AJ Styles Reveals What WWE Looks for in New Talent + Emotional TNA Return

AJ Styles returns with Tony Giles for another packed episode of The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, opening up about his emotional return to TNA at Slammiversary and what it meant to walk out one more time to "Ready to Fly." AJ also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his growing role as a WWE coach and producer, including working with Tony D'Angelo, Mike Santana, and some of NXT's brightest rising stars. AJ reveals what he looks for when scouting future WWE Superstars, offers advice to wrestlers hoping to earn a WWE contract, and explains why being yourself is the key to standing out. The conversation also dives into SummerSlam, Bron Breakker's future, Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns, Chad Gable, LA Knight, and who AJ believes is ready for the next big opportunity. On the gaming side, AJ and Tony discuss the return of Halo, revisit Time Crisis with modern light guns, highlight Retro Jake's latest retro gaming finds, and share why classic arcade games still hold up decades later. They also talk about AJ's surprise appearance in a country music video, Dark Side of the Ring, independent wrestling, and much more. If you're a fan of AJ Styles, WWE, TNA, NXT, retro gaming, or behind-the-scenes wrestling stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices