AJ Styles has taken on a new backstage role in WWE, assisting talent in both NXT and on the main roster, as well as scouting the independent scene.

What does AJ Styles think of the current crop of talent?

AJ Styles believes that former independent talent has an advantage over WWE's NIL athletes, as they have dedicated their lives to wrestling from a young age.

How can NIL athletes catch up?

AJ Styles advises WWE's NIL athletes to watch more professional wrestling, including older matches, to learn from the past and improve their skills.

The Phenomenal One made these comments on the latest episode of his Phenomenally Retro Podcast, where he discussed the importance of finding talent at a young age.

What is the current state of WWE's NIL program?

WWE has already found success with the NIL program, creating new stars for the men's and women's divisions, such as Oba Femi and Sol Ruca.

AJ Styles officially retired from in-ring competition last month on WWE Raw and was announced as the latest inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.

What's next for AJ Styles in his new role?

AJ Styles will be working closely with talent in both NXT and on the main roster, helping to develop their skills and prepare them for the future.

The Phenomenal One is excited to see what the future holds for WWE's NIL athletes and is committed to helping them succeed in their careers.

AJ Styles' advice to WWE's NIL athletes is to watch and learn from the past, as this will help them to improve their skills and become better wrestlers.

The importance of watching older professional wrestling cannot be overstated, as it provides a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be applied to modern-day wrestling.

By following AJ Styles' advice, WWE's NIL athletes can gain a valuable edge and improve their chances of success in the wrestling world.

AJ Styles' new role in WWE is a significant development, as it will allow him to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of wrestlers.

The Phenomenal One's comments on the latest episode of his Phenomenally Retro Podcast provide valuable insights into his thoughts on the current state of WWE's talent and the importance of learning from the past.