Tony Schiavone Says Vince McMahon's Commentary Style Would Not Have Worked For Him

Tony Schiavone said that Vince McMahon’s headset-style production would not have worked for him, explaining that the approach involved sharper verbal correction than he believes he could handle. Speaking on his What Happens When podcast, Schiavone described how Tony Khan communicates during matches: sometimes providing lines to set up action, but often using encouragement and reminders to maintain energy. He recalled Khan telling him and Nigel McGuinness that they were “killing it,” and later urging Nigel with messages like “just keep it up” and, in other moments, pushing for renewed excitement. Schiavone contrasted this with what he has heard about McMahon, including the idea that producers would “get on your ass” during broadcasts. He also referenced his earlier belief that McMahon wanted to hire him in 2019 to keep him away from AEW and then move him out later.