By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Raw (Episode 1,709)
Atlanta, Georgia, at State Farm Arena
Streamed live February 23, 2026, on Netflix
[Hour One] The broadcast team duo of Michael Cole and Corey Graves stood in the ring for the AJ Styles tribute, when Gunther interrupted them. Gunther walked out via the main floor and told them to leave this ring.
Gunther entered the ring and said the fans were there to celebrate a loser. He called Styles, Goldberg, and John Cena losers and boasted that he ended their careers. Gunther said the show was actually a celebration of him.
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce walked out and said that was enough. A group of security guards and producer Shane Helms followed Pearce, who said he knew Gunther would try something. Pearce insisted that Gunther leave so they could pay tribute to Styles. Gunther opted to leave the ring and was escorted to the stage by Pearce. Gunther stopped and turned back toward the fans and raised his arms.
Dragon Lee came out and attacked Gunther, but they were quickly pulled apart. A camera followed Gunther as he and Pearce headed backstage. Lee showed up and attacked Gunther again. Lee was pulled away by security. Pearce asked Gunther if he was happy, and then told him that it was not his night.
Cody Rhodes approached Gunther before making his entrance while ring announcer Alicia Taylor introduced him. Cole referred to Cody as “Atlanta’s own.” Cody asked the fans what they wanted to talk about, and then said he wanted to talk about AJ Styles.
The Vision entrance theme interrupted Cody. Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Paul Heyman walked onto the stage. Theory said he’s ashamed to be from Atlanta. Logan played up the idea of Bronson Reed winning the men’s Elimination Chamber match. Cody said he knew someone who might have something to say about that.
Jey Uso made his entrance through the crowd with his brother Jimmy Uso. The duo joined Cody inside the ring before the first commercial break… [C]
The Original El Grande Americano made his entrance for the Elimination Chamber qualifier. Cole said the show was sold out with over 12,000 in attendance…
Powell’s POV: A solid opening segment that featured a lot of star power while also setting up the AJ Styles tribute and the opening match. An hour before showtime, WrestleTix listed the venue as being set up for 11,933 with 11,722 tickets distributed. State Farm Arena holds up to 17,044 for basketball, and can be expanded to 21,000 for concerts.
1. Bronson Reed vs. Jey Uso vs. The Original El Grande Americano in a Triple Threat qualifier for the men’s Elimination Chamber match. A broadcast team graphic listed Byron Saxton and Cathy Kelley as the backstage interviewers (Jackie Redmond is off after covering Winter Olympics hockey for Eurosport). Americano (Chad Gable) performed an early moonsault onto both opponents on the floor. [C]
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