AJ Styles is settling into life behind the curtain, and his latest WWE assignment has him helping shape the company’s next generation of talent.
During the Phenomenal Retro Podcast, Styles revealed that he recently returned to the WWE Performance Center for another round of tapings. This time, however, he was not only there to scout talent or help produce matches. Styles confirmed that he is temporarily taking over one of the coaching classes.
“I went back down to the Performance Center. We did some more tapings, and I’m going to be taking over for one of the coaches. So, that’s what I was doing. Man, I had a great week.”
Styles has already been getting involved with NXT matches as part of the transition. He helped produce Tony D’Angelo’s match against Nuraku and spoke about how rewarding it was to watch the wrestlers bring his ideas to life once the cameras started rolling.
The former WWE Champion made it clear that he is enjoying the chance to work with younger talent and help them improve. While Styles is no longer the one taking the bumps inside the ring, he still gets a rush from seeing a match come together after offering his input.
“Honestly, I really enjoy it. I really enjoy it. It’s trying to inspire some of the younger talent and seeing them do well. Being able to produce a match and going, ‘Oh my gosh, dude, you guys killed it.’ I love that opportunity to be able to say I was involved in that to a certain degree.”
Styles added that the wrestlers at the Performance Center have shown him plenty of respect while he takes over the class. Instead of treating the regular coach’s absence as a chance to take it easy, the talent continued pushing themselves with Styles in charge.
“Obviously, it’s not me in there doing it, but just giving ideas and whatnot. It’s fun, man. Being at the PC and seeing these guys work hard, and they’re willing to work hard for you as I take over a class.”
Styles also admitted that he is still learning the coaching side of the wrestling business. Even with decades of experience and championships across WWE, TNA and New Japan Pro Wrestling, teaching an entire class brings a different kind of pressure. He said the effort and attitude shown by the wrestlers have made that adjustment much easier.
“Seeing them respect me enough to really work hard, to not go slack off because AJ’s here and because our original coach isn’t, is a big deal to me. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that these guys have worked so hard to help me out in this whole thing that I’m still learning.”
Styles may not be wrestling every week anymore, but his fingerprints are still all over the business. Between scouting independent talent, producing NXT matches and now taking over a coaching class, the Phenomenal One is finding a new way to leave his mark on WWE.
What do you think about AJ Styles stepping into a coaching role at the WWE Performance Center? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.
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