AJ Styles Explains Why Indie Wrestlers Often Adapt Faster Than WWE NIL Recruits

AJ Styles recently spoke about the evolving pipeline of talent entering WWE and why wrestlers coming from the independent scene often adjust quicker than athletes recruited through the company’s NIL program.

During a conversation on the Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles reflected on how WWE now scouts younger athletes earlier than ever before. The company’s NIL program has brought in college athletes from various sports, but Styles believes independent wrestlers often arrive with a deeper understanding of the wrestling business because they’ve spent years studying it. He explained that many independent wrestlers have been preparing for this career since they were young.

“Well, you know, the thing is, we got to find them now when they're young. Because we're always looking for talent and there's always places to go. You know, it's not just one place anymore. Being able to get them when they're young — a lot of them have been on the indies at this point. I think the indie guys and girls have a step up on the NIL guys, not because the NIL athletes aren't athletes or anything like that, but they dedicated their lives to whatever sport they pursued in college. They dedicated everything to that.”

Styles continued by explaining why independent wrestlers tend to pick up the nuances of the industry more quickly. In his view, the difference often comes down to years of exposure to the wrestling world.

“Where the independent group of wrestlers, they've already been dedicating their life to this at an early age. This is what they've wanted to do their whole life and they went to the independents. They've watched wrestling. They know all the mannerisms and who the superstars are. They get it. They just get it a little bit earlier because that's what they've wanted to do their whole lives.”

Even so, Styles made it clear that the NIL recruits shouldn’t be overlooked. According to him, athletes coming from college sports bring a relentless work ethic that can help them succeed once they learn the business.

“I'm not saying the NILs aren't going to be able to keep up with them, that's not what I'm saying. Because over time they have. But I'll say this about the NIL group — they know what it's like to go out there and bust their tail. They work hard because that's who they are. That's what they've always done. That's all they know was 100 percent every day practice wherever it is they're going to give up.”

Styles also offered a piece of advice for those NIL athletes looking to make the jump into pro wrestling. He believes studying the history of the business can make a major difference in how quickly someone develops inside the ring.

“So the only thing that I would say to the NIL group of guys and girls is watch pro wrestling. Not just the current stuff, but the older stuff. Go back, find the libraries and watch them all and know your history. Because you'll find stuff in there that not a lot of people do anymore. What is old is new again.”

Styles has seen multiple eras of wrestling firsthand, from his early days on the independent circuit to becoming one of the most decorated stars in modern WWE history. His perspective carries weight when it comes to how new talent adapts to the industry, especially as WWE continues expanding its recruiting methods.

Do you think independent wrestlers have an advantage over NIL recruits when entering WWE, or does elite athleticism level the playing field once they get into the system? Let us know what you think in the comments and join the discussion.

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