AJ Styles retired from in-ring competitors simply few weeks in the past, however he’s already again at work — this time in a expertise relations and scouting capability with WWE.
Speaking on the Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles defined what drives him in his new behind-the-scenes position.
The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame inductee stated that returning to the locker room so shortly after retiring caught a few of his former colleagues off guard — however his intentions are easy.
Some of the fellows come up like, ‘Did you simply retire two weeks in the past? Why are you right here?’ It was just a little emotional once you left, however now you are right here already,” Styles said. “It was at all times good to see these guys and hang around with them. I would like to have the ability to simply see how all people’s doing. ‘Hey, I’m right here for you, man. Take my quantity. If you’ve any questions, give me a name. If you simply want to speak to any individual, give me a name. I’m your man.’
Mental Wellness in Wrestling
Styles made it clear that his availability to expertise goes past skilled mentorship. He sees himself as a confidential useful resource — somebody wrestlers can belief with out concern of their conversations being handed alongside.
I believe that we’d like all people like that in any type of workplace house or office — there’s received to be somebody you could possibly speak to that you could possibly belief, that is not gonna go blab,” he said. “Or if there’s one thing going on that you could possibly belief them to go speak to another person and see if we are able to get this dealt with.
The ardour behind his phrases seems to come back from expertise. Styles stated he has witnessed the toll that life on the street can take on wrestlers firsthand.
I actually do care. I do know what it is like and I’ve seen it injury so many individuals,” he said. “I do not need that to occur. I would like all people to know who they’re and the place they’re at — and that, if you have not had that chance, it is coming. Just keep prepared.
Styles can be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 this spring. His transition right into a entrance workplace position is a notable growth for WWE, including a revered veteran voice to its expertise infrastructure at a time when performer well-being has grow to be an more and more outstanding matter throughout the trade.
