In a recent interview with Q101, the renowned manager and in-ring competitor MVP shared his candid thoughts on his experience working in WWE, particularly in comparison to his time in AEW. Having recently joined forces with Tony Khan’s promotion alongside Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, the core members of their popular WWE faction, The Hurt Syndicate, are now reuniting under a new banner.
A New Chapter in AEW
MVP’s remarks come as a significant development in the ongoing saga of talent migration between WWE and AEW. The manager’s comments not only provide insight into his decision to leave WWE but also highlight the contrasting approaches of WWE’s Paul Levesque (Triple H) and AEW’s Tony Khan. MVP expressed his gratitude to Khan for the opportunity to join AEW, crediting the promotion’s president with fostering a more favorable environment for its performers.
“I have to say, [Tony Khan] is a better person all around than Triple H,” MVP declared. “The way he treats his talent, the way he respects our time and our bodies, it’s a completely different approach. He genuinely cares about the well-being of his employees, and that’s something that I haven’t experienced in a long time.”
A Shift in Priorities
MVP’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among former WWE talent who have made the jump to AEW. The promotion’s focus on talent development and welfare has attracted several high-profile signings, including Lashley, Benjamin, and now MVP himself. In contrast, WWE has faced criticism for its treatment of performers, particularly with regards to its concussion protocols and workers’ compensation policies.
According to a WWE insider, the promotion’s priorities have long been centered around maintaining its status as a global entertainment powerhouse, often at the expense of its performers’ well-being. “WWE has always been about the show, about putting on a spectacle that will draw in eyeballs,” the source revealed. “But at what cost? The wrestlers are the ones who put their bodies on the line every night, and they deserve to be treated with the respect and care that they deserve.”
A Different Approach in AEW
MVP’s praise for Tony Khan and AEW’s approach to talent management is not an isolated sentiment. Several other performers who have made the switch to AEW have echoed similar sentiments, citing the promotion’s commitment to their well-being and creative input. With Khan at the helm, AEW has established itself as a progressive and performer-centric promotion, one that prioritizes the needs and concerns of its talent above all else.
As MVP and his fellow members of The Hurt Syndicate continue to make waves in AEW, their decision to join forces with Tony Khan’s promotion serves as a testament to the benefits of a more performer-focused approach. Whether WWE will take note of the criticism and adapt its own approach remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that MVP and others are thrilled to be part of a promotion that genuinely cares about its talent.
The Future of The Hurt Syndicate
With The Hurt Syndicate reuniting in AEW, fans can expect to see a renewed focus on the faction’s core values and ideals. MVP and his cohorts have long been known for their unique blend of charisma, athleticism, and in-ring chemistry, and their reunion in AEW promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the promotion’s already stacked roster.
As the dust settles on their departures from WWE, MVP and his fellow members of The Hurt Syndicate are ready to take on the next chapter of their careers in AEW. With Tony Khan at the helm and a renewed focus on performer welfare, the future is bright for this talented faction and the promotion as a whole.