AEW star Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) recently gave fans an insider glimpse into the legendary promo classes once led by WWE chairman Vince McMahon—sessions dedicated to perfecting the art of wrestling storytelling through interviews and promos. MVP revealed how even seasoned WWE Superstars were expected to attend these strict, notebook-required classes and absorb McMahon’s unique teaching style, which deeply connected promos to in-ring matches.
Vince McMahon’s Direct Role in Teaching Promos
During a recent episode of his Marking Out podcast, MVP recalled how WWE’s top executive didn’t just delegate promo training—he personally ran the classes himself. These weren’t casual workshops but mandatory, high-pressure sessions that demanded full attention from the roster. MVP described how everyone, regardless of their experience level, was required to bring notebooks and take detailed notes under Vince’s watchful eye.
One of the key lessons repeated by McMahon, according to MVP, was the striking idea that “a promo is a match. A match is a promo.” This philosophy highlights how promos are as much a part of wrestling storytelling and ticket-selling as the physical bouts themselves[1][5].
“I remember Vince looking over and saying, ‘Take more notes,’” MVP recalled. “Everything he said was on point—a validation for me, but also a reminder not to get complacent.”[1]
The Promo Formula: Mirroring the Wrestling Match
MVP detailed how Vince McMahon drilled into talent the shared narrative structure between promos and matches. Both must have a beginning, build tension, and culminate in a memorable finish designed to captivate audiences and sell future shows.
He explained the rhythm of a great promo follows the same psychology as a wrestling bout:
- Opening (lock-up): Introduce the conflict or concept
- Middle (heat): Build intensity and drama
- Conclusion (finish): Deliver a climax that leaves fans eager for more
This mirrored structure helps wrestlers craft promos that are more than just talking—they become performances that advance storylines and hype matches, ultimately driving viewer interest and ticket sales[2].
The Importance of Promos in Modern Wrestling
MVP’s insights shed light on how promos remain crucial in wrestling’s entertainment formula. For Vince McMahon, promo skill was not only about verbally selling a match but was the match in many ways. A sharp promo could elevate a wrestler’s character and pay-per-view buys, sometimes even more than the in-ring action.
Veterans like MVP had to continually refine this craft, proving that even established stars weren’t exempt from McMahon’s exacting standards. According to sources close to AEW, MVP’s appreciation for this promo philosophy carried over into his new role mentoring younger talent in AEW, emphasizing the timeless nature of strong storytelling[5].
Backstage Perspective: Why Vince Insisted on Promo Classes
According to a WWE insider familiar with the company’s creative process, Vince McMahon’s promo classes stemmed from his belief that every Superstar must master charisma and mic work to succeed in the business.
“Vince always said that no matter how great your wrestling skills are, if you can’t tell a story with words and make people care, you’re only half a performer,” the source explained. “Those classes were tough but designed to keep everyone sharp and marketable.”
Such an approach explains why promo-heavy legends like Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Macho Man Randy Savage, and John Cena were revered not only for wrestling prowess but also their interview mastery[2].
MVP’s Legacy and the Promo Artistry Today
Now with AEW, MVP carries forward the foundation laid during those WWE promo classes, often dissecting the psychology behind wrestling promos and matches for his podcast audience. By explaining the art behind wrestling storytelling, he continues to emphasize that at its core, wrestling is a medium built on emotional engagement—whether inside the ring or on the microphone[2].
Wrestling journalists and fans alike respect MVP’s unique vantage point as someone who trained under Vince McMahon’s direct mentorship and now helps shape the next generation’s approach to ring psychology and character-building.
Vince McMahon’s hands-on promo classes remain a legendary chapter of WWE’s history that continue to influence the art of wrestling storytelling across promotions. MVP’s reflections reveal just how much importance McMahon placed on perfecting every aspect of performance—words included—in the spectacle of professional wrestling.