Add as a preferred source on Google AJ Styles continues to grow his behind-the-scenes role in WWE now that his in-ring career is over. This time, the WWE Hall of Famer revealed he helped produce the main event of the latest episode of NXT.
On the July 21, 2026, episode, Tony D’Angelo beat Naraku in a 12-minute Street Fight to retain the NXT Championship. The match spilled through different areas of the WWE Performance Center and featured tables, chairs and the ring steps.
On a recent episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, Styles detailed how he got involved in putting the match together:
“I was able to help with the producing of the Tony D and Naraku match. I thought it went really well. I’m one of those people who is still heavily involved in watching the match. While I was on the headset, I did not do a good job of saying anything other than, ‘Ah! Yes!’ I let somebody else handle that part of the producing,” he said.
Styles also said the match aired exactly the way he had pictured it. The Phenomenal One praised both wrestlers’ performances, said D’Angelo is ready to move up to the main roster soon, and pointed out how Naraku transforms once the cameras are rolling.
The revelation is drawing attention because of the gradual shift in Styles’ role. In April, Triple H said the former WWE Champion had taken part in creative and production meetings, though those areas hadn’t initially seemed like the right fit for Styles. In May, Styles even denied having any interest in a full-time producer role, though he later admitted he wouldn’t completely close the door on it.
Earlier this week, in an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Styles had already said he produced a few matches for WWE Evolve. He added that although he hadn’t expected to enjoy the work, he ended up having fun with it.