AJ Styles is opening up about what it was really like working for Vince McMahon in WWE, and he made it clear he has no reason to complain about the former WWE Chairman.
While speaking on his Phenomenally Retro podcast, Styles said one thing he appreciated about Vince was how direct he could be. If AJ needed an answer quickly, he knew he could go straight to Vince and get one.
“I enjoyed the fact that if I had a question that needed to be answered and I needed it right then and that I could go to Vince and he’d give me the answer. I mean, I can appreciate that.”
Styles also recalled one moment where he tried to figure out how Vince felt about something, only for Vince to shut that down immediately: “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.’ All right. Okay.”
AJ then explained that the atmosphere under Vince felt different than it does now. According to Styles, talent seemed more timid when Vince was in charge, while wrestlers today appear more comfortable giving opinions and asking questions.
“Things were different. I felt like guys walked around a little bit more timid when Vince was in charge where now they’re kind of like they can give their opinions and stuff like that more freely and ask questions without being yelled at.”
Styles also brought up stories he had heard about commentators being yelled at through their headsets, saying that kind of environment does not seem as present anymore.
“Guys who are commentating aren’t being yelled at and said mean things to. I don’t know exactly what those mean things are, but I’ve heard stories.”
AJ said WWE does not feel as micromanaged today as it did under Vince, arguing that a company that big needs trusted people in place instead of one person trying to control every detail.
“I don’t think it’s as micromanaged as it was. I hire all these brilliant people to just micromanage it. That’s what they’re for. And if they’re not doing a job, then you hire someone else who can do that job. But it’s not to be on top of every little thing and it’s quite impossible because it’s such a large company.”
Still, the Phenomenal One made it clear he is not trying to bury Vince. He said working for him was neither fully good nor bad, and he remains grateful because Vince gave him the chance to succeed in WWE.
“It was neither good or bad, you know, working for Vince. I mean, 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?”
AJ also clarified that Vince was his boss, not someone he was close with personally outside work. In the end, Styles said he enjoyed his job in WWE, and Vince played a major role in that chapter of his career
“We were not hanging out after work. I promise you that. It’s not the type of person that I’d probably hang out with. But he was my boss and gave me an opportunity and I can appreciate that. I liked working there. Listen, again, it’s my job. I enjoyed my job and Vince was a big part of that when I was there.”
AJ’s take was balanced, but still revealing. He clearly appreciated the opportunities Vince gave him, but he also made it sound like WWE is a more open and less tense place now than it was during Vince’s time running the show.
What do you think about AJ Styles’ comments on working for Vince McMahon? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.