AJ Styles is headed to the WWE Hall of Fame

A look at what transpired on Raw–and what is to come

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AJ Styles officially announced his retirement last night on Raw. Unlike his last match against Gunther at the Royal Rumble, this time Styles left his gloves in the ring, symbolizing the end of his career.

This was everything the farewell at the Rumble was not. Styles thanked his fan base, his family, and his peers for an unforgettable career. In an exceptional tribute, there was a video package with highlights from WWE and TNA, as well as recognition of some of Styles’ opponents from long ago–like Abyss, Petey Williams, and Frankie Kazarian. Before celebrating with the roster in the ring, Styles was also able to share the moment with his wife and children.

As for why now is the time to retire, Styles explained it is necessary for him to take on a new role as full-time dad. So in his home state of Georgia, Styles announced the end of his career. And that’s when the lights went out and The Undertaker arrived. Before a Boneyard rematch could be announced, Taker offered Styles a spot in this year’s WWE Hall of Fame.

Of course, Styles accepted. Speaking with people in WWE, there are those who believe that Styles was genuinely unaware that was going to happen–and a smaller camp who think he was tipped off that something of the sort was brewing. But make no mistake about it–Styles is honored to go into the Hall of Fame.

The timing, however, does feel rushed.