MVP, the AEW star and former WWE talent, is reportedly in early discussions with WWE legend and Hollywood actor Dave Bautista to produce a feature film that chronicles MVP’s turbulent life journey. The project, tentatively called ‘Rated X’, aims to provide an unfiltered, gritty portrayal of MVP’s experiences—marked by both professional wrestling glory and significant personal challenges[2][3][4].
MVP’s Vision: A Raw, Authentic Story
On his podcast Marking Out with MVP, MVP revealed that he has long considered sharing his life story through both a book and a movie. Unlike many celebrity memoirs that rely on ghostwriters, MVP is committed to penning the book himself, ensuring authenticity in every detail. He emphasized that his life story is far from conventional, filled with moments that push the boundaries of traditional PG storytelling.
MVP described his tale as “Rated R as [expletive],” underscoring the darker, more complex aspects of his past that include, among other things, a near-decade-long prison sentence for an armed robbery committed on a cruise ship. He joked that the project might even need to be classified “Rated X”—highlighting the unvarnished and adult themes his life encompasses[2][4][6].
Dave Bautista’s Role in Production
MVP’s close friend Dave Bautista, who has successfully transitioned from wrestling to Hollywood, is not just attached as a potential producer but also as a trusted collaborator to bring this story to life. Bautista has a well-established production company, Dogbone Entertainment, which has been involved in several high-profile projects.
According to MVP, the partnership with Bautista feels natural because Bautista understands the wrestling world and the nuances of stories that don’t fit conventional molds. MVP trusts Bautista to handle his story with care and integrity, stating he would not want just anyone to represent the intricacies of his life on screen.
An insider connected to the project said, “Dave Bautista has the industry experience and the personal insight into wrestling culture to ensure MVP’s story is told truthfully and powerfully. This isn’t just another sports biopic—it’s much grittier and real.” This intimate understanding could make ‘Rated X’ a compelling addition to both wrestling documentaries and Hollywood biopics[2][3][4].
Why MVP’s Life Story Is a Perfect Candidate for Film
MVP’s background includes career highs in WWE, impactful storylines in AEW, and a personal journey that traverses hardship, redemption, and resilience. His honesty about moments such as incarceration and overcoming adversity offers fertile ground for a dramatic narrative that could resonate with broader audiences beyond wrestling fans.
The story’s unusual and intense elements—spanning crime, punishment, and comeback—are rare in wrestling biographies, which often focus narrowly on in-ring success and backstage drama. MVP sees this project as a chance to tell his story in his own voice, without sugarcoating, revealing his flawed humanity alongside his triumphs[4].
What’s Next for the Project?
While the Rated X movie is still in the conceptual phase, MVP confirmed that the idea remains “on the back burner” as he focuses on other creative outlets, including his work in AEW and his commitment to writing his memoir. No official timeline for script development or casting has been announced yet.
Sources close to both MVP and Bautista confirm that talks have been productive but cautious, reflecting the seriousness with which both parties regard the project. They want to ensure that the production accurately reflects MVP’s truth without inserting the Hollywood gloss often seen in biopics.
Potential Impact on Wrestling and Hollywood
If the film moves forward, it could mark a significant moment where wrestling stories are portrayed with a stark realism rarely explored on the big screen. Bautista’s growing clout in Hollywood paired with MVP’s compelling life could attract interest from major studios or streaming platforms looking for authentic, hard-hitting drama grounded in real-life figures.
The collaboration between two former WWE stars turned Hollywood figures might also pave the way for more wrestling-related stories that venture beyond ring rivalries and scripted drama, instead digging into the profound human experiences behind the personas[1][2][4].
Backstage Insight: A WWE insider familiar with MVP’s current projects revealed, “MVP’s story is not your typical wrestling gimmick story — it’s raw and real. He’s passionate about telling it his way, and with someone like Dave involved, it’s got a serious shot at resonating outside just wrestling circles.”
This potential film reflects a broader trend of wrestlers transitioning into other media and telling their own stories in their own words. Fans and industry watchers will be eager to see how this collaboration unfolds and whether MVP’s ‘Rated X’ story will hit the big screen in the near future[3][7].