AJ Styles is one of the modern day greats of all wrestling, not just the WWE.
Styles had a memorable debut at the Royal Rumble in 2016 and went from strength to strength before calling it a day earlier this year.
Of course, Styles’ age and experience means he’s had the chance to work under a host of different promotions and with it, different bosses.
Styles’ time with WWE coincided with Vince McMahon still being in charge before the company moved on to the Triple H era and more recently, TKO and Netflix.
Of course, we all know the different stories and accusations levelled at Vince over the years and according to Styles, there has been a shift at the company.
AJ Styles on what’s changed with WWE since Vince McMahon left
Nobody will ever argue that Vince isn’t responsible for building the biggest wrestling company in the world.
If you strip everything else away and look purely on things as a promoter and businessman, he’s hugely successful.
However, Styles has told The Phenomenally Retro podcast that McMahon’s exit has brought about change.
“I feel like guys walked around a little bit more timid when Vince was in charge, where now they can give their opinions and stuff like that more freely, ask questions without being yelled at. Guys who are commentating aren’t being yelled at and said mean things to,” Styles said.
“I don’t know exactly what those mean things are, but I’ve heard stories. There’s things like that. I don’t think it’s as micromanaged as it was, which is a good thing.
“Vince liked to be on top of every little thing and it’s quite impossible because it’s such a large company. I can’t tell you how big it is. You can’t fathom how big it is. It’s a different animal.
“So 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. He’s not the kind of person that I’d probably hang out with. But he was my boss, and he gave me an opportunity. I can appreciate that.”
Styles has been pretty adamant in saying he won’t be returning to the ring anytime soon.
But with his talent, experience, and popularity, it would be no surprise whatsoever to see him make a return in some capacity down the line.
