AJ Styles made his debut for WWE during the 2016 Royal Rumble match, and he recently did a Q&A session with Tyler Breeze on the ‘UpUpDownDown’ YouTube channel.
During the Q&A session, Styles referred to Vince McMahon as “the redacted name” who had no idea who he was when he signed with the company. He said,
“I think I’m 37 when I come to WWE. The redacted name [Vince McMahon] did not know me. He had no clue who I was. I think it was guys who had worked with me, probably with TNA and whatnot, that were able to say, ‘Let this guy come in third at the Rumble.’ Finally, he’s like, ‘Fine, let him.’ Then, the reaction happened, but he still didn’t believe it. He was like, ‘it’s a fluke.’”
He continued, “The next night, I had a match and it was okay but it wasn’t anything special. He’s like, ‘I have 100 guys who can do what you just did.’ What he was saying was true. I was trying to be something that is trying to be the babyface. I should have just been AJ Styles. He told me what he wanted and I was like, ‘I know that guy.’”
Drew McIntyre recently spoke with the Scottish Sun to discuss a variety of topics, including his thoughts on The Rock’s return to WWE going into WrestleMania 40.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On The Rock returning to WWE: “When it comes to The Rock, it’s amazing he has such a passion for our business still. It’s in his blood and inevitably he became one of the biggest stars of all time in our industry and then the biggest star on planet earth – and he still wants to come back to wrestling. It can only be a good thing because it brings so many extra eyeballs and those people become new fans – maybe they came for The Rock and stayed for Drew McIntyre.”
On getting advice from The Rock: “He’s remained down to earth and he’s very smart when it comes to business, and I’m very fortunate to be able to pick his brain.”
On potentially working with Rock on-screen: “Whether it’s a match with or being in the same team as him, as long as the story makes sense, who wouldn’t want to be a part of something with The Rock?”
AJ Styles, one of the most popular and talented professional wrestlers in the world, recently opened up about his early days in WWE and his relationship with Vince McMahon. During a Q&A session with Tyler Breeze on the ‘UpUpDownDown’ YouTube channel, Styles revealed that McMahon had no idea who he was when he signed with the company.
Styles made his debut for WWE during the 2016 Royal Rumble match, and it was clear that he was a fan favorite from the start. However, according to Styles, McMahon initially had doubts about him. He mentioned that it was likely the recommendation of other wrestlers who had worked with him, particularly during his time in TNA, that convinced McMahon to give him a chance.
Styles recalled McMahon’s skepticism, saying, “The redacted name [Vince McMahon] did not know me. He had no clue who I was. I think it was guys who had worked with me, probably with TNA and whatnot, that were able to say, ‘Let this guy come in third at the Rumble.’ Finally, he’s like, ‘Fine, let him.’ Then, the reaction happened, but he still didn’t believe it. He was like, ‘it’s a fluke.'”
Even after his successful debut at the Royal Rumble, Styles faced further doubts from McMahon. The following night, Styles had a match that was deemed “okay” but not exceptional. McMahon told him that he had 100 other wrestlers who could do what he did. Styles realized that he was trying too hard to fit into a certain mold and please McMahon’s expectations instead of being true to himself.
Reflecting on this experience, Styles said, “He told me what he wanted and I was like, ‘I know that guy.'” It was a turning point for Styles, as he decided to embrace his own unique style and persona rather than trying to be something he wasn’t. This decision ultimately led to his rise as one of WWE’s top stars.
In another wrestling-related news, Drew McIntyre recently shared his thoughts on The Rock’s potential return to WWE for WrestleMania 40. McIntyre expressed his admiration for The Rock’s passion for the business and his ability to attract new fans to the sport. He also mentioned that he has been fortunate enough to receive advice from The Rock, who he described as down-to-earth and business-savvy.
When asked about the possibility of working with The Rock on-screen, McIntyre expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Whether it’s a match with or being in the same team as him, as long as the story makes sense, who wouldn’t want to be a part of something with The Rock?”
The Rock’s return to WWE would undoubtedly generate significant buzz and excitement among fans. His star power and charisma have made him one of the most iconic figures in both wrestling and Hollywood. If he were to make an appearance at WrestleMania 40, it would undoubtedly be a memorable moment for both longtime fans and newcomers to the sport.
In conclusion, AJ Styles’ journey in WWE serves as a reminder that even the most talented wrestlers may face skepticism and doubts from those in power. However, by staying true to himself and embracing his unique style, Styles was able to prove his worth and become one of WWE’s biggest stars. Similarly, Drew McIntyre’s admiration for The Rock’s passion and willingness to learn from him highlights the impact that legendary wrestlers can have on the current generation. Whether it’s AJ Styles’ rise or The Rock’s potential return, these stories demonstrate the enduring popularity and excitement surrounding professional wrestling.