Current WWE Champion Reveals How They Won Vince McMahon’s Respect
Being at the helm of WWE, Vince McMahon always wanted the best product.
Over the years, McMahon’s shrewdness and determination have come to light during interviews.
His commitment to deliver high-quality matches, coupled with great storylines, is what made his promotion a juggernaut. Impressing Vince was not easy, as a current champion recalled his secret about how he won over the former boss.
AJ Styles currently serves as one-half of the Tag Team Champions on RAW, alongside Dragon Lee.
The duo defeated Finn Balor and JD McDonagh on the October 20 taping of the red brand to win the titles.
Appearing for an interview with Justin Barrasso for Undisputed, Styles recalled a specific time in his wrestling career that not only got him Vince McMahon’s attention but also a lucrative contract.
While crediting his stint in New Japan Pro Wrestling, the 48-year-old said:
There’s no doubt in my mind that I may not have made it to WWE without Japan. My tenure in Japan helped me figure out who I was and what I wanted to do. When I went to WWE, Vince wanted me to be who I was in Japan. That style from Japan did not change when I went to WWE. That’s the guy Vince wanted. Maybe that’s why it got over so well. [H/T: WrestlingNews.co]
Styles debuted for NJPW in 2014, where he became a one-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, before leaving for the Stamford promotion in 2016.
AJ Styles To Retire From Wrestling With WWE In 2026
AJ Styles is ready to hang up his boots next year.
The former WWE World Champion confirmed the news during an appearance on the kick-off show of Crown Jewel, which took place on October 11 in Perth, Australia.
Speaking to the people in attendance, he said:
I’m getting old folks. Listen if I could find the fountain of youth and take a couple of sips I’d wrestle for the rest of my life. But you know, I am getting older, the fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer.
And you know what? There comes a time In a man’s life when he has to take care of business but when business is done it’s time to take care of his family. I need to spend time with my family.
The whole idea with wrestling and having an amazing future in this business is to be able to retire one day and in 2026 I will retire.
Meanwhile, Styles and his tag team partner Dragon Lee will defend their titles against Balor and McDonagh on the upcoming episode of RAW.
Also read: Why AJ Styles Thinks Retirement Will Suck
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