Roman Reigns Admits Vince McMahon Once Intimidated Him — and Reveals How He Stole His Playbook

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling, very few names resonate as powerfully today as Roman Reigns. Known as “The Tribal Chief,” he has not only dominated the ring but has also transformed into one of the most important figures in WWE’s modern era. Yet behind the aura of confidence and dominance lies a revealing story about how Vince McMahon, the former chairman and creative mastermind of WWE, once intimidated him during the early stages of his career. In a candid admission, Reigns has opened up about how that initial sense of fear later turned into respect, and ultimately, inspiration. He even confessed to borrowing what he calls McMahon’s playbook, using many of the lessons he observed to cement his own reign at the top.

The Early Days of Roman Reigns and His Relationship with Vince McMahon

When Roman Reigns entered WWE, expectations were already enormous. Coming from the legendary Anoa’i family, which produced stars like The Rock, Yokozuna, and Rikishi, the pressure to succeed was immense. However, success in WWE was never simply about wrestling ability. The company was, and remains, a global entertainment empire, and Vince McMahon was the gatekeeper.

According to Reigns, walking into McMahon’s office for the first time was one of the most nerve-racking moments of his career. At that point, Vince was larger than life, a man who had built WWE from a regional promotion into a global powerhouse. “He had this aura about him,” Reigns admitted. “Even when he was just sitting there, he felt like the most powerful man in the room. It was intimidating to even open my mouth.”

That early intimidation didn’t stem from malice. Instead, it was the raw presence that Vince projected. He had the uncanny ability to make performers feel the weight of the WWE empire in a single handshake. For a young Roman Reigns, desperate to prove his worth, the sensation was overwhelming.

Learning from Intimidation and Turning It Into Growth

While the intimidation could have crippled a lesser personality, Roman Reigns used it as fuel. Over time, he recognized that fear was only the first layer of what made Vince McMahon so effective. The chairman had mastered the art of commanding a room, influencing people, and creating narratives that would resonate on a global scale.

Reigns explained that it took years before he could sit across from McMahon without feeling that same pressure. “At first, you almost feel like you’re walking on eggshells,” he shared. “But as you grow and as you learn the business, you start to see what he’s really doing. He’s testing you. He’s pushing you to see how far you’ll go, how much confidence you’ll show, and how willing you are to fight for your ideas.”

This realization became a turning point. Instead of shrinking under the weight of Vince’s authority, Roman Reigns decided to study him closely. He watched the way McMahon navigated conversations, the way he structured stories, and the way he projected his vision. It wasn’t long before Reigns started to understand what he later described as “Vince’s playbook.”

The Playbook of Vince McMahon

When Reigns refers to Vince McMahon’s playbook, he is speaking less about a literal guide and more about a philosophy of leadership and storytelling. Vince had always operated with boldness, often making decisions that defied conventional wisdom but paid off in unforgettable fashion. From launching WrestleMania in 1985 to creating larger-than-life personas like Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and John Cena, McMahon had a gift for spotting charisma and amplifying it.

For Roman, the biggest takeaway from McMahon’s playbook was the importance of character work. He realized that being a great wrestler was only part of the equation; creating an emotional connection with the audience was the true key to longevity. McMahon constantly emphasized that larger-than-life characters sold tickets and made fans invest emotionally.

Reigns admitted that he took this to heart when crafting The Tribal Chief persona. “I had to stop thinking like a performer who just goes out there to wrestle,” he explained. “I had to start thinking like Vince. I had to ask myself: what does the audience need to feel? How do I make them believe in what I’m doing, whether they love me or hate me?”

Roman Reigns’ Transformation Into “The Tribal Chief”

It is no coincidence that Roman Reigns reached the pinnacle of his career after adopting the persona of The Tribal Chief in 2020. For years, WWE had pushed him as the heroic face of the company, but audiences were resistant. Fans booed him, often rejecting the company’s attempts to position him as the next John Cena.

It was only after Reigns reimagined himself as a villain, a dominant head of the table who demanded respect, that his career skyrocketed. This transformation was not just a character shift; it was a strategic move heavily influenced by the lessons he had absorbed from Vince.

“The Tribal Chief wasn’t just about being a bad guy,” Reigns explained. “It was about creating a story where I was the centerpiece, where every move I made carried weight. That’s straight out of Vince’s playbook. He always taught that you have to think big, you have to be bold, and you can’t be afraid to make people uncomfortable.”

This philosophy turned Reigns into the biggest draw of the modern WWE era, carrying the company through the pandemic and beyond. His championship reign became one of the longest in history, and his matches consistently drew mainstream attention.

Respect Beyond Intimidation

Although their relationship started with intimidation, over time, Roman Reigns developed a deep respect for Vince McMahon. Reigns acknowledged that Vince was never afraid to be brutally honest, even if the feedback stung. But more importantly, he came to admire McMahon’s relentless drive and work ethic.

“He was the first one in the building and the last one to leave,” Reigns said. “He cared more about this business than anyone I’ve ever met. That kind of dedication—it’s contagious. You can’t be around him without wanting to push yourself harder.”

In fact, Reigns admitted that he adopted some of those same habits. He became more hands-on with his creative direction, took control of his own narrative, and committed himself fully to every performance. Much like McMahon, Reigns started to see himself not just as a wrestler, but as a storyteller and businessman.

The Legacy of McMahon Through Reigns

Now, as Roman Reigns stands tall as WWE’s defining superstar, it’s clear that the lessons he learned from Vince continue to shape his career. The intimidation that once made him nervous in the office has transformed into admiration for the wisdom behind it.

By “stealing Vince’s playbook,” Reigns essentially carried forward the philosophy that made WWE a global empire in the first place. He learned that power comes not from intimidation itself, but from confidence, conviction, and vision. He learned that fans don’t just want matches; they want stories, moments, and characters that linger in their minds long after the show ends.

A New Era, But the Same Influence

With Vince McMahon stepping away from WWE leadership in recent years, many have wondered how the company will evolve. Yet Roman Reigns is proof that the lessons Vince instilled in his stars will continue to resonate. As long as performers like Reigns carry the spirit of bold storytelling, the essence of Vince’s vision will remain alive.

Reigns himself admitted that he doesn’t try to mimic Vince word-for-word but instead adapts the philosophy to fit today’s landscape. “It’s about evolution,” he said. “Vince had his era, and I have mine. But at the end of the day, the fundamentals are the same—captivate the audience, tell a story, and never be afraid to take risks.”

Conclusion: From Intimidation to Inspiration

The journey of Roman Reigns and his relationship with Vince McMahon is a fascinating reminder of how greatness is often born out of challenge. What began as a feeling of intimidation turned into one of the most valuable learning experiences of his career. By studying McMahon’s approach, borrowing his strategies, and applying them in his own way, Reigns has carved out a legacy that may one day rival the very figures he once feared.

As “The Tribal Chief” continues to dominate WWE, the fingerprints of Vince McMahon’s playbook are evident in every promo, every storyline, and every championship defense. And while Reigns has made the role entirely his own, the admission that Vince once intimidated him shows just how far he has come—from a nervous newcomer to the undisputed face of WWE.