It’s Not Goodbye: What The Phenomenal One Is Really Doing Backstage After Royal Rumble
The tears were real, the moment was heavy, and the send-off was massive. When AJ Styles officially retired from in-ring competition at the Royal Rumble, fans braced themselves for a life without those breathtaking Phenomenal Forearms. But if you thought “The Phenomenal One” was actually leaving the building, think again.
While his wrestling boots are hung up, AJ Styles is already knee-deep in a brand new chapter with WWE—and it might be just as important as his legendary matches.
Styles has quietly settled into a powerful new role behind the curtain, and he isn’t just there to collect a paycheck. He has joined the talent development team, acting as a bridge between the seasoned main roster and the hungry young stars of tomorrow. Think of him as a full-time resource, part-time scout, and full-time legend ready to pass the torch.
Opening up about his new life on the Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles painted a picture of a man who is trading in his tights for a notepad and a wealth of experience.
“It’s kind of going to be part of my job with WWE now,” Styles shared, explaining his day-to-day focus. “I’m looking for talent and I’m looking to see what I can do for them. Little things like that.”
He elaborated on the scouting process, noting his eye is on the future. If he spots someone special on the independent scene, he wants to be the one to open that door. “If there is a possibility of them getting a WWE ID or something, then hopefully I can facilitate that,” he added.
But his work isn’t limited to the independent circuit. Styles plans to be a physical presence at live events, acting as a sounding board for the current roster. He mentioned heading to Seattle for Monday Night Raw specifically to check in with the talent.
“Sometimes, you need to talk to somebody to see how they’re feeling and maybe they want to go down to the PC and work on some stuff. I’m that guy,” he said. It’s a role focused on mental wellness and technical tweaks—essentially being the wise veteran who keeps the locker room morale high.
And while his office is now backstage, the company isn’t letting his in-ring career go unrecognized. Later this year, Styles will take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class, solidifying the legacy of a man who traveled the world before conquering WWE.
For fans worried they had seen the last of AJ Styles, rest easy. He’s not gone. He’s just working behind the scenes to build the next generation of phenomenonal.
