AJ Styles Explains How He Evaluates Talent In New WWE Role

AJ Styles is already deep into his new WWE role—but his latest comments reveal exactly what he’s looking for when scouting talent, and it goes far beyond just in-ring ability.

Speaking on his Phenomenally Retro podcast on March 29, 2026, AJ Styles gave an update on how he’s approaching his scouting responsibilities—and how seriously he’s taking the process of finding the next generation of WWE stars. Styles explained that he’s actively going out of his way to discover talent, both in person and online, constantly searching for wrestlers who stand out in a crowded field.

“I’m going to indie shows and checking those out, just seeing what they have to offer and stuff like that. And I’m scouring the internet to see if something sticks out. If people see talent that they like and go, ‘Wow, they’re different, there’s something about them,’ I like that kind of stuff. If you want to send me that, go ahead — I’d love to see it.”

He made it clear that this isn’t just a passive role—he’s actively trying to identify talent early, before they fully break out, and get a sense of who has the potential to make it at the highest level.

“So yeah, I’m just trying to check out how much talent is out there. I know what it’s like to be on the indies, having a job and traveling, and sometimes it’s hard to get what you need. So if they’re as desperate as I was to make it in the wrestling business, I’d love to see them before anybody else snags them up — because that’s how it works.”

What stood out most, though, is what Styles says he actually values when evaluating talent—and it’s not size, look, or even current skill level. Instead, the Phenomenal One is focused on something deeper.

“Hopefully I’m able to see talent before it’s fully developed. There’s something about that drive — meeting them and seeing that passion. I want to see myself in them. Not the same abilities or size — that’s not what I mean — but the same heart and passion.”

For Styles, that mindset is everything—and he made it clear that the wrestlers who stand out to him are the ones who are fully committed, with no fallback plan.

“Because we have no plan B. This is it. This is putting all your eggs in one basket and finding a way to make it in this crazy wrestling business, and hopefully one day getting to the top.”

This gives a clear look at how seriously Styles is taking his post-retirement role—and how much emphasis he’s placing on passion, drive, and hunger when it comes to scouting talent for WWE.

For AJ Styles, stepping away from the ring hasn’t slowed him down—it’s just shifted his focus toward shaping the future, using his own journey to identify who truly has what it takes to survive and succeed in the wrestling business.

Do you think AJ Styles’ approach to scouting talent is the right one, or should WWE focus more on polished, ready-made stars? Drop your thoughts below and let us know.

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