AJ Styles retired from in-ring competition just few weeks ago, but he is already back at work — this time in a talent relations and scouting capacity with WWE.
Speaking on the Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles explained what drives him in his new behind-the-scenes role.
The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame inductee said that returning to the locker room so quickly after retiring caught some of his former colleagues off guard — but his intentions are simple.
Some of the guys come up like, ‘Did you just retire two weeks ago? Why are you here?’ It was a little emotional when you left, but now you’re here already,” Styles said. “It was always good to see those guys and hang out with them. I want to be able to just see how everybody’s doing. ‘Hey, I’m here for you, man. Take my number. If you have any questions, give me a call. If you just need to talk to somebody, give me a call. I’m your guy.’
Phenomenally Retro – Episode 2 – Hosted by Tony Giles with A.J Styles
Mental Wellness in Wrestling
Styles made it clear that his availability to talent goes beyond professional mentorship. He sees himself as a confidential resource — someone wrestlers can trust without fear of their conversations being passed along.
I think that we need everybody like that in any kind of office space or workplace — there’s got to be someone you could talk to that you could trust, that isn’t gonna go blab,” he said. “Or if there’s something going on that you could trust them to go talk to someone else and see if we can get this handled.
The passion behind his words appears to come from experience. Styles said he has witnessed the toll that life on the road can take on wrestlers firsthand.
I really do care. I know what it’s like and I’ve seen it damage so many people,” he said. “I don’t want that to happen. I want everybody to understand who they are and where they’re at — and that, if you haven’t had that opportunity, it’s coming. Just stay ready.
Styles will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 this spring. His transition into a front office role is a notable development for WWE, adding a respected veteran voice to its talent infrastructure at a time when performer well-being has become an increasingly prominent topic across the industry.
