“I was worried Vince was going to make me wear overalls and come out with a banjo” – AJ Styles feared he would be given a stereotypical Southern gimmick because of his accent

AJ Styles feared he would be given a stereotypical Southern gimmick because of his accent. The Phenomenal One went on to become one of the most well known acts in a short period of time.

AJ Styles is one of the very few wrestlers who was not made by Vince McMahon but achieved a push regardless. The Phenomenal One is a two time WWE Champion. He is also already a Grand Slam Champion despite only joining the promotion back in January 2016.

Also read: Cody Rhodes responds to fan wishing WWE allows him to use Great American Bash at AEW

Before all this however, fans feared for Styles and wondered if he would be buried by Vince and Co. Turns out Styles himself had somewhat similar fears. While Speaking on Out of Character with Ryan Satin, he admitted he was worried Vince McMahon would saddle him with a stereotypical Southern gimmick.

AJ Styles feared he would be given a stereotypical Southern gimmick because of his accent

“I had no idea what was going to happen. There was talk of, ‘Hey, I don’t know if we can keep your name.’

“I said, ‘Well, that’s fine, I’ll be whoever you want me to be but I have this huge tattoo on my side that says AJ, but you can call me whatever you want.’

“Listen, I was worried about this southern accent that I can’t shake; that Vince was going to make me wear overalls and come out to a little country song or something with a banjo. I was more worried about that.”

We know now that there was nothing to worry about. Styles is Wrestling Hall of Fame worthy already. In his short stay with the WWE however, he has ensured that he will go in their Hall of Fame as a first Ballot entry.

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