The air on this particular Monday Night Raw felt different, imbued with a sense of transition and finality, yet also brimming with the promise of future accolades. The show, airing on February 23rd, 2026, found itself at a curious crossroads, celebrating the imminent retirement of a true legend while simultaneously grappling with the unpredictable currents of ongoing storylines and unexpected setbacks. It was a broadcast that, in typical WWE fashion, offered moments of genuine brilliance and profound satisfaction, interspersed with frustrating missteps and questionable creative decisions. This episode served as a poignant reminder of the volatile nature of professional wrestling, where the highs can be exhilarating and the lows can leave one scratching their head, questioning the path forward.
One of the most impactful segments of the evening saw the undisputed "Ring General," Gunther, making his presence felt early and often. In a move that demonstrated a keen understanding of character and narrative momentum, WWE addressed the elephant in the room head-on. The fact that Gunther, the architect of AJ Styles’ forced retirement, was present on an episode ostensibly dedicated to Styles’ farewell was a narrative knot that needed untangling. Gunther’s opening promo was a masterclass in heelish arrogance, perfectly capturing his persona as someone who would relish hijacking any moment meant to honor another, making it all about himself. The decision to have him deliver his provocative remarks and then be unceremoniously ejected from the arena by Raw General Manager Adam Pearce was an inspired stroke of booking. It allowed Gunther to establish his dominance and antagonism without derailing the emotional core of the show, while simultaneously providing Pearce with an opportunity to showcase his signature exasperated authority. This approach not only kept Gunther’s character consistent but also effectively advanced his ongoing feud with Dragon Lee. Lee’s continued pursuit of retribution for Styles’ retirement, culminating in another aggressive backstage attack on Gunther, was a powerful visual that underscored the stakes of their impending match. The booking here was commendable for its efficiency, setting up a compelling encounter for the following week while smoothly transitioning the focus back to the planned tribute for Styles.
However, the show was not without its significant blemishes, chief among them the continued ill fortune plaguing "The Vision." The faction, which had been building considerable momentum, suffered yet another debilitating blow with the injury to Bronson Reed. The sight of Reed being attended to by medical personnel, clutching his bicep, was a disheartening moment for anyone invested in the group’s narrative. Reports suggested a torn bicep, an injury that often necessitates a lengthy rehabilitation period. This setback was particularly frustrating given Reed’s reported position to win the match he was participating in at the time. The ripple effect of his injury forced a somewhat disjointed conclusion to the contest, with his opponent, El Grande Americano, returning from his own injury, and Jey Uso, whose singles prowess has been somewhat inconsistent since losing the World Heavyweight Championship, having to navigate the situation. While Uso ultimately secured the victory, advancing to the Elimination Chamber, the disruption highlighted the precariousness of the faction’s current standing. The Vision was left with an even thinner roster, primarily consisting of Austin Theory and Logan Paul, managed by the legendary Paul Heyman. The departure of Reed, coupled with the earlier absence of Bron Breakker (who was also reportedly facing surgery for a hernia), left a significant void. The lingering mystery of the masked assailant who had been targeting the group, and the unresolved animosity between Breakker and Seth Rollins, added further layers of complication. The concern was that "The Vision" might struggle to maintain its narrative relevance and intrigue with such a depleted and potentially mismatched core. The creative team faced the unenviable task of steering this ship through choppy waters, and with Reed sidelined, the prospect of an interesting or at least non-annoying direction seemed increasingly distant. The entire situation was a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the wrestling world, and the hope was for a swift and full recovery for Reed, who is a performer deserving of a more stable platform.
Another segment that failed to ignite the expected spark was Liv Morgan’s much-anticipated choice of opponent for WrestleMania 42. As the reigning Women’s Royal Rumble winner, the moment of declaration is typically a highlight of the wrestling calendar, a catalyst for a major championship feud. While Morgan’s decision to communicate her intentions through actions rather than words – blindsiding Stephanie Vaquer with a physical assault – offered a welcome deviation from the usual verbal sparring, the overall impact of the segment was underwhelming. The inclusion of Jade Cargill, who had no discernible interaction with Morgan leading up to this segment, felt superfluous. Cargill’s presence in Atlanta, Morgan’s hometown, seemed more like a logistical necessity than a narrative one, as she simply stood by before departing when Morgan’s aggressive intent became clear. The primary issue lay in the predictability of the outcome. The weeks of build-up on Raw had heavily emphasized the confrontations between Morgan and Vaquer, making Cargill’s inclusion feel like a formality rather than a genuine choice. It was evident that Morgan would select Vaquer, rendering the suspense moot. Ideally, this decision should have been made and presented earlier in the build, allowing for a more substantial storyline to develop between Morgan and her chosen opponent. The segment felt like a missed opportunity to generate genuine excitement and intrigue for a marquee WrestleMania match, ultimately leaving many viewers feeling that it was an unnecessary detour.
The appearance of Brock Lesnar on Raw following Janel Grant’s public statements was a particularly thorny point of contention. Given the sensitive nature of Grant’s allegations and her recent public address, Lesnar’s inclusion on the broadcast felt less like a coincidental booking and more like a deliberate, and arguably vindictive, response from WWE management. The timing, with Grant’s speech released on Friday and Lesnar’s appearance announced mere hours later, fueled this perception. The segment itself, featuring Lesnar and Paul Heyman in the ring, offered little substance. Lesnar, with no clear opponent for WrestleMania 42, was presented with an "open challenge" via Heyman, whose rhetoric, particularly the use of the term "victimization," seemed deliberately provocative. This choice of language, coupled with Heyman’s past comments about Lesnar being "uncancelable," suggested a conscious effort to engage in a controversial narrative, seemingly as a retort to the ongoing legal and public scrutiny. While Grant did not explicitly name Lesnar in her address, her recounting of a specific Raw episode involving other wrestlers acting out elements of her allegations resonated with the broader context. This calculated approach, playing with sensitive themes and public perception, was viewed by many as not only distasteful but also alarmingly on-brand for a company that has, at times, demonstrated a willingness to engage in such ethically questionable tactics. The segment felt less like a wrestling storyline and more like a performative act of defiance, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of many viewers.
On a more positive note, the final hour of the broadcast showcased some of the best wrestling of the night, highlighted by Raquel Rodriguez’s victory in a Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifier. The triple-threat match, featuring IYO SKY and Kairi Sane, was a hard-fought and entertaining contest that elevated the division. Rodriguez’s powerful style proved to be a strong complement to the dynamic offense of SKY and SANE, and while her win might have been somewhat telegraphed, it was nonetheless a well-deserved outcome. The booking decision to have Rodriguez advance, rather than both members of the Kabuki Warriors or the RHIYO pairing, felt strategically sound. With Rodriguez joining Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, and Kiana James in the Elimination Chamber, the lineup for the high-stakes match gained a formidable competitor. Her recent improvements in the ring, reportedly incorporating advice to work a more impactful, larger style, suggested a bright future. This wasn’t her first foray into the Elimination Chamber, and her experience was expected to serve her well. The prospect of Rodriguez emerging victorious from the Chamber and challenging Jade Cargill for the championship at WrestleMania 42 was an exciting and fresh possibility, offering a welcome alternative to existing storylines. The match itself was a significant boost to the episode, demonstrating the athleticism and skill within the women’s division and providing a much-needed surge of energy as the show neared its conclusion. The brief reunion of the "Sky Pirates" storyline, potentially creating further friction between Asuka and Sane, also added a small but meaningful narrative thread.
Perhaps the most fitting and emotionally resonant moment of the evening was the send-off for AJ Styles. While the abruptness of his retirement, following an inevitable loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble, might have been a point of discussion, the ceremony that followed was nothing short of spectacular. Styles received a level of tribute rarely bestowed, a testament to his enduring legacy. The surprise appearance of the Undertaker, whose iconic gong sent a seismic wave through the arena, was a fitting touch. The announcement that Styles would be the inaugural inductee into the 2026 Hall of Fame class was a well-earned honor for "The Phenomenal One." It’s a remarkable journey for a performer who, at one point, seemed destined to remain an outsider in WWE, having carved his name into the annals of TNA and independent wrestling. To see him now standing alongside legends like Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and Bruno Sammartino in the Hall of Fame, even before contemporaries like John Cena and The Rock, speaks volumes about his impact and WWE’s recognition of his unparalleled talent. Whether this was a strategic move to secure his future or a genuine reflection of his desire to remain with the company, the moment was undeniably powerful. Styles’ career has been defined by his ability to excel wherever he has competed, a rare feat in the modern wrestling landscape. The segment itself was meticulously executed, allowing Styles to be the sole focus until his interaction with the Undertaker. His visible emotion, met with an overwhelming crowd reaction, culminated in one of professional wrestling’s increasingly rare happy endings, solidifying his status as a true WWE legend.
