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WWE has a whole host of former superstars working in roles behind-the-scenes. WWE allows retired talent to transition into roles backstage, whether that be trainers, producers, writers or in another capacity.
Of course, the wrestlers themselves have the knowhow and experience to take up such positions, allowing them to assist with the company's operations. For example, Shawn Michaels and Road Dogg write and produce for NXT. Tyson Kidd, D-Von Dudley, Molly Holly and a whole host of former talent work as producers, assisting with laying out promos and matches.
That being said, let's take a look at five current WWE superstars who could do well in backstage roles.
#5. Natalya could work backstage as a WWE producer and trainer
Natalya is a long-standing WWE superstar who has been on the main roster since 2008. She has done and seen it all during her WWE tenure. Her husband, Tyson Kidd, is currently a backstage producer.
She would have no problem slotting in alongside Tyson backstage, and we're sure she's already picked up some great knowledge. Of course, with Natalya's experience, she would be a welcome addition to coaching the superstars of tomorrow.
Natalya and Tyson Kidd already have a wrestling school in place. She told Out of Character about her sessions with WWE superstar Sasha Banks:
"We always had a dream of opening our own wrestling school because we love teaching and being around the industry… During the pandemic, we didn’t have live events. We found a way to get a ring and we got a warehouse. There is so much passion in that building. Sasha Banks would drive two hours to come train with me on Monday nights. We would set a timer — when I speak about passion, Sasha has to be recognized. For no reason, even when she didn’t have a match at WrestleMania, this is way before that, once TJ and I got our ring, she would drive a couple hours, get in the ring, and our goal was to wrestle for one hour straight," Natalya said. (h/t Inside The Ropes)
Natalya also spoke about her and Tyson Kidd's backstage contributions with WWE to Out Of Character:
"TJ is one of the most valuable assets in WWE, and I can say that with complete conviction. What’s so crazy is that everything leading up in TJ’s life, up until his forced retirement, it was all for what he’s doing right now in WWE. Because he’s never made more of an impact than he has at this very moment in the company." Natalya said (h/t 411Mania)
Would Natalya want to take the same step as her husband once her time in the ring comes to an end? She would certainly be another great asset to the company, just like Tyson, if she was to do so.
#4. Shelton Benjamin could work behind-the-scenes at WWE
WWE could capitalize on one of their greatest pure athlete's experiences in the future. Shelton Benjamin could have a hand in training superstars coming through the ranks.
Benjamin's initial stint with WWE ended in 2010. He eventually performed all around the world, including for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He returned to WWE in 2017, seven years after his initial departure.
Benjamin spoke about his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling on E&C's Pod of Awesomeness:
"Japan, the best way to put it is rejuvenating. Going there, I never felt more appreciated, first of all, by management because, I mean, Jado and Gedo, New Japan, like, they really treated me well over there. And, again, I didn't expect to be there. It was one of those things. MVP was over there and he brought me in on an angle where he needed a friend, and, obviously, he doesn't have any Japanese friends," Shelton Benjamin said. (h/t ewrestling)
Shelton Benjamin comes with experience from both Japan and from graduating through the same developmental year as John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Batista and Randy Orton. He would be a wise addition to teach the superstars of tomorrow how it is done and to share his knowledge and incredible moveset.
#3. Rey Mysterio could work as a trainer behind-the-scenes at WWE
One of the greatest Lucha Libre performers to land in WWE certainly should have a spot training up-and-coming superstars. Rey Mysterio could focus on superstars with similar styles to help them excel. He could lend a hand to the future generation of high-flyers, and how to effectively tell a story in a David vs. Goliath-type match.
Rey Mysterio spoke to BT Sport about his son Dominik Mysterio's training in preparation for WWE:
"He has his own idea, and he did not ask to be part of this world until he was 19 years old. He grew up in this medium, we made several stories with him and Eddie, of course. Once he realized what he wanted to do and asked me: 'Dad, can you train me? I want to see if I can do it in this business', I thought 'Wow! I never forced it on him, I never pushed him. ' It was something natural and organic. I think that's why he is a different kind of race, but he has something special to give. Sorry. As a father, I have the instinct that it will be something special," Rey Mysterio said. (h/t Super Luchas)
It is safe to say that Rey Mysterio would be a valuable asset in WWE moving forward if he was to be a trainer. Superstars of the future will learn so much from Mysterio who has had a much-travelled career over the last three decades. He would instantly make an impact.
#2. AJ Styles could work backstage in WWE as a producer and trainer
Former WWE Champion AJ Styles is no stranger to looking for opportunities to train upcoming stars. In 2015, he led a wrestling seminar with British promotion Preston City Wrestling.
Kurt Angle spoke to Sportskeeda in 2020 to praise 'The Phenomenal' AJ Styles for his exceptional ability:
"Oh, I think WWE should have brought him in ten years ago. Unfortunately they didn’t but they got him. AJ’s still going strong. I’d say he’s every bit as good as he was ten years ago so I just hope his career continues on and he can give us a few more years. He’s been doing this for a while, for over 20 years. He was an amateur wrestler before. AJ is one of the best in the company, if not the best in the world, and he’s been that guy for eight years now – so he’s had a lot of success," Kurt Angle said. (h/t wrestlingnews.co)
Now that WWE have hold of Styles, they should never want to let him go. He is one of a kind, and could supply endless knowledge and creativity to the future of the product. AJ will no doubt be considering what his future looks like when he calls it a day, and behind-the-scenes with WWE would suit him perfectly.
#1. Randy Orton could work backstage with WWE
Randy Orton would have no problem transitioning into a backstage role with WWE. Orton has dedicated his whole career to WWE over the last two decades, and it is likely he will be there for life.
As it stands, Randy Orton's career at the moment in WWE is about elevating those around him. It would presumably be something he would have no problem doing once his days in the ring are over as well.
Orton's start in WWE wasn't straight forward. He was embroiled in a lot of incidents that took place outside of the ring, but eventually he matured and found his way. Orton would easily be able to guide those who join WWE at a young age to keep them on the right path.
'The Viper' could have a hand in a lot of different aspects of the business. Personal development, training, creativity and production to name a few. It would certainly be a home for him in many different departments. He would no doubt excel in improving those around him and giving back everything he has learned over the last two decades.
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