Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. In this episode, MVP answers a Patreon question about his original character treatment and IP, breaks down David vs Goliath psychology with Rey Mysterio and Big Show, explains how to protect a giant’s aura, shares his view on intergender wrestling, and outlines how state athletic commissions shape TV matches, all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

MVP opens with Mike Bradley’s question, confirming he still has the mailed treatment as proof of authorship and why it will not be posted publicly.

MVP then details big vs small logic: use speed and leg attacks, make the giant’s first fall matter, and build to payoffs like the 619. For giants, protect size, say no to unrealistic spots, and work how you look, with lessons from Big Show, Undertaker, Kane, and Batista. Selling is everything; if the opponent does not sell, none of the magic lands.

MVP closes by explaining why he is not a fan of intergender wrestling, contrasting video game expectations with simulated combat. He also covers how commissions can bar tables, blood, or specific moves and why strong psychology should carry a match without gimmicks.

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of 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

Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. In this episode, MVP moves from yacht rock nerdery and Thanksgiving reflections into hard-earned ring wisdom: what bumps he retired, which signatures he kept, and why Raw Underground felt legitimately dangerous, before sharing vivid stories from his South Beach security days. All with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

MVP opens with gratitude for the show’s growth and the audience who helped push views from 100K in a month to 100K in the first three days. He shouts out the team, the supporters in the comments, and the day-to-day work it takes to keep the show improving.

From there, he revisits Miami nights: seeing Jennifer Lopez on South Beach, security details at a club rented for Diddy’s birthday (hundreds of lemon drops and no tip left that night, later covered by a mailed check), and learning how “out of my pocket” prize money talk gets handled by sponsors after big award shows.

Back in the ring, he unpacks longevity. He explains the “bump card,” why he cut a painful corner bump, what Finley taught him about selling without wasting bumps, how nightly finishes like a shooting star press or even a leg drop can wreck bodies, and why Rey Mysterio sticks to the “hits.” He also shares when a missed nip-up told him it was time to adjust.

Finally, he breaks down Raw Underground: why Hurt Business segments looked real (Bobby’s wrestling and MMA chops, Shelton’s credentials, MVP’s jiu-jitsu), what “fight, not choreograph” meant on set, and the truth about staged run-ins versus hiding a surprise in the crowd. Thank you for watching, commenting, and sharing; your support fuels the stories and the craft every week.

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

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of 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

Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. This episode covers calling matches in New Japan with language barriers, MVP’s path to the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental title, the grind of the G1 tour, his pitch that helped inspire New Japan World, and hard-earned stories from Tokyo nights—all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

MVP breaks down “speaking wrestling,” why most work is on the left side versus lucha’s right, and how body language, simple calls like “lariato,” and help from Jado, Gedo, and referees such as Red Shoes bridge gaps. He recalls beating future aces like Okada on the way to the first IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

He contrasts WWE’s schedule with New Japan tours, six weeks on the road for G1, long bus rides versus bullet trains, and the reality of travel on a wrestler’s body. He shares the pride of receiving his first G1 kit and Wrestle Kingdom warmups and seeing his face on G1 train ads.

MVP says he pitched the core idea that became New Japan World: English-friendly content, highlight matches, and easier merch access for overseas fans.

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of 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

Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. In this guest episode, Harley Cameron shares her path from cabaret and bodybuilding to AEW, her first match vs Scarlett Bordeaux, her AEW Dark bout with Willow, the value of reps at Flatbacks with Tyler Breeze and Shawn Spears, and why professionalism matters on and off camera—all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

MVP recalls first seeing Harley’s range on the Jericho Cruise, from karaoke to stage presence, and explains why he calls her one of the most talented people on the roster. Harley breaks down the moment she decided to pursue wrestling after moving to the U.S., seeing the opportunity and committing fully.

She reflects on her 13-minute debut vs Scarlett Bordeaux at WrestlePro, then working Willow on AEW Dark, keeping a match journal, and later facing Mercedes Moné around match 64. Harley details preparation meeting opportunity, staying ready with gear, and learning fast.

Training talk includes Flatbacks with Tyler Breeze and Shawn Spears, studying matches with producers, and advice from vets like Nigel and Orange. Harley discusses seminars, reps in front of live crowds, QT Marshall sessions, and Tony Khan supporting her ventriloquism bit.

Harley shares day-before-match rules, balancing cardio and diet, and MVP adds ring professionalism notes. Thank you for watching. Like, comment, and subscribe to support the show.

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 🔥

Enjoying the show? Houston rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze brings the same storytelling precision to his music. Experience his latest tracks on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4mnveyr & Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dwayne-swayze/1368365090. Follow for exclusive updates.

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of 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

Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. This episode unpacks MVP’s recent AEW trios match, Ricochet’s role in his storyline, his thoughts on nostalgia and character work, and what makes wrestlers truly connect with fans—all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

MVP opens up about the aftermath of AEW’s street fight match, including the real injury he suffered moving table debris for Shelton Benjamin’s dive, and why it was all worth it when the St. Louis crowd erupted during his iconic "Ballin'" elbow. He reflects on the emotional impact of nostalgia and how his connection with fans continues to fuel his late-career resurgence.

In one of the most personal moments in podcast history, MVP recalls growing up in Opa-locka during the height of the Miami cocaine era, including wild childhood stories involving neighborhood dealers, fake bags, and lessons he now views through the lens of fatherhood.

From working with Ricochet and Gates of Agony to launching a new wrestling school with CCW, MVP offers real perspective on mentorship, storytelling, and the money behind character. 

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 🔥

Enjoying the show? Houston rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze brings the same storytelling precision to his music. Experience his latest tracks on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4mnveyr & Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dwayne-swayze/1368365090. Follow for exclusive updates.

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of 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

Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. This episode was filmed on location in San Antonio during AEW Dynamite, offering exclusive access to MVP’s full match day routine—from backstage catering to post-match wind-downs—all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

MVP walks viewers through a typical AEW show day, including call times, ring meetings, trainer check-ins, and time with his coach to review match layout and camera direction. He shares his personal prep rituals, the importance of staying stretched and loose, and how even wardrobe logistics and gear alterations are handled on-site. For fans wondering what it really takes to perform at the highest level, this segment is pure behind-the-scenes gold.

Later, MVP addresses a rumor from the dirt sheets suggesting he’s been backstage scolding talent for doing too many false finishes. He sets the record straight, clarifying that he only offers advice when asked—and when he does, it’s rooted in experience and in service of the match. He breaks down the psychology behind false finishes, the importance of listening to crowd reactions, and why character still outweighs choreography.

The episode wraps with a Hurt Syndicate match recap and post-show reflections. From MVP’s injuries and Ricochet’s impact to steakhouse celebrations and reflections on career longevity, this one captures everything from grit to gratitude.

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 🔥

Enjoying the show? Houston rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze brings the same storytelling precision to his music. Experience his latest tracks on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4mnveyr & Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dwayne-swayze/1368365090. Follow for exclusive updates.

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of 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

After a whirlwind week in Japan with his family, Montel Vontavious Porter isn’t slowing down. Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze takes you inside professional wrestling like never before — all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

MVP opens the episode recounting his Japan adventure – from samurai armor to bullet trains – and how the trip broadened his family’s horizons. He then tackles a headline-making rumor that he had “backstage heat” in AEW for refusing to lose to a younger talent at All In Texas, and that he had a personal issue with “Speedball” Mike Bailey. MVP sets the record straight, calling it pure “BS” and blasting the “dirt sheets” for spreading such gossip. He urges fans to trust their own eyes and reminds young wrestlers that a crowd’s reaction is the real five-star rating – not some blogger’s review.

Turning to ring psychology, MVP explains when it’s appropriate to brawl outside and why not every match needs high-flying chaos. If every bout has the same stunts, he warns, nothing feels special. Using old-school “smoke and mirrors” tricks, he emphasizes building each show toward a big main event payoff. MVP also shares his no-nonsense approach to mentoring talent – giving blunt feedback about cutting needless false finishes and only doing moves you execute flawlessly. His motto: don’t do it if it’s just good, do it only if it’s great.

Finally, MVP addresses whether he’ll ever tell his life story in a book or movie. He’s even discussed a possible film with friend Dave Bautista, given his journey from prison to champion. Nothing is official yet, but he certainly isn’t ruling it out.

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 🔥

Enjoying the show? Houston rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze brings the same storytelling precision to his music. Experience his latest tracks on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CFDVhx & Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dwayne-swayze/1368365090. Follow for exclusive updates.

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of 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

Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. This episode covers how “Macho Man” Randy Savage guided MVP early in his career, the art of wrestling promos, and advice on balancing a wrestler’s persona with company storylines — all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

MVP recalls how, as a young wrestler, he impressed “Macho Man” Randy Savage with a fearless promo at a tryout. Randy Savage stayed in touch with advice like “Don’t trust anybody, save your money” and called to congratulate MVP when he signed with WWE.

MVP breaks down the art of the promo, explaining it should be structured like a match, building up to a big payoff. He describes how he spoke calmly to contrast an opponent’s wild rant—drawing in the audience before Bobby Lashley delivered the final word. It’s a masterclass in how pacing and tone captivate fans.

MVP also addresses how wrestlers protect their persona while serving storylines, noting that newcomers must accept any gimmick but once a wrestler “moves the needle” they earn more say. He shares Chris Jericho’s lesson that a veteran losing can elevate new talent—it's business, not ego. His Hurt Syndicate will put over younger talent only if it doesn’t hurt their credibility.

MVP and Dwayne wrap up by thanking the audience and shouting out friends Chris Van Vliet and Baby Bash, as MVP reflects on his journey and invites fans to stay tuned for more.

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 🔥

Enjoying the show? Houston rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze brings the same storytelling precision to his music. Experience his latest tracks on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4mnveyr & Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dwayne-swayze/1368365090. Follow for exclusive updates.

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of 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

Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. This episode spans MVP’s emotional revelations about mental health, hard-hitting lessons in ring psychology, and candid stories of real competition and celebrity guests—all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

MVP opens up about his TED Talk “Real Men Get Help,” discussing his battle with panic attacks and the stigma that kept him from getting help. He shares how therapy is helping him confront a lifetime of trauma and hopes his vulnerability inspires other tough guys to do the same.

MVP dives into in-ring wisdom, explaining how a finisher stays believable even after fans have seen it kicked out of too often—insisting no one should kick out of your finisher except in rare cases. He also shares how to adjust when a match is cut short, stressing adaptability and staying calm under live TV pressure.

He celebrates Santino Marella’s double-gold win in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and notes his own jiu-jitsu world title. He also praises crossover stars like Logan Paul and Bad Bunny, explaining how seasoned pros hide a celebrity’s weaknesses by keeping their ring time short and planning every spot.

MVP and Dwayne wrap up by thanking the fans for their support and urging all to subscribe, comment and share. They even offer one lucky commenter a free month on Patreon before signing off, promising to keep delivering the realest talk in wrestling.

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 🔥

Enjoying the show? Houston rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze brings the same storytelling precision to his music. Experience his latest tracks on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4mnveyr & Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dwayne-swayze/1368365090. Follow for exclusive updates.

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of 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

What does it really take to turn a dream into a career, and what do you sacrifice to keep your passion alive? Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. In this episode, MVP reveals the raw truth of his journey, from Florida indie loops that barely paid for gas, to selling weed and steroids just to afford boots and hotels, to cashing his first $500 WWE developmental check that left friends stunned. He details the climb to six-figure paydays on the main roster, the lessons he learned about contracts, taxes, and branding, and why he shocked many by walking away from WWE at his peak to reignite his love for wrestling in Japan.

MVP also explains what separates a one-night crowd-pleaser from a timeless classic. He points to technology and exposure as the difference, citing Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage as a match preserved for history while countless Ric Flair bouts with Steamboat live only in memory. He recalls his own house-show war with Shelton Benjamin in Tupelo, Mississippi, a match fans will never see because it was never taped.

The conversation shifts to comedy in wrestling, where MVP stresses that villains must turn laughs into heat. A joke at the heel’s expense should fuel the story, not derail it, and laughter must quickly turn into jeers once the villain retaliates.

Finally, MVP shares a hotel-bar moment from WrestleMania weekend where he, Shayna Baszler, and Josh Barnett stood with Grayson Waller to shut down rowdy fans, earning the nickname “The Hotel Avengers.” The episode closes with gratitude to listeners, a shout to a fan who surfaced MVP’s long-lost U.S. Title win over Chris Benoit, and a reflection on why wrestling still matters after decades in the game, all with unfiltered insight from one of the industry’s most respected veterans.

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 🔥

Enjoying the show? Houston rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze brings the same storytelling precision to his music. Experience his latest tracks on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4mnveyr & Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dwayne-swayze/1368365090. Follow for exclusive updates.

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of 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