AJ Styles talks about his relationship with Vince McMahon.
In the not-so-distant past, the idea of AJ Styles joining WWE seemed like a pipe dream to many. Now, after having spent 6 years in WWE, AJ Styles is as familiar a part of mainline WWE television as Randy Orton or Roman Reigns.
Part of that success is AJ Styles’ ability to form a relationship with Vince McMahon. One of the only names to come through WWE in years and skip developmental, AJ Styles was trusted to enter one of WWE’s oldest institutions, the Royal Rumble match, and make an instant impact.
Speaking with Sean Ross Sapp ahead of this year's Royal Rumble, AJ Styles reveals how that relationship with Vince McMahon was formed and how he learned very quickly what Vince McMahon expected of him.
"I think, not counting the Rumble, the first time he saw me in the ring, he was like, ‘Oh, man, I got plenty of guys that can do what you do.’ He told me what he needed. He needed that pit bull. I said, ‘Oh, I know that guy.’ That was someone I’ve had throughout my high school and college career. That’s who I was. So he just gave me the opportunity to really just be AJ Styles. Where before I was like, ‘Oh, he wants a babyface. What does he want?’ No, he basically wanted the guy that was in Japan and on the independent scene that developed who I was," Styles said.
Furthermore, AJ Styles would say that he and Vince McMahon are very much alike in some ways, noting that telling the truth means a lot to both men and also being able to speak with someone straight-up, and have open communication about whatever may be going wrong.
"I think—I know this sounds crazy—but in some ways, we’re very much alike. Truth is a big thing. Just be a man, go in there, tell him what the reason is if you’re pissed off, tell him. Let’s talk about it. Let’s get it over with. Let’s be truthful about the whole situation. Let’s get it out in the air and we’ll deal with it. If you go in there with that kind of attitude, that’s the kind of guy most people want to talk to. Especially if they’re working for you," said Styles.
AJ Styles continues to make the most of every opportunity in WWE. Currently, he is a member of the Monday Night Raw roster and had a cup of coffee in NXT to face Grayson Waller. Learn more here.
