Wrestling contracts, injury time, and wrestler pay lead Episode 70 as MVP explains how missed time can be added back to a deal, why injured wrestlers may still be paid, and when reclaiming that time can be fair business. Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is the weekly pro wrestling conversation between longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist Dwayne Swayze.

MVP also explains why wrestlers should not hide serious injuries or try to work through them, drawing on how the business has changed and why getting healthy protects both a career and a wrestler’s brand.

The conversation turns to Cowboy Bebop, its Netflix live action adaptation, Spike Spiegel, and why MVP considers the anime one of his all-time favorites.

MVP and Dwayne also debate LeBron James versus Michael Jordan, remember Tiger Mask IV and classic Japanese wrestling, and close with MVP’s approach to parenting through movies like Terminator 2, Alien, Die Hard, and Predator.

Get early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. Unlock the real story behind the squared circle—join our Patreon now → https://www.patreon.com/TheMarkingOutShow 🔥

About Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly pro wrestling podcast where longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist, get into the world of professional wrestling. Every week MVP and Dwayne break down wrestling history, promos, match psychology, road stories, and the business behind the spectacle, with the occasional guest joining the conversation.

New episodes every week. Audio drops at midnight ET Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available, and the full video premieres Monday at 1 PM ET on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on professional wrestling.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations

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MVP breaks down the six rules of being a wrestling heel and explains why a real heel should be believable, disliked, and focused on getting heat instead of cheers. He digs into lessons from Arn Anderson and William Regal, the Ric Flair model of cowardly heel psychology, and why Finlay, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Dirty Dom show what happens when the audience decides how a character is received.

The conversation shifts to the culture MVP entered as Antonio Banks, including Michael Hayes telling him that “business gets done at the bar,” the pressure to fit into wrestling’s old-school road lifestyle, and why MVP believes the wellness program ultimately saved lives. Then comes one of the episode’s funniest stories: Cuban Assassin Fidel Sierra suggesting that Banks capitalize on The Rock’s popularity by becoming “The Stone.”

The final stretch goes completely off the rails as MVP reveals his new Kali Uchis crush, talks about sliding into Chelsea Handler’s DMs, and debates phone numbers versus Instagram. Before wrapping, MVP and Dwayne confirm they would be babyfaces in their eventual tag match, and MVP tells Dwayne it is almost time for his first official in-ring training session.

About Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly pro wrestling podcast where longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist, get into the world of professional wrestling. Every week MVP and Dwayne break down wrestling history, promos, match psychology, road stories, and the business behind the spectacle, with the occasional guest joining the conversation.

New episodes every week. Audio drops at midnight ET Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available, and the full video premieres Monday at 1 PM ET on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on professional wrestling.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

MVP breaks down his philosophy that life comes in three 25-year periods, with overtime if you are fortunate enough to get it. Now approaching 53, he reflects on mortality, past choices, spending meaningful time with his son, and why appreciating the moments matters more than ever.

The conversation moves through Bad Brains’ 50th anniversary, Fishbone, Living Colour, and the music that shaped MVP as a teenager. He shares what it meant to be welcomed like family by musicians he grew up admiring and how hearing Fish Fisher recognize MVP’s own legacy as a trailblazer put that journey into perspective.

Then MVP tells one of the wildest stories he witnessed on the WWE road, involving two unnamed multi-time WWE Champions and an unforgettable Earl Grey incident. Dwayne also takes MVP back through TNA’s history, Jeff Jarrett’s “thousand what-ifs,” and MVP’s biggest question of all: what might have happened if Spike had bought Impact? 

About Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly pro wrestling podcast where longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist, get into the world of professional wrestling. Every week MVP and Dwayne break down wrestling history, promos, match psychology, road stories, and the business behind the spectacle, with the occasional guest joining the conversation.

New episodes every week. Audio drops at midnight ET Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available, and the full video premieres Monday at 1 PM ET on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on professional wrestling.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

MVP reveals the full story behind his John Laurinaitis fallout, the breaking point that ended his first WWE run, and the path that led him to New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is the weekly pro wrestling conversation between longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist Dwayne Swayze.

MVP traces the conflict back to WWE politics, a missed Denver live event, and a tense Calgary hotel-bar exchange where John Laurinaitis told him he should have hired a private jet. The argument escalated until Kevin Dunn stepped in.

Laurinaitis later apologized and acknowledged MVP's frustration, but MVP chose his release over a new five-year WWE contract and rebuilt his love for wrestling in Japan. He also explains how Laurinaitis helped him retain ownership of the MVP name.

The episode closes on Dwayne's music, played back to back. "If This Is Goodbye" is the reflective, jazz-tinged record where Dwayne weighs walking away from music entirely, and features his mother reciting an original poem on camera. "Fly Away" is the answer to that question, a jazzy hip-hop record shot during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas and directed by Ryne Williams, where the doubt gives way to purpose. Heard together, the two videos play like a single conversation about legacy, family, and why the pen stays in his hand.

Get early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. Unlock the real story behind the squared circle—join our Patreon now → https://www.patreon.com/TheMarkingOutShow 🔥

About Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly pro wrestling podcast where longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist, get into the world of professional wrestling. Every week MVP and Dwayne break down wrestling history, promos, match psychology, road stories, and the business behind the spectacle, with the occasional guest joining the conversation.

New episodes every week. Audio drops at midnight ET Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available, and the full video premieres Monday at 1 PM ET on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on professional wrestling.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback and injury lead MVP to declare that the former champion is washed and explain why Father Time remains undefeated. Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is the weekly pro wrestling conversation between longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist Dwayne Swayze.

MVP and Dwayne discuss how athletes know when it is time to stop, why professional wrestlers can continue beyond their physical prime, and who should tell a legend when the end has arrived.

MVP reveals that his final match could happen next year, explains why he would reject an AEW championship run, and separates Hassan from the MVP character.

He also remembers signing his first autograph as Antonio Banks, explains why he requested his WWE release, reflects on choosing New Japan over a new five-year deal, and corrects the misconception that WWE fired him.

About Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly pro wrestling podcast where longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist, get into the world of professional wrestling. Every week MVP and Dwayne break down wrestling history, promos, match psychology, road stories, and the business behind the spectacle, with the occasional guest joining the conversation.

New episodes every week. Audio drops at midnight ET Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available, and the full video premieres Monday at 1 PM ET on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on professional wrestling.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

WWE contract restructuring and MVP’s account of TKO’s reported request that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods accept 50 percent less lead this episode.

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is the weekly pro wrestling conversation between longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist Dwayne Swayze.

MVP explains why talent is not in the room when corporate decision-makers evaluate contracts, how WWE’s 90-day release structure favored the company during his tenure, and why financially secure veterans can reject unfavorable terms.

He also shares the financial lessons he learned from Booker T, Jim Ross, Ricky Steamboat, and Jinder Mahal, including the six-figure IRS check he will never forget and the rule of dividing income into thirds.

The conversation begins with MVP fulfilling a bucket-list dream by seeing Jamiroquai in Portugal, then moves through football culture, racist abuse from some Argentina supporters, Premier League physicality, and the controversy surrounding a rescinded red card.

About Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly pro wrestling podcast where longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist, get into the world of professional wrestling. Every week MVP and Dwayne break down wrestling history, promos, match psychology, road stories, and the business behind the spectacle, with the occasional guest joining the conversation.

New episodes every week. Audio drops at midnight ET Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available, and the full video premieres Monday at 1 PM ET on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on professional wrestling.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

AEW's most dangerous without a title, MJF versus Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, John Moxley, Thekla, and Megan Bayne all get put to the test, with Lio Rush, Ricochet, Jack Perry, Lena Kross, Queen Aminata, Ariya Daivari, Lance Archer, Prince Nana, and Toa Liona all weighing in. Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is the weekly pro wrestling conversation between longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist Dwayne Swayze.

Dwayne works the room with the questions while MVP runs the setup. The MJF and Will Ospreay 2026 question splits the group, with most siding with MJF on title reigns and a few riding for Ospreay.

The danger talk goes deep on Swerve Strickland and John Moxley, including a firsthand story about stapling Swerve and getting a smile in return, and a read on how far Moxley is willing to go for the business. Brody King and Lance Archer both come up as the names to avoid, with a chokeslam story that turns into a running bit between the hosts.

The women's division gets its due, from Thekla's rise to AEW Women's World Champion to Megan Bayne's presence, plus an honest back and forth on whether Willow Nightingale or Jamie Hayter has more unfinished business at the top.

Get early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. Unlock the real story behind the squared circle—join our Patreon now → https://www.patreon.com/TheMarkingOutShow 🔥

About Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly pro wrestling podcast where longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist, get into the world of professional wrestling. Every week MVP and Dwayne break down wrestling history, promos, match psychology, road stories, and the business behind the spectacle, with the occasional guest joining the conversation.

New episodes every week. Audio drops at midnight ET Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available, and the full video premieres Monday at 1 PM ET on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on professional wrestling.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

MVP’s 2011 Japan earthquake story, the Tohoku tsunami, Fukushima fear, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Will Ospreay, Bret Hart, Steve Austin, Goldberg, Ultimate Warrior, Patrick Ewing, and Hakeem Olajuwon all come up in Episode 63.

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is the weekly pro wrestling conversation between longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist Dwayne Swayze.

MVP and Dwayne begin with the aftermath of the Will Ospreay conversation, including Ospreay’s New Japan run during COVID, MVP’s WWE PC and Thunderdome era memories, Bobby Lashley’s WrestleMania championship moment, and the emotional reality of wrestling without a live crowd.

That leads MVP into a deeply personal story from Japan. He recalls being in Tokyo during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, seeing buildings sway, watching tsunami footage, dealing with aftershocks, and later hearing about Fukushima while stuck at the Tokyo Dome Hotel during a New Japan tour.

The episode closes with hot takes on whether prime Bret Hart or prime Steve Austin would struggle today, Goldberg versus Ultimate Warrior, and a basketball argument over Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, and the physicality of different eras.

About Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly pro wrestling podcast where longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist, get into the world of professional wrestling. Every week MVP and Dwayne break down wrestling history, promos, match psychology, road stories, and the business behind the spectacle, with the occasional guest joining the conversation.

New episodes every week. Audio drops at midnight ET Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available, and the full video premieres Monday at 1 PM ET on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on professional wrestling.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Will Ospreay, the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, New Japan, and the COVID era are the center of this guest episode as Ospreay opens up about the dream he chased and the reality he lived once the crowd noise disappeared.

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is the weekly pro wrestling conversation between longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist Dwayne Swayze.

Ospreay and MVP start with their early connection in Scotland, Ospreay’s first time hanging out with TV wrestlers, and the way their friendship picked back up when MVP arrived in AEW.

The conversation moves into Ospreay’s New Japan path, from wrestling Kazuchika Okada in England to declining the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, signing with New Japan, and spending eight years growing up in Japan.

Ospreay gets honest about winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship during COVID, crying when Gedo told him the plan, then realizing the moment happened in near silence. He also details the Shingo title defense where his back injury worsened, handing back the belt, his final cage match with United Empire and War Dogs, Pro Wrestling Eve, women’s wrestling, hot takes, Nando’s, Essex, and MVP’s homework for Dwayne.

Get early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. Unlock the real story behind the squared circle—join our Patreon now → https://www.patreon.com/TheMarkingOutShow 🔥

About Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly pro wrestling podcast where longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist, get into the world of professional wrestling. Every week MVP and Dwayne break down wrestling history, promos, match psychology, road stories, and the business behind the spectacle, with the occasional guest joining the conversation.

New episodes every week. Audio drops at midnight ET Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available, and the full video premieres Monday at 1 PM ET on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on professional wrestling.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bad Bunny, WrestleMania in Tampa, and earning real wrestling respect drive Episode 61. Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is the weekly pro wrestling conversation between longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist Dwayne Swayze.

MVP explains why main event presence cannot be manufactured, using The Rock, Great Khali, Daniel Bryan, and Ultimate Warrior to separate presentation from real aura.

The conversation turns to celebrities crossing into wrestling, from Andy Kaufman and Jerry Lawler to Bad Bunny. MVP recalls wrestling in Puerto Rico for IWA, learning Bad Bunny trained seriously during the pandemic, and later telling him after WrestleMania that he had earned his respect.

MVP and Dwayne also cover Wests Tigers rugby league, a Rat Pack moment, Milky Way Soul, Bobby Caldwell, heel psychology, and Dwayne Swayze’s “Fly Away” music video.

Get early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. Unlock the real story behind the squared circle—join our Patreon now → https://www.patreon.com/TheMarkingOutShow 🔥

About Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly pro wrestling podcast where longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), a former WWE United States Champion and current AEW star and manager of The Hurt Syndicate, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston based rapper, songwriter, and recording artist, get into the world of professional wrestling. Every week MVP and Dwayne break down wrestling history, promos, match psychology, road stories, and the business behind the spectacle, with the occasional guest joining the conversation.

New episodes every week. Audio drops at midnight ET Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available, and the full video premieres Monday at 1 PM ET on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on professional wrestling.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy