WWE RAW Notes Part II: Brock Lesnar Open Challenge Match Set for WrestleMania 42, WWE Holds Tribute To AJ Styles & Styles Confirms Retirement, Styles To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall of Fame for 2026 Class, Roman Reigns Return and More Set for 3/2 Show Card

WWE
Feb 23, 2026

Brock Lesnar Open Challenge Match Set for WrestleMania 42

Monday’s WWE RAW at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia show also featured one new match for the card of WrestleMania 42, which takes place on April 18-19 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This new match was an Open Challenge match of Brock Lesnar vs. mystery opponent.

This new match was setup following an in-ring promo segment involving Lesnar and Paul Heyman. Heyman talked about how WrestleMania used to have two main events, the title match and The Undertaker’s streak match. Heyman boasted about how Lesnar conquered the streak and stated that the only dead man walking in WWE is the one who comes down the aisle to face Brock Lesnar. Heyman then issued an open challenge on Lesnar’s behalf for a match at WrestleMania 42.

Heyman continued trashing the locker room saying that not one person was man enough to confront Lesnar in the locker room and they don’t want the beating they’ll get at WrestleMania. Heyman then directed everyone’s attention to the big screen as a list of dates was revealed for Lesnar’s appearances for the Road to WrestleMania. Heyman stated that all someone has to do is show up at one of those shows and get into Lesnar’s face to get the match. After some more insults directed at the locker room, Heyman stated that the real main event at WrestleMania is whoever is going to get their ass kicked and conquered by Brock Lesnar. Heyman continued stating there is no one in the locker room with the balls to take that ass-kicking at WrestleMania from Brock Lesnar. Heyman then dropped the microphone and him and Lesnar left the ring.

It was announced afterwards that this Open Challenge match was made official for WrestleMania 42.

Current card for WWE WrestleMania 42:

  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk (c)
  • WWE Women’s World Championship – Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer (c)
  • Open Challenge match – Brock Lesnar vs. mystery opponent

WWE Holds Tribute To AJ Styles & Styles Confirms Retirement

Monday’s WWE RAW show featured WWE airing several video packages in tribute to AJ Styles’ wrestling career.

Besides the tribute video packages, several former colleagues and rivals from his time in WWE and TNA Wrestling also made a surprise appearance on the show. These were The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows), Frankie Kazarian, Abyss, Petey Williams, Jeremy Borash, and Omos.

Later in the show, a teary eyed Styles came out to the ring and gave a speech talking about how he was going to wear a suit tonight but the last time he did, he beat the piss out of Cody Rhodes. Styles continued stating that he thought this would be easy and if he gets chocked up, its not because he is sad. Styles then talked about how he is so grateful to be in Atlanta, Georgia since he grew up 45 minutes down the road in Gainesville. Styles talked about how people don’t get to have a celebration like this when they retire, so he’s thankful for this night. After some words about all of the notable places he has wrestled in his wrestling career, Styles gave a shout out to Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, Frankie Kazarian, and The Good Brothers.

Styles continued stating that has done almost everything except be a full-time father and gave a look to his family at ringside. After some words about all of the moments he has missed with his family due to his wrestling career, Styles stated that his flex should be all the World Championships he’s won all over the world but his real flex is having the best wife in the world. Styles proceeded to praise his wife for her pushing him forward and held the family together when he had to watch them grow on FaceTime. Styles also gave a shout out to his children at ringside and the one currently at home dealing with a flu.

Styles then talked about how he knows things didn’t go the way the people wanted at the Royal Rumble over Gunther defeating him in his retirement match. Styles stated its not how he wanted to go but it is poetic because not many get to go out where they started. Styles brought up how his WWE debut was at the Royal Rumble in 2016 and his last match was against Gunther at the Royal Rumble in 2026. Styles continued stating that people wondered why he didn’t leave his his gloves in the ring at the Royal Rumble. Styles stated that he is a man of his word and at the end of the day, all we have is our word. Styles proceeded to take off his jacket and laid it down on the mat. Styles stated that he didn’t take off his gloves at the Royal Rumble because he wanted to take them back home, get to Atlanta, and leave his gloves at home. Styles then proceeded to take off his gloves and also laid it down on the mat. Styles stated that he would be nothing without the fans and thanked them for their love. This led to a roaring ovation by the crowd as he posed on the turnbuckles and the WWE roster coming out to the stage to applaud Styles.

AJ Styles To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall of Fame for 2026 Class

Monday’s WWE RAW show also featured the announcement of AJ Styles to be inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame as a member of this year’s class.

This announcement was made by WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker who informed Styles after his tribute segment that he is the newest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Styles joins Stephanie McMahon as the current announced members for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class.

Current Card For Next Week’s Show

Monday’s WWE RAW show also featured two new matches announced for the card of next week’s show on March 2nd at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Current card for March 2nd WWE RAW show:

  • WWE Intercontinental Championship – Penta vs. Dominik Mysterio (c)
  • Dragon Lee vs. Gunther
  • Roman Reigns to return
Trending
  1. Full Roster Revealed for WWE 2K26Full Roster Revealed for WWE 2K26
  2. Various: Arrest Made in Shooting Deaths of Indie Wrestler Lars Luger & His Mother, Florida Indies Wrestler Nicolth Hernandez-Lucero Detained By ICE & Gangrel Asks Fans For Support, Indies/Misc.Various: Arrest Made in Shooting Deaths of Indie Wrestler Lars Luger & His Mother,…
  3. WWE RAW Results – Feb. 23, 2026 – Men’s & Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifiers, Liv Morgan Makes WrestleMania 42 Decision, Tribute To AJ StylesWWE RAW Results – Feb. 23, 2026 – Men’s & Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifiers, Liv…
  4. "Big" Bronson Reed's Biceps Tear Injury Reportedly Forced Change to Original Plans for Men's Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match at 2/23 WWE RAW Show“Big” Bronson Reed’s Biceps Tear Injury Reportedly Forced Change to…
  5. Thunder Rosa Addresses Hateful Message from Fan After Her In-Ring Return at 2/21 AEW Collision ShowThunder Rosa Addresses Hateful Message from Fan After Her In-Ring Return at 2/21 AEW Collision Show
  6. WWE RAW Notes Part II: Brock Lesnar Open Challenge Match Set for WrestleMania 42, WWE Holds Tribute To AJ Styles & Styles Confirms Retirement, Styles To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall of Fame for 2026 Class, Roman Reigns Return and More Set for 3/2 Show CardWWE RAW Notes Part II: Brock Lesnar Open Challenge Match Set for WrestleMania 42, WWE Holds…