Former WWE Star MVP Makes AEW Debut on 9/25 Grand Slam Dynamite

Former WWE star MVP made a surprising first appearance for AEW during the September 25 Dynamite: Grand Slam show in Queens, New York. The segment started with Tony Schiavone interviewing Prince Nana for an update on Swerve Strickland’s medical status. Nana confirmed that Strickland is not currently cleared to compete but is working on his return.

However, the interview was interrupted by MVP, who made his AEW debut after leaving WWE in August when his contract expired. MVP wasted no time criticizing Nana’s management of Strickland, accusing him of focusing more on dancing and selling coffee than on Strickland’s career.

MVP handed Nana a business card, telling him to pass it on to Strickland when he’s ready to “get serious” and “talk business.” The move signals MVP’s intention to position himself as a potential new manager for Strickland, promising a more focused approach to his AEW career.

In addition to his recent AEW debut, MVP has had a storied pro wrestling career, competing in various major promotions across the globe. After first rising to prominence in WWE in the mid-2000s, MVP held the WWE United States Championship twice and the WWE Tag Team Championship once. Following his WWE tenure, he worked for promotions such as NJPW, TNA/Impact Wrestling, and ROH before eventually returning to WWE in 2020. His most recent WWE stint saw him form the Hurt Business stable alongside Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and Cedric Alexander, propelling Lashley to main-event status.

MVP’s departure from WWE in August came as a surprise to many, with rumors of his involvement in AEW swirling shortly afterward. Earlier reports indicated that the Hurt Syndicate was in talks with AEW, and we can now confirm that MVP has officially signed with the company. However, despite speculation that his former Hurt Business stablemate Bobby Lashley might join him, Lashley did not appear alongside MVP tonight.

MVP’s arrival in AEW brings an intriguing dynamic to Swerve Strickland’s future. Will Strickland take MVP’s offer and change his course in AEW? Only time will tell.

What are your thoughts on MVP’s arrival in AEW, and how do you think this potential partnership with Swerve Strickland will impact his career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!