WWE Superstar Austin Theory recently spoke with talkSPORT and commented on working with Vince McMahon on-screen, not knowing Vince was going to slap him several weeks ago, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On how he started working with Vince McMahon on-screen: “I showed up to RAW and I found out I was working with Mr. McMahon that day. And I was like ‘OK, is this a thing, do we just prank people? Like, yeah OK, I’m working with Vince McMahon [sarcastically].’ And then sure enough, there’s his office, some cameras and there I am sitting there and the next thing I know, I’m getting slapped by Vince McMahon! Off we go to WrestleMania.
“It’s been a wild ride and I’ve definitely learned some good things from Mr. McMahon. Just constantly having that aggressive respect, that’s something I pick up from him. It’s really cool when I think of the whole experience. And everyone knows whenever you think of the Mt. Rushmore of sports entertainment, Vince McMahon is definitely right there in the middle.”
On his relationship with McMahon: “It’s definitely great for me because Mr. McMahon wants that relationship with anybody that he uses on his show. I think it is intimidating sometimes to know he has this whole company and show to run, he’s in his office and he’s busy and going to him with ideas.
“But, it takes a lot of pressure off when you do segments with him and you can joke around with him. If you have a serious idea, he’s already right there. It’s one of those things, like anything, you just got to go and get it. I make sure I take full opportunity of that. I want everything I can and I try to soak everything in like a sponge.”
On if he knew McMahon was going to slap him: “I did not know the slap was coming [laughs]. I”m just like ‘alright, have a good day’ and BOOM! ‘Oh my god, woah. Alright, OK.’”
