New details have emerged regarding AJ Styles‘ backstage involvement in WWE following his retirement, with reports suggesting that speculation about his responsibilities at the WWE Performance Center has been exaggerated.
AJ Styles retired from in-ring competition after facing Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble, ending his wrestling career and raising questions about his future with the company. Since then, the former WWE Champion has been linked to several potential backstage positions, including coaching responsibilities and an expanded role within NXT.
According to Fightful Select, a source at the WWE Performance Center has confirmed that Styles has become a regular presence at the facility, where he has reportedly made a positive impression. However, the source dismissed speculation that Styles has been running the Performance Center or overseeing its day-to-day operations.
The report noted that Styles recently stepped in to finish a class at the facility, which may have contributed to rumours that he is taking on a larger leadership role. While his involvement extends beyond occasional visits, there has been no confirmation that Styles has assumed a formal management role at the Performance Center.
AJ Styles Expected To Gain Greater Influence In WWE Scouting
Although reports about AJ Styles running the Performance Center have been denied, his responsibilities within WWE could continue to expand.
Fightful Select reported that Styles is expected to gain greater influence within the company’s talent scouting department, suggesting that WWE intends to utilise his experience in identifying and developing potential recruits. The move would mark another step in Styles’ transition from active competition to a behind-the-scenes role following his retirement.
Styles has already been involved in WWE’s recruitment efforts, including helping independent wrestler Conan Lycan, now known as Kato Sykes, secure a tryout during SummerSlam week. Lycan later received a WWE ID contract, which Styles presented to him during an episode of WWE Evolve.
Meanwhile, Fightful Select also reported that former WWE star Bobby Roode has been considered for an expanded backstage position. Roode has reportedly been discussed for a role similar to those held by longtime WWE executives Bruce Prichard and Michael Hayes, although no appointment has been finalised.
The potential changes come amid wider reports concerning WWE’s backstage structure, including uncertainty surrounding Prichard’s future as Executive Director of Creative Writing & Talent.
For AJ Styles, the latest report indicates he remains actively involved with WWE following his retirement, even if his current responsibilities are not as extensive as some speculation suggests.
While he is not believed to be running the Performance Center, his regular presence and anticipated involvement in scouting suggest that the company continues to see value in his knowledge and experience outside the ring.
