Wrestlers have long proven that their involvement in professional wrestling doesn’t have to end once they get out of the spotlight. Some will take a step backwards between the ropes as a trainer and shape the next generation of ring talent, while others will help you watch characters, stories and matches on TV every week.
But once the ring career is over, which current star should the major companies lead to backstage roles? From cult favorites to world champions, the future of professional wrestling could be in a very good hand if the next 10 active wrestlers share their experiences and insights with the next generation.
AJ Styles has a lot to offer behind the scenes
Styles can shape the incredible athletes of the future
- Many years of global experience will make him an incredible trainer.
- He already has the respect of a young wrestler.
A global success and veteran veteran AJ Styles struggles with everyone everywhere in almost every style. So, is it better to convey years of wisdom and experience than something astounding?
With countless young stars drawing influence from his unique style, AJ stepping into the role of mentoring, producer or coaching, feels like a natural evolution.
Coop’s future lies in helping young talents
Behind the scenes roles can occur late and sooner
- Respected veteran with big-name experience
- He previously said he wanted to give back.
When Adam Copeland made his return in the ring in 2020, he informed that one of his goals was to give back. With himIn the future“The looming retirement on the horizon is no surprise to see him transition into a behind-the-scenes role in the near future.
Like many on this list, the man once known as Edge thrives in any number of positions, as a producer, coach or part of a creative team.
Finballer will make great coaches
Experience and skills will fully qualify him
- Helped to shape modern wrestling culture through the Bullet Club
- The skills and characters in the ring make him an ideal future coach.
A talented wrestler and well-traveled veteran, Finballer has spent years proving that professional wrestling is just as about mood and presentation as it is within the ring.
When he finally cuts his boots, Baller’s skills and global experience will help him in a behind-the-scenes position where he helps his younger talent.
Matt Cardona knows what viewers want
He was able to teach talent about connections
- I have mastered the art of self-promotion.
- The young wrestler could learn a lot from him.
From everyone’s favorite internet champion to act two as one of the most popular and successful freelancers in wrestling, Matt Cardona has long proven that despite the company he works, he knows how to get over it with his fans.
After retirement, Cardona’s ability to understand clicks with audiences will help guide new talent to develop unique characters.
Seth Rollins will make a great coach
Architects can build the future of WWE
- Combine the talent in the ring with the sharp wrestling mind
- I know a lot about going beyond in WWE.
On the screen, the Seth Rollins is the perfect package. With the fiery charismatic ring wizard, he is firmly established in the upper tier of the WWE hierarchy and certainly knows how to turn it on in big matches.
After retirement, all this will be translated into a completely backstage role, either as a producer, as a producer who helps talent create outstanding matches, or as a creative force in charge of storytelling and characters.
Chris Jericho could be a great coach
Jericho has decades of experience
- He is skilled in many aspects of the professional wrestling business.
- It will thrive in the number of positions behind the scenes.
As fans have already asked to retire, Chris Jericho may notice his next act is taking place behind the scenes. Chance will thrive there as much as he has in the ring.
A veteran all-around and reinvention master, Jericho adds a great deal of value to any rocker mound, whether he advises creatively as a promotional coach or passes on knowledge within the ring to the next generation.
Sami Zayn is a Master Storyteller
A creative role may be Zayn’s calling
- Emotional Storytelling Expert
- You need to coach a wrestler in crowd psychology.
Whether he is a passionate underdog or the heart and soul of a pedigree saga, Zayn shows an unusual mastery of long-term storytelling, emotional psychology and organic crowd connections.
All this will become an invaluable behind the scenes asset for Zayn. Especially when overseeing the talent to truly sell story emotions in a way that persuades fans to buy in.
Chad Gable is the future head coach
Gable trainees produce gold in the ring
- Gable has a legitimate wrestling background
- Talent wins a masterclass in wrestling skills.
From Alpha Academy to American Made, Chad Cable has already spent much of his on-screen career as a wrestling coach/mentor. So, once his career in the ring is over, it is immeasurable that he excels in the same role in real life.
With his legitimate Olympic qualifications and his reputation as one of the most technically talented wrestlers in WWE, Gable is a natural fit as a coach.
Randy Orton has unparalleled experience at WWE
Viper will be a great mentor
- Respected Veteran
- You can guide new employees through the harsh environment of WWE.
Early in his career, Randy Orton was known as a kind of troublemaker for Hot Heads. Twenty years later, he is now a respected veteran, and understands the internal labor of the WWE machine better than anyone on the active roster.
After retirement, he is an invaluable behind the scenes asset, coaching young talents in navigating the pressures of living on the road, improving work in the ring and contributing creatively.
Cody Rhodes was born to lead the behind the scenes
Backback run at the Rhodes family
- It comes from the mentor’s pedigree
- It combines old-fashioned philosophy with modern thinking.
From Dusty’s legendary teaching at NXT to Dustin’s backstage role in AEW, supporting the next generation is extremely important in the pedigree of Rhodes’ family. It is naturally suitable for American nightmares to post-career roles behind the scenes.
By learning from one of the best things at Dusty, Cody brings old school wisdom and an understanding of modern products that will serve him as an advisor to bring together creative, presentation or fascinating matches.
