Cuboid samples with significant initial texture differences were cut from extruded AZ31 Mg alloy samples, whose long axis and bar extrusion direction ED were 0° (sample E0), 45° (sample E45), and 90° (sample E90). The relationship among the initial texture, deformation mechanism, mechanical properties, and texture evolution of the AZ31 Mg alloy was investigated systematically using a compression test, microstructure characterization, and the Viscoplastic Self-Consistent (VPSC) model. Results revealed a close relationship among them. By influencing the activation of the deformation mechanism, the deformation under different initial textures resulted in obvious mechanical anisotropy. Compared with E0 and E90, the initial texture of E45 was more conducive to the improvement of reforming ability after pre-compression. Meanwhile, the initial texture significantly affected the microstructure characteristics of the material, especially the number and morphology of the {10–12} tensile twins. Texture results showed that the priority of deformation mechanism depended on the initial texture and led to the difference in texture evolution.