WWE RAW Recap: Highlights and Low Points from February 23, 2026

Welcome to the WWE RAW Review

As a wrestling aficionado, I welcome you to another critical review of WWE Raw. The February 23, 2026, episode was particularly noteworthy, featuring the announcement of AJ Styles as the newest member of the WWE Hall of Fame. Yet, amidst the fanfare, some elements left much to be desired. In this piece, I'll break down three things we loved and three things we hated about the show.

Loved: The Epic Hall of Fame Announcement

The most heartwarming moment of the night had to be AJ Styles receiving his Hall of Fame induction. Picture it: the arena filled with cheers as the Undertaker made a surprise appearance to announce AJ's accolade. This was not just a career milestone for Styles but a testament to his incredible journey—from indie darling to WWE legend.

It's rare for wrestlers to receive such a grand send-off, making this moment feel genuinely special. Even fans who had followed his career from TNA days were likely misty-eyed. Styles has earned his place among legends like Hogan and Austin, and it was gratifying to see him acknowledged in such a heartfelt manner.

Hated: GUNTHER's Disruption

While GUNTHER's presence can undoubtedly draw heat, his act felt predictable and forced during the RAW episode. His promo oversaturated the airwaves, overshadowing Styles' moment. It's essential to build tension and drama, but not at the expense of another talent's highlight. I felt this was an unnecessary disruption that detracted from what could have been a more focused narrative for Styles.

Loved: Raquel Rodriguez Shines in Elimination Chamber Qualifier

Speaking of standouts, Raquel Rodriguez showcased her undeniable talent in a thrilling women's Elimination Chamber qualifier match against Kairi Sane and IYO SKY. The in-ring chemistry was palpable, elevating what could have been a routine segment into a match that we'll be talking about for some time.

Rodriguez's strength and agility were on full display, proving she has what it takes to be a major player in the upcoming Chamber match. It's refreshing to see the women's division evolving, and matches like this only bolster that narrative. Compared to what's been shown in previous weeks, this felt like a breath of fresh air.

Hated: Injury Woes for Bronson Reed

On a more somber note, the injury to Bronson Reed mid-match was unfortunate and, quite frankly, a downer for the episode. He went down with a torn bicep, marking yet another blow to the roster and a significant loss for his faction, The Vision. Injuries can easily derail storylines, and it leads to awkward rewrites, which, as a fan, I dread.

Loved: Liv Morgan's Unique Approach to WrestleMania Selection

Liv Morgan added an exciting twist to her WrestleMania selection by opting for action over words. Instead of a verbal proclamation, she made her choice known by attacking her potential opponent, Stephanie Vaquer. While the stakes of this rivalry might not be sky-high, Morgan's method provided a refreshing departure from standard promo fare.

Hated: Brock Lesnar's Superfluous Segment

Can we talk about Brock Lesnar's pointless presence on this episode? Coming off the heels of significant allegations against him, using that moment to create hype felt petty and distasteful. Instead of enriching the storyline, it cheapened the entire affair. Lesnar has enough marquee value; he doesn't need to leverage others' controversies for attention.

A Summary of Highs and Lows

In summary, this week's RAW was a mixed bag. The heartfelt moments, like AJ Styles' Hall of Fame induction, were tempered by disruptions and unfortunate injuries. There was brilliance on display, particularly in the women's division, but it was overshadowed by some questionable creative decisions. Only time will tell how these storylines unfold as we lead up to WrestleMania 42.

I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the episode! Which moments resonated with you, and what did you find disappointing? Let's dive into the wrestling community's insights!