Roman Reigns shared insights on the lessons he gained from Vince McMahon during his ascent in the pro wrestling world on the latest “What’s Your Story?” podcast hosted by Steph McMahon. As one of the youngest major stars under McMahon’s leadership, Reigns discussed how he absorbed crucial knowledge despite not having as much direct time with McMahon compared to past legends like Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. These insights have shaped both his professional and personal life.
Learning from Experience Amidst Wrestling Legends
Reigns explained that although he wasn’t afforded the same length of mentorship as other top WWE figures, he was keen to learn from every interaction.
“That’s who I cut my teeth negotiating with, doing business with was your dad,”
he told Stephanie McMahon.
“And that’s how I feel: I’m not intimidated by anybody anymore. There were times where I had to get used to him and we had to learn each other’s ways. But I’m the youngest of all his top guys, you know? So I didn’t have that relationship like a lot of the other guys were afforded in the time.”
He acknowledged that this dynamic required patience and adaptability but ultimately helped him build confidence.
Reigns went on,
“Compared to anybody else, Hogan or Steve or Dwayne, those guys, I don’t think I got as much of his time, but I was picking up as much knowledge as I could. He may not even realize it, but there’s a lot of things that he said to me that I continue to use. I just tore it completely out of his playbook.”
Valuable Life Advice Beyond the Ring
Beyond the business lessons, Reigns highlighted a significant personal takeaway from McMahon: the importance of being present outside of work.
“He would always tell me, and this is when I was so locked in at work that I wasn’t holding up my end on the other side. And he would just tell me, ‘You got to be present. When you go home, you have to be present. It doesn’t matter what you do out here, you have to be present.’ And I took that to heart so much,”
Reigns explained.
Today, as the head of his family, he notes the advice still resonates deeply.
“Sometimes it’s the other way now. Now, it’s hard not to be present when I’m not home, when I’m not with my children. Because that’s where I really want to be, is with my wife and my children,”
he shared, emphasizing the ongoing impact of McMahon’s counsel on his work-life balance.
Strategic Vision for Wrestling and Beyond
On the professional front, Reigns reaffirmed the importance of staying ahead in the entertainment business. He remarked,
“I’m always going to be a WWE Superstar. I’m always going to be Roman Reigns. And I don’t want to ever have to [choose],”
signaling his commitment to maintaining his role as WWE’s leading star while exploring mainstream ventures.
Roman Reigns will soon appear as Akuma in the upcoming Street Fighter movie adaptation, showcasing his expanding presence beyond wrestling. Additionally, he is scheduled to compete against Bronson Reed, dubbed “The Tribal Thief” and owner of “The Shoe-La-Fala,” at the WWE Clash In Paris premium live event this weekend, further solidifying his prominence in WWE’s current storylines.
Stephanie McMahon Highlights Reigns‘ Evolution
Stephanie McMahon promoted the podcast episode where Reigns opens up about his journey, encouraging fans to listen and witness a different side of the star. She tweeted,
“Acknowledge him!☝️ Get ready to see a whole new side of The OTC @WWERomanReigns this Thursday on a new #WhatsYourStory wherever you get your podcasts!”
She also praised his dedication and mastery, posting,
“Develop your system, be precise, and do the reps until it becomes habit. Also…did you catch that Blue Steel?!? NAILED IT.”
Legacy and Impact Moving Forward
Roman Reigns’ reflections on Vince McMahon’s influence illustrate how mentorship intertwines with perseverance and adaptability in professional wrestling. The lessons learned from McMahon not only contributed to Reigns’ negotiation skills and business savvy but also underpinned his approach to family and personal well-being. As Reigns expands his role in mainstream media and continues to headline WWE events like Clash In Paris, these enduring teachings are likely to guide his decisions and career trajectory.
Reigns’ ability to balance his in-ring persona with outside opportunities positions him uniquely in the wrestling world, setting a benchmark for current and future athletes striving for success both inside and beyond the squared circle.
