WWE Raw Results February 23 2026: Full Recap from Atlanta State Farm Arena – Elimination Chamber Qualifiers, AJ Styles Tribute & Brock Lesnar Return

Opening Segment: Emotional Tribute to AJ Styles – Retirement and Hall of Fame Induction

The show opened with a heartfelt tribute to AJ Styles, celebrating "The Phenomenal One's" legendary career. Video packages highlighted his iconic matches across WWE, TNA, and NJPW, with messages from legends like John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura, and even Abyss. AJ Styles entered to a massive ovation, delivering an emotional retirement speech about his journey and gratitude to fans.

The segment peaked when The Undertaker appeared to announce AJ Styles as a 2026 WWE Hall of Fame inductee. Gunther interrupted with mockery, but Dragon Lee ambushed him, teasing future tension. Post-show, Styles shared moments backstage with Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Sami Zayn.

This tribute was a masterclass in emotional storytelling, boosting searches for AJ Styles retirement tribute WWE Raw and WWE Hall of Fame 2026.

Men's Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed vs. “Original” El Grande Americano (Triple Threat)

In a high-impact Triple Threat, Jey Uso qualified for the Men's Elimination Chamber by pinning “Original” El Grande Americano after a spear and Uso Splash. Bronson Reed impressed with power moves like the Tsunami, but suffered a legitimate injury (shoulder issue), forcing a last-second adaptation.

• Winner: Jey Uso (pinfall on El Grande Americano)
• Match Rating: ★★★★ – Explosive action with strong Bloodline ties.
• Key Takeaway: Uso joins Randy Orton, LA Knight, Cody Rhodes, Je’Von Evans, and Trick Williams in the Chamber for a WWE Championship shot at WrestleMania 42.

This result solidifies LSI relevance for Elimination Chamber qualifiers Raw Atlanta and Jey Uso WWE Chamber.

Women's Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY vs. Kairi Sane (Triple Threat)

Raquel Rodriguez powered through Damage CTRL's IYO SKY and Kairi Sane, hitting a Tejana Bomb on Sane for the win and the final Women's Chamber spot.

• Winner: Raquel Rodriguez (pinfall on Kairi Sane)
• Match Rating: ★★★½ – Great power vs. agility contrast.
• Key Takeaway: Rodriguez enters alongside Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, and Kiana James, vying for a WWE Women’s Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42.

Highlights women's wrestling evolution and terms like Raquel Rodriguez Elimination Chamber qualify.

Brock Lesnar's Thunderous Return and WrestleMania 42 Open Challenge

Brock Lesnar made his explosive return, accompanied by Paul Heyman. The Beast destroyed security, issued an open challenge for WrestleMania 42, and announced upcoming TV appearances. He teased clashes with stars like Cody Rhodes or CM Punk, ending with an F-5 on a planted opponent.

This blockbuster moment drives searches for Brock Lesnar return Raw 2026 and Lesnar WrestleMania open challenge.

Liv Morgan's WrestleMania 42 Decision: Targeting Stephanie Vaquer

Women's Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan made her long-awaited choice, confronting Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer and WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill. After apologizing and reflecting on Vaquer's words, Morgan attacked Vaquer with a microphone shot and Oblivion, raising the title to confirm her WrestleMania 42 challenge.

This dramatic segment cements Liv Morgan WrestleMania decision as a top storyline.

Other Key Matches and Segments from Raw Atlanta

• Je’Von Evans def. Kofi Kingston – Evans won with help from Atlanta's Offset, tweaking his knee on a moonsault but still dominating.
• Nattie def. Maxxine Dupri – Nattie secured the win by referee decision (no-contest vibes in some reports).
• CM Punk Promo – Hyped his World Heavyweight Championship defense vs. Finn Bálor at Elimination Chamber.
• Cody Rhodes & The Usos Segment – Teased alliances against The Vision.

These built layers for ongoing feuds and WWE Raw segments 2026.

WrestleMania 42 Build: Fallout from Raw February 23 2026

This episode set the table for Elimination Chamber outcomes to feed directly into WrestleMania 42 matches. With qualifiers complete, title pictures clarified, and returns like Lesnar's, the Road to WrestleMania heats up on SmackDown and beyond.

What were the biggest moments from WWE Raw February 23 2026 in Atlanta?

AJ Styles' retirement tribute and Hall of Fame announcement, Brock Lesnar's return with a WrestleMania open challenge, Liv Morgan choosing Stephanie Vaquer for WrestleMania 42, and final Elimination Chamber qualifiers won by Jey Uso and Raquel Rodriguez.

Who won the Elimination Chamber qualifiers on Raw February 23 2026?

Jey Uso (Men's: defeated Bronson Reed and Original El Grande Americano) and Raquel Rodriguez (Women's: defeated IYO SKY and Kairi Sane).

Did AJ Styles retire on WWE Raw February 23 2026?

Yes – the episode featured a full tribute, retirement speech, and The Undertaker announcing his 2026 WWE Hall of Fame induction.

What did Brock Lesnar do on his Raw return February 23 2026?

Lesnar returned, destroyed security, issued an open challenge for WrestleMania 42, and announced future appearances, hyping a major match.

Who did Liv Morgan choose for WrestleMania 42 on Raw?

Liv Morgan attacked and chose Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer after a confrontation segment, confirming the match.

Where was WWE Raw February 23 2026 held, and how can I watch highlights?

State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia. Highlights are on WWE's official YouTube, Netflix (full episodes), Peacock, and wrestling news sites.