Roman Reigns Reflects on Vince McMahon Era, Aims for WWE and Hollywood

Roman Reigns used an appearance on Stephanie McMahon's new podcast to reflect on his unusual relationship with former WWE chairman Vince McMahon, poke fun at rules that once governed what performers could say on air, and set out an ambition to hold elite status in both wrestling and Hollywood without surrendering either role. The conversation aired on What's Your Story? and revisited Reigns's rise under McMahon, lessons he took from the boss, and how the industry has changed since McMahon stepped away in 2022.

Reigns, long billed as one of the last top stars handpicked during Vince McMahon's era, said his rapport with McMahon was different from legends such as Hulk Hogan or The Rock because he was younger and had to earn trust over time. "There were times where I had to get used to him, and we had to learn each other's ways," Reigns said. He singled out two enduring lessons: the importance of being present with family and the business philosophy of staying "ahead of the curve, but not too far." "When you go home, you have to be present," he told McMahon. "It doesn't matter what you do out here."

The interview also ventured into a lighter topic that underscored shifting norms in...