The leader of The Hurt Business MVP has opened up about his current run in WWE revealing that he has an “open door” with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
MVP originally arrived in WWE back in 2006. Montel Vontavious Porter debuted on SmackDown immediately diving into a high profile feud with Kane. After going on to win the United States Championship and later switching brands to RAW, the charismatic star left the company in late 2010.
The Florida native went on to enjoy runs in Japan, IMPACT, (Then TNA) MLW and Ring Of Honor before returning to WWE at the 2020 Royal Rumble.
Appearing on WWE After The Bell, the self-styled Godfather of The Hurt Business, lifted the lid on how his current run in WWE differs from his original stint in the company. MVP said that the biggest difference this time around is his mindset, explaining that his time working elsewhere came him a new confidence.
“I guess the biggest difference in my mindset is the confidence that comes with experience. I’ve been everywhere, there’s not a big wrestling company that I haven’t worked for one way or another. Everywhere I have been, I’ve done well for myself. So I know I am a proven commodity.”
Expanding further, MVP said that during his initial run with the company he was worried about making mistakes. However, his new confidence has changed his mentality, adding that he now has an “open door” with Vince McMahon.
“My very first time in WWE, I was a much younger guy. I didn’t have the being confident that comes with experience. I had the confidence that just comes with knowing what I was capable. The first run, you are really concerned about making mistakes or stepping on egg shells. That is not an issue for me anymore. I know where I belong and I know who my peers are. I know my value and I know what I know. I have an open door with Vince, so I can discuss ideas with Vince. Before, I was scared, I was like know your role. I wasn’t confident to say to Vince ‘I don’t like this, let’s try something else.’ Now it’s a situation where ultimately I’m not worried about getting fired. I’ll speak up and I will say what I feel about a situation, and I understand the dynamics. I am free to be the best person of myself I can be without stepping on a landmine.”
After returning to WWE, MVP brought together The Hurt Business, which at one time housed WWE Champion Bobby Lashley and RAW Tag Team Champions Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander. However, during the conversation with podcast host Corey Graves, MVP revealed that the stable was originally Lashley’s idea.
In recent weeks, Benjamin and Alexander have been removed from the group but the bond between Lashley and MVP remains steadfast. After helping the champion retain his title at WrestleMania 37, MVP is now preparing to lead his charge into battle against Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman at WrestleMania Backlash on May 16th.