Overview
- Styles made the comments on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast in June 2026 and said performers "walked around a little bit more timid" when Vince McMahon ran WWE.
- He said a practical upside of McMahon’s hands‑on style was fast answers when needed because McMahon would give immediate direction on questions.
- Styles contrasted that access with the present leadership by saying the company is less micromanaged and employees can ask questions without being yelled at.
- He said he personally liked working for McMahon and credited McMahon with giving him the chance to be "AJ Styles in WWE" and become a two‑time World Heavyweight Champion.
- Styles’ anecdote adds to public discussion about WWE’s leadership and workplace culture and could signal more open creative input and fewer punitive interactions for talent and staff.