AJ Styles isn’t convinced WWE’s recent roster cuts are just part of business. After reacting to several high-profile departures, the former WWE Champion warned the company could create a much bigger problem by replacing experienced veterans with younger talent too quickly.
During the latest episode of The AJ Styles Show, Styles gave his thoughts on a number of recent exits, including Kairi Sane, Santos Escobar, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega and the entire Wyatt Sicks faction featuring Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis and Nikki Cross. Styles admitted he was surprised by several of the releases, especially Aleister Black and Zelina Vega.
After discussing Black and Vega, Styles turned his attention to the Wyatt Sicks and admitted he couldn’t understand how a group that debuted with so much momentum fell apart so quickly. He pointed out that the act had a unique presentation, memorable entrance music and obvious ties to Bray Wyatt before everything suddenly stalled.
“They had so much going for them coming in. The music was cool. Everything about it was different. It had Bray Wyatt vibes. It worked, and then it didn’t. I don’t know what happened.”
The conversation then shifted to whether WWE’s recent cuts reflected a bigger philosophy change. Styles said it appears the company is leaning heavily into younger talent, but he warned that moving on from too many veterans at once comes with real risks.
“I don’t know. I mean, again, WWE seems to be moving in a different direction as far as younger talent. So, to me, that sounds like the direction that we’re going.”
Styles made it clear he isn’t against building around younger wrestlers. His concern is that experience can’t simply be replaced overnight.
“It’s time to get out the old, get in the new. It doesn’t mean that’s always a good thing because you need experience to be really good in this wrestling business. You need that experience.”
According to Styles, becoming a complete WWE star takes far longer than learning moves inside the ring. He believes only a handful of wrestlers are capable of reaching that level in just a few years. Styles finished his point by warning that WWE could end up paying the price if too many established names continue leaving the company.
“Very few can get in here within a couple years and understand what it’s like and what you need to be to be a top star.”
“I don’t know how well this is going to work out in the end because you’re losing a lot of experienced talent.”
His comments carry extra weight considering the names involved. Before making that warning, Styles had already expressed surprise over Kairi Sane’s departure, questioned why WWE moved on from Aleister Black and Zelina Vega after recently rebuilding their momentum, and admitted he couldn’t understand why the Wyatt Sicks were abandoned after such a strong start centered around Bo Dallas carrying on Bray Wyatt’s legacy.
Whether WWE’s youth movement proves successful remains to be seen, but Styles believes experience is still one of the company’s most valuable assets—and it’s becoming harder to replace every time another veteran walks out the door.
Do you agree with AJ Styles that WWE is moving away from too much veteran talent, or is the company making the right call by building around younger stars? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.
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