AJ Styles Gains Influence at WWE Scouting

A report says Styles is not running the WWE Performance Center day to day but is expected to gain more scouting influence after his retirement.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Wrestling

AJ Styles has retired from in-ring competition, and WWE is expected to give him a larger role shaping the company's talent scouting after a report published November 4, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

AJ Styles retired after facing Gunther at the 2026 Royal Rumble, according to a report published November 4, 2026. The report says Styles has not taken over daily operations at the WWE Performance Center but recently filled in to finish a class there.

Why it matters

The report suggests Styles may take on a larger role in WWE talent scouting following his in-ring retirement. Such a move would shape how the company identifies and develops future performers.

The report describes Styles' current involvement as a regular and positive presence rather than a formal leadership post. No official WWE announcement defining his expanded scouting role has been reported.

The players

AJ Styles

A former WWE champion known for his long in-ring career, Styles is now reported to be moving into a scouting and talent-development role.

Bobby Roode

A former professional wrestler who has been considered for a backstage role similar to those held by veteran WWE producers Bruce Prichard and Michael Hayes.

The details

According to Fightful Select, Styles has not assumed the daily operations of the WWE Performance Center but has helped out, including filling in to finish a recent class. Bobby Roode has also been considered for a role similar to those held by Bruce Prichard or Michael Hayes, though no decision has been made.

Styles faced Gunther and officially retired at the 2026 Royal Rumble.
The backstage role report was published on November 4, 2026.

Roadmap

The reported path for Styles and Roode mirrors the transition Bruce Prichard and Michael Hayes made from in-ring careers into backstage roles that shape WWE's talent pipeline. Their move would extend a long-running WWE pattern of retired performers guiding the next generation.

Styles' scouting role could influence which performers reach the WWE main roster in the coming years. Fantasy and fan interest in developmental talent may shift if his evaluations begin shaping call-ups.

The takeaway

Retired wrestlers moving into scouting and development roles can shape a company's future roster as much as their in-ring careers did. Following the Performance Center's class results offers an early look at who may come next.