AJ Styles recently looked back on his time working under former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Although McMahon’s management style received mixed reactions over the years, Styles said he enjoyed his experience in WWE during that period.
Speaking on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, AJ Styles recalled how McMahon always gave him direct answers whenever he needed guidance. He said, “I enjoyed the fact that if I had a question that needed to be answered and I needed it right then, I could go to Vince and he’d give me the answer. I can appreciate that. There was one time where I told him I was trying to read him, meaning how he felt about something. He said, ‘Don’t do that. You can’t read me.’ Maybe they’ve been true, but things were different.”
AJ Styles shares how WWE is different without Vince McMahon around
Styles also explained that WWE talent seemed more cautious around McMahon than they do today.
“I feel like guys walked around a little bit more timid when Vince was in charge, where now they can give their opinions and stuff like that more freely, ask questions without being yelled at. Guys who are commentating aren’t being yelled at and said mean things to.”
He continued, “I don’t know exactly what those mean things are, but I’ve heard stories. There’s things like that. I don’t think it’s as micromanaged as it was, which is a good thing. … Vince liked to be on top of every little thing and it’s quite impossible because it’s such a large company. I can’t tell you how big it is. You can’t fathom how big it is. It’s a different animal.”
“So it was neither good or bad working for Vince. He gave me a chance to be AJ Styles in WWE and a two-time World Heavyweight Champion. So what am I to complain about? We were not hanging out after work. I promise you that. He’s not the kind of person that I’d probably hang out with. But he was my boss, and he gave me an opportunity. I can appreciate that.”
When host Tony Giles asked if he had any issues with McMahon, Styles said he enjoyed working in WWE during that era. “Yeah no, I liked working there. Again, it’s my job. I enjoyed my job, and Vince was a big part of that when I was there.” [H/T: Fightful]
McMahon eventually became one of Styles’ biggest supporters after his WWE debut in 2016. Under McMahon’s leadership, Styles rose to the top of the company, won multiple world titles, and became one of top stars on WWE SmackDown.
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