AJ Styles Reveals New WWE Backstage Role

AJ Styles is set to take up a coaching position at the WWE Performance Center.

Since retiring from in-ring duties earlier this year, The Phenomenal One has taken a keen interest in nurturing younger talents behind the scenes.

In the latest episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, AJ confirmed that he’ll be taking over as one of the coaches at the Performance Center shortly.

When asked about how he was settling into his new role, Styles said he’s really enjoying it, as it helps him stay involved in setting up matches to a degree. He also noted that the talents he’s been coaching are extremely determined and have huge respect for him.

Below are the highlights [via Fightful]

On his new backstage role

“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.”

On whether he is enjoying his new role

“Dude, honestly, I really enjoy it. It’s trying to inspire some of the younger talent and seeing them do well. Like see, 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. 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. Seeing them respect me enough to really work hard, to not go slack off because AJ’s here and not because our original coach isn’t, is a big deal to me. Man, 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.”

Check out the full episode below:

In another episode of his podcast, AJ Styles offered words of wisdom to the WWE SummerSlam Tryouts invitees. Check his comments HERE.