AJ Styles may be retired from in-ring competition, but he’s far from done contributing to professional wrestling. Following his retirement, Styles announced plans to help develop talent under NXT and WWE ID contracts — and it turns out he’s extending that generosity to wrestlers under AEW deals as well.
AEW’s Anthony Ogogo, an Olympic boxing medalist who has been with the promotion since 2019, shared a photo with Styles on social media after the two trained together and reflected on what the experience meant to him.
Olympic Medalist Ogogo Reflects on Training Alongside Legends
“Last night’s training session with AJ Styles. Unreal,” Ogogo wrote. “As a kid I had one dream… to compete at the Olympic Games. I chased it, lived it, and came home with a medal. What I never imagined was getting to live a second dream. Becoming a professional wrestler and learning from the very people I grew up watching.”
Ogogo, who captured a bronze medal in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics, also trains regularly with Billy Gunn and has been active on the Georgia independent scene in recent years. His most recent AEW-affiliated match came in ROH last November, teaming with Lee Moriarty and Shane Taylor in a win over Alex Reynolds, Evil Uno, and John Silver. He also competed on Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport show in London, defeating former K1 champion Brett Semtex.
Styles’ willingness to work across promotional lines reflects his stated commitment to investing in the next generation of talent regardless of where they are signed.