Phenomenal One discusses NXT, EVOLVE, and possible future behind the scenes
Summary
– AJ Styles discussed helping produce matches backstage at WWE EVOLVE and NXT
– Styles admitted running wrestling shows could interest him later in his career
– He also praised Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Undertaker for their current leadership roles
AJ Styles spent a major portion of Episode 9 of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast discussing his growing interest in WWE’s backstage creative process and the future of wrestling.
During the episode, Styles revealed he recently helped behind the scenes at WWE EVOLVE tapings after one producer needed assistance managing multiple responsibilities at once.
Styles explained that he volunteered to help call matches using a production headset, despite never having done so before. He admitted the experience gave him a completely different appreciation for television production and match timing.
According to Styles, producers later complimented him for staying calm and only communicating the most important details during the match. The WWE veteran admitted the experience made him feel surprisingly confident in a role he never expected to enjoy.
The discussion then shifted toward WWE EVOLVE and its purpose within the company’s developmental system. Styles described EVOLVE as an important bridge that prepares talent for NXT before eventually reaching the WWE main roster.
Styles also praised several younger wrestlers currently developing within the system, specifically highlighting The Vanity Project as a future top heel faction with massive long-term potential.
Although Styles pushed back on the idea of becoming a full-time agent or producer, he admitted that running wrestling shows could someday become appealing. He pointed out that Shawn Michaels once said he had no interest in management, only to take over NXT eventually.
The Phenomenal One also praised Triple H’s current direction for WWE and complimented Undertaker’s reported involvement in helping AAA Wrestling evolve while still respecting the promotion’s culture and identity.
Styles even floated the possibility of future crossover concepts pitting AAA, WWE Raw, SmackDown, and NXT against each other at Survivor Series-style events.
Outside the WWE discussion, Styles briefly touched on retro wrestling games, Danhausen’s WWE antics heading into Backlash, and his continued love for old-school gaming culture.
