Fightful Select reported that AJ Styles is in line for more influence on bringing in new talent for WWE. Meanwhile, Bobby Roode was reportedly considered for a role similar to the ones held by Bruce Prichard or Michael Hayes.
But the report noted that there is still a long way to go before Roode’s next role is decided.
One source told Fightful that the rumors of Styles running the Performance Center aren’t true. It was noted that a coach was out of action recently, so Styles stepped in for him just to finish the class. Styles was described as a regular presence there, and a positive one.
Styles, who has been scouting talent for WWE since retiring from in-ring competition, said on the Phenomenally Retro Podcast that he would be coaching at the Performance Center.
“I’m going to be taking over for one of the coaches,” Styles said.
But Styles later clarified that it was a temporary role. One of the coaches had to undergo knee surgery, so Styles was only stepping in for him.
Roode, who has worked as a producer since SummerSlam 2023, has been prepared for a bigger role for a long time. On Stephanie McMahon’s What’s Your Story? podcast, Hayes recently revealed that he is training Roode to be his replacement.
The potential move up for Roode comes as WWE is going through big changes backstage. PWInsider reported that Prichard is expected to leave his position as Executive Director of Creative Writing & Talent after WrestleMania 43 and remain with WWE as a consultant, with Shawn Michaels replacing him.
WWE has yet to issue an official statement on the new roles for Styles and Roode.