AJ Styles is set to be honored as part of the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame class, with The Undertaker revealing the news during the February 23 edition of Raw in Atlanta, Georgia. The Phenomenal One had previously confirmed his retirement from active wrestling, expressing a desire to focus on fatherhood. Despite stepping away from in-ring competition, Styles will remain involved with WWE by taking on a scouting and mentoring role.
Last month, Styles finalized an agreement with WWE to identify and develop new talent through monitoring internet prospects and providing guidance to emerging wrestlers. He detailed this new responsibility on the first episode of his podcast, The Phenomenally Retro, explaining that part of his work includes online talent evaluation and offering support where he can.
“I’m on the internet checking out talent because it’s kind of part of my job with WWE now. I’m looking for talent and I’m looking to see what I can do, if I can do anything for them. If they can get better, little things…” ?AJ Styles, WWE Talent Scout
Styles also indicated that he will act as a point of contact for wrestlers interested in joining the WWE ID program, which is designed to promote new signings and prospects. His duties involve reaching out to independent wrestlers as well as performers in WWE’s NXT brand, and occasionally some from the main roster. In the coming days, Styles planned to attend Raw events—in particular, the Seattle show—to engage directly with current roster members.
Providing Hands-On Guidance at WWE Performance Center
Beyond scouting, AJ Styles will assist wrestlers in refining their in-ring techniques at the WWE Performance Center located in Orlando. His role encompasses talent development, a responsibility he has been eager to undertake since ending his active wrestling career. By offering his expertise, Styles aims to help shape the next generation of WWE Superstars through targeted coaching and mentorship.
Responding to Speculation About Hall of Fame Induction
Some fans and social media commentators speculated that WWE inducted Styles into the Hall of Fame to prevent a move to rival promotion AEW. On the Talk N’ Shop podcast, Styles dismissed these rumors, emphasizing that his retirement choice was personal and independent of any company politics.
“Everybody wants to say ‘WWE put him in the Hall of Fame so he couldn’t go to AEW,’ guys I’m retired from wrestling in the ring. That’s all this is. I make my own choices, I make my…” ?AJ Styles, Former WWE Wrestler
This clarification underlined Styles’ agency in deciding to step away and take on a new position focused on nurturing talent rather than competing.
Karl Anderson Reacts to AJ Styles’ Unexpected Retirement
WWE recently hosted a tribute event honoring AJ Styles’ storied career in his home state of Georgia, where many of his peers and former stablemates gathered, including Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Anderson revealed on the Talk N’ Shop podcast that he was unaware of the finality of Styles’ retirement announcement until it happened.
Before the event, Anderson had assumed Styles might continue wrestling outside WWE for some time but was surprised to learn he was stepping away for good. AJ shared with him that continuous neck issues had forced his decision, and he now intends to concentrate on helping younger wrestlers develop their skills.
“We get to the back, I said, ‘AJ! I did not know you were really gonna retire.’ He goes, ‘Really!?’ I said, ‘Yeah. What do you mean ‘really,’ AJ? We haven’t spoke. How am I…” ?Karl Anderson, Former WWE Wrestler
This candid exchange highlighted how AJ Styles quietly closed his in-ring chapter, culminating a farewell tour that featured matches against notable wrestlers like John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura, CM Punk, and Gunther—the latter marking his last WWE bout at the 2026 Royal Rumble event, coincidentally where he began his WWE journey in 2016.
Context and Next Steps for AJ Styles and WWE Talent Development
AJ Styles’ move into scouting and mentoring represents a significant shift for WWE, as the company leverages the knowledge and experience of a renowned veteran to bolster its developmental system. His focus on pinpointing emerging talent and honing their in-ring abilities could strengthen WWE’s future roster and provide promising wrestlers with unique access to one of the industry’s greatest performers.
As Styles embarks on this new chapter, his presence at both live Raw events and the WWE Performance Center will allow him to influence the careers of budding stars directly. For WWE fans and talent alike, this could mark the beginning of a revitalized era guided by AJ Styles’ expertise and dedication.
AJ Styles explains his duties in his new role with WWE.
"I’m on the internet checking out talent because it's kind of part of my job with WWE now. I’m looking for talent and I'm looking to see what I can do, if I can do anything for them. If they can get better, little things… pic.twitter.com/8mhYwWSG3Q
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) March 8, 2026
AJ Styles addresses claims that WWE put him in the Hall of Fame to prevent him from going to AEW:
“Everybody wants to say ‘WWE put him in the Hall of Fame so he couldn’t go to AEW,’ guys I’m retired from wrestling in the ring. That’s all this is. I make my own choices, I make my… pic.twitter.com/ml1InwAjyF
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) February 26, 2026
Karl Anderson says AJ Styles told him his neck hurts too badly and wants to help the younger wrestlers.
“We get to the back, I said, ‘AJ! I did not know you were really gonna retire.’ He goes, ‘Really!?’ I said, ‘Yeah. What do you mean ‘really,’ AJ? We haven’t spoke. How am I… pic.twitter.com/4lkzy0I7BO
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) February 25, 2026
