AJ Styles reflected on his time under Vince McMahon on his Phenomenally Retro Podcast, saying he found McMahon accessible and direct despite the reputation for micromanagement.
“I enjoyed the fact that if I had a question that needed to be answered, I could go to Vince and he’d give me the answer,” Styles said. “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.'”
He noted a contrast in the current creative environment. “Guys walked around a little bit more timid when Vince was in charge, where now they can give their opinions more freely, ask questions without being yelled at. Guys who are commentating aren’t being yelled at and said mean things to.”
Ultimately, Styles said the experience was neither negative nor positive. “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.”
