AJ Styles may not be taking over WWE NXT after all. Despite weeks of talk about him replacing Shawn Michaels, a new backstage update says WWE has different plans for the former WWE Champion, and those plans involve finding and developing new talent.
According to PWInsider, WWE is currently looking to have Styles assist with scouting and the WWE ID program rather than take charge of NXT. Styles has already been doing production work for the developmental brand, but that doesn’t mean he’s being prepared to replace Michaels.
The report explained that Styles became more involved with NXT production partly because Terry Taylor was recovering from knee surgery. His increased presence led to questions about whether he was next in line to run the brand, but WWE apparently has another direction in mind. PWInsider specifically addressed the rumors surrounding Styles, stating that WWE is currently looking to use him to “assist in scouting and the WWE ID program.”
That’s a significant update considering Ringside News previously covered claims that Styles could replace Michaels. Sources within the Performance Center had expected Styles to become more involved with NXT once Michaels moved into Bruce Prichard’s position. There were even claims that Styles had been quietly running things at the WWE Performance Center for months. While his involvement with developmental talent was never really in question, the latest information paints a different picture of what WWE wants him doing going forward.
Instead of running NXT television, Styles could have a major influence on which independent wrestlers get opportunities through WWE’s developmental system. That would put his years of experience in TNA, NJPW and WWE to use while helping the company identify future talent.
And Styles isn’t the only person whose backstage future is becoming clearer. PWInsider also addressed rumors about Bobby Roode possibly replacing Prichard, explaining that WWE is preparing him for a different position. The company is looking at Roode as someone who could eventually step into Michael Hayes’ role as a top producer and creative figure. That lines up with previous comments from Hayes about Triple H wanting Roode prepared for his position.
One WWE source also cautioned that Prichard’s responsibilities may eventually be divided among several people rather than handed entirely to one person. That means the company’s backstage structure could look considerably different after WrestleMania 43.
For Styles, the latest update makes one thing clear: WWE still wants him involved in developing its future stars, but running NXT isn’t currently the role being planned for him. With CM Punk now being prepared as Michaels’ potential successor, Styles appears to have a different assignment ahead of him.
Do you think WWE is making the right move by putting AJ Styles into scouting and the WWE ID program instead of having him run NXT? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
