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Jim Ross is confident that AJ Styles will become a phenomenal mentor for WWE’s young talent. The legendary AEW commentator praised Styles’ readiness to coach after his recent retirement from in-ring competition. Ross believes Styles brings essential experience to help wrestlers at every development level.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Retirement: AJ Styles ended his in-ring career at the 2026 Royal Rumble in January
- New Role: Styles signed a new deal to become a mentor and talent scout for WWE
- JR’s Praise: Jim Ross discussed Styles’ mentoring potential on his Grilling JR podcast this week
- Education: Styles will help wrestlers at WWE Performance Center develop in-ring psychology
Why Styles Is the Perfect Mentor for Young Wrestlers
Jim Ross explained on his podcast that AJ Styles possesses rare credibility with emerging talent. Styles proved himself as a smaller competitor who succeeded despite not fitting the traditional wrestling mold. The undersized athlete refined his technical skillset over decades to become one of wrestling’s greatest performers.
Ross emphasized that Styles’ journey makes his guidance invaluable. Young wrestlers often struggle with their size and build, making Styles an ideal role model. His experience teaches promising talent that innovation and psychology matter more than physical dimensions.
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Ross’ Personal Connection to Styles
Jim Ross recently received a phone call from Styles that impressed him with the star’s character and mindset. The conversation reassured JR that Styles genuinely cares about helping the next generation succeed. Ross called Styles a “breath of fresh air” and praised him as one of the finest talents he’s worked with throughout his legendary career.
According to Ross, Styles’ personality makes him especially suited for mentorship roles. The veteran coach believes Styles possesses both the technical knowledge and interpersonal skills needed to develop young wrestlers effectively.
Styles’ Official New Role at WWE
| Position | Responsibility |
| Talent Scout | Identifies and evaluates independent wrestlers |
| Developmental Coach | Trains NXT talent in in-ring psychology and fundamentals |
| Main Roster Mentor | Provides guidance to established WWE wrestlers |
| WWE ID Program | Works with independent wrestlers to develop talent |
Styles has already begun his transition to these backstage responsibilities. The multi-faceted role positions him at the WWE Performance Center and across multiple divisions of the company. Styles announced that he plans to work closely with developmental wrestlers, NXT talent, and main roster performers.
“It’s the right thing to do. He could help a lot of people in a lot of ways. He was an undersized guy that had to learn his skillset and refine it because he’s not a giant. He was a smaller guy, as we all know, but man, he’s a great talent, one of the finest talents I’ve been around, and he’s just a real good guy. He’s a breath of fresh air.”
— Jim Ross, AEW Commentator and WWE Hall of Famer
What Styles Brings to the WWE Performance Center
According to Jim Ross, Styles should focus on teaching in-ring psychology at the WWE Performance Center. Many young wrestlers excel at athletic movements but struggle with storytelling and match psychology. Styles’ expertise in creating compelling narratives inside the ring makes him ideal for this educational role.
Ross emphasized that Styles can teach wrestlers how to connect with audiences emotionally. The mentor role leverages Styles’ greatest strength: his ability to create unforgettable moments through intelligent character work and innovative offense.
Will AJ Styles Become WWE’s Top Developmental Coach?
Industry observers expect Styles to become one of WWE’s most valued coaches in coming years. His credibility spans multiple promotions including TNA, Ring of Honor, and NJPW. Young wrestlers worldwide respect Styles for his dedication to the craft. Jim Ross predicts that anyone fortunate enough to work with Styles in training will benefit tremendously from their experience together.
The mentoring role represents a natural evolution for a wrestler of Styles’ caliber and character. Rather than fade away after retirement, Styles chose to remain engaged with professional wrestling on his own terms.
