Felix Upton on March 13, 2026
AJ Styles may be finished competing inside a WWE ring, but the former world champion is still making an impact in the wrestling business — and that influence now appears to extend beyond WWE.
The former WWE star has recently shifted into a new role focused on talent development. Even with his in-ring career winding down, Styles has continued sharing his knowledge with wrestlers looking to improve their craft.
One of those wrestlers is AEW star Anthony Ogogo. Ogogo recently revealed that he trained with Styles and described the experience as something he never imagined would happen when he first started watching wrestling as a kid.
“Last night’s training session with AJ Styles. Unreal.”
Ogogo later explained that while his childhood dream was to become an Olympic boxer, his life ended up taking a second unexpected path when he transitioned into professional wrestling.
“As a kid, I had one dream… to compete at the Olympic Games. I chased it, lived it, and came home with a medal. Childhood dream.”
“What I never imagined was getting to live a second dream. Becoming a professional wrestler and learning from the very people I grew up watching.”
The AEW talent also spoke about the training environment he’s surrounded by as he continues to develop inside the business. Ogogo noted that he regularly works alongside veterans and legends who continue helping him sharpen his skills.
“Every week I train with legends like Billy Gunn, and nights like this getting extra reps and knowledge from someone like AJ Styles are special.”
“Grateful for the journey. Still learning. Still sharpening the tools. Still chasing greatness. Dreams evolve… but the work never stops.”
Ogogo first made his name in boxing, capturing a bronze medal in the middleweight division at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. After retiring from boxing, he signed with AEW in October 2019 and transitioned into professional wrestling.
His boxing career came to an end after ongoing eye issues led to him being registered blind in 2017. Despite that challenge, Ogogo continued pursuing wrestling and became part of Shane Taylor Promotions.
Ogogo’s last match came in November 2024 for Ring of Honor. His most recent AEW appearance took place at AEW All In London in August 2024, where he competed in a sixteen-man tag team match on the Zero Hour pre-show at Wembley Stadium.
While AJ Styles’ WWE in-ring future appears uncertain, his willingness to continue mentoring talent shows that his influence on the industry is far from over.
What do you think about AJ Styles helping train wrestlers from outside WWE? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.
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