MVP Announces First Match After WWE Departure

MVP’s second stint with WWE lasted quite a few years but it came to an end recently, but he is clearly not done as a professional wrestler as he has just confirmed his first match following his WWE exit.

The former United States Champion, who recently made an appearance at Bloodsport XI, confirmed that he has no plans to return to WWE once his contract came to an end. It was then confirmed that MVP was no longer associated with WWE as he was moved to the Alumni section of WWE’s website.

During a virtual signing with K & S WrestleFest, MVP confirmed that he will be stepping back into the ring to face Josh Barnett at GCW Bloodsport XII, scheduled for November 24 in Jersey City. This will mark MVP’s first match in over two years.

Despite the upcoming bout, MVP holds no ill feelings toward Barnett. He shared a nostalgic post on Instagram, featuring a photo of the two from 11 years ago, recalling fond memories of drinking bourbon together in the U.S. and whiskey with pro fighters and Japanese gangsters in an after-hours club in Roppongi, Japan. MVP expressed his excitement for the match and is looking forward to his return to the ring.

”This is a very old picture. Obviously. It was around this time that I put on a gi and white belt and began my legitimate grappling journey via jiu-jitsu. My friend @joshlbarnett was kind enough to invite me to train catch wrestling with him in California for a few days. I learned A LOT! Whether we are drinking bourbon at a bar in the US or whiskey with pro fighters and Japanese gangsters in a Roppongi after-hours club, he’s always been cool!
Now, 11 years later, I’m a decorated IBJJF Masters Worlds champion and a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

I will face Josh at @joshbarnettbloodsport in November

The Ronin vs The Warmaster

My first wrestling match in over 2 years!”

We will have to wait and see how MVP will fare in his first match in two years, as fans are most definitely excited to see the former United States Champion show the world what he can accomplish, but he’s taking on non-wrestling roles in the meantime as well for good measure.

Are you looking forward to MVP squaring off against Josh Barnett this year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!