJ Styles’ impact on the industry is undeniable.

And come 2026, “The Phenomenal One” will officially take his place among the immortals.

JBL Says TNA Creative Shake-Up Halted Planned In-Ring Return

John “Bradshaw” Layfield was a lot closer to lacing up his boots again than most fans realized — but a sudden creative shift in TNA ultimately pulled the plug on the idea.

Speaking recently on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, the WWE Hall of Famer addressed the growing buzz about a potential in-ring comeback. Between appearances in GCW and AAA, along with reports that he had been training with veterans Jody Malenko and Gerald Brisco, speculation had been building that JBL was preparing for something substantial.

As it turns out, those rumors weren’t far off.

Layfield confirmed that he had agreed in principle to work with TNA last year. However, after a change in the company’s creative direction, he decided it was no longer something he wanted to be part of.

According to JBL, the revised plans simply didn’t make sense — not from a storytelling standpoint and not from a business one. Rather than force something he didn’t believe in, he chose to step away, noting that there are no hard feelings and that he still maintains a positive relationship with the promotion.

Interestingly, the creative decision-maker behind the change was reportedly let go shortly afterward. Around the same time, WWE’s evolving relationship with TNA shifted the broader landscape, and the proposed return never resurfaced.

TNA wasn’t the only company where plans changed. JBL also revealed that he had discussions about doing something with AAA in Mexico. But once WWE became more directly involved, his role pivoted. Instead of stepping back into the ring, Layfield found himself transitioning into commentary duties.

In hindsight, JBL seems perfectly fine with how things played out — even joking that WWE moving him to commentary might have been a subtle message.

That doesn’t mean he isn’t taking training seriously.

At 59 years old, Layfield has built out a personal training setup complete with mats, suplex dummies, and conditioning equipment, and he’s clearly enjoying the grind. While he stopped short of confirming any concrete return plans, he admitted there’s at least an outline of an idea floating around.

For now, JBL appears content staying active, staying in shape, and keeping his options open. If he does make one more walk to the ring, it won’t just be for nostalgia. As he made clear, any comeback would need to make sense creatively — and, just as importantly, be good for business.

WWE Raw Preview 2/23/2026 – AJ Styles Tribute

WWE Raw live tonight on Netflix at 8pm ET from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia

  • Tribute to AJ Styles
  • AJ Styles to give farewell address to the WWE Universe
  • Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso vs. Original El Grande Americano
  • Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY vs. Kairi Sane
  • Liv Morgan to make her decision on which women’s title she will challenge for at WrestleMania 42 – WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill from SmackDown will be there to hear the decision.
  • Brock Lesnar appears
  • Maxxine Dupri vs. Nattie

WWE SmackDown Preview 2/2026

WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network in the United States and on Netflix for fans internationally from the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.

  • Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest
  • Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Nia Jax vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Kiana James
  • Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson