EP. 23 – Macho Man Randy Savage, Protecting Your Spot, & Promo Psychology

Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. This episode covers how “Macho Man” Randy Savage guided MVP early in his career, the art of wrestling promos, and advice on balancing a wrestler’s persona with company storylines — all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business. MVP recalls how, as a young wrestler, he impressed “Macho Man” Randy Savage with a fearless promo at a tryout. Randy Savage stayed in touch with advice like “Don’t trust anybody, save your money” and called to congratulate MVP when he signed with WWE. MVP breaks down the art of the promo, explaining it should be structured like a match, building up to a big payoff. He describes how he spoke calmly to contrast an opponent’s wild rant—drawing in the audience before Bobby Lashley delivered the final word. It’s a masterclass in how pacing and tone captivate fans. MVP also addresses how wrestlers protect their persona while serving storylines, noting that newcomers must accept any gimmick but once a wrestler “moves the needle” they earn more say. He shares Chris Jericho’s lesson that a veteran losing can elevate new talent—it's business, not ego. His Hurt Syndicate will put over younger talent only if it doesn’t hurt their credibility. MVP and Dwayne wrap up by thanking the audience and shouting out friends Chris Van Vliet and Baby Bash, as MVP reflects on his journey and invites fans to stay tuned for more. Get early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. Unlock the real story behind the squared circle—join our Patreon now → https://www.patreon.com/TheMarkingOutShow 🔥 Enjoying the show? Houston rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze brings the same storytelling precision to his music. Experience his latest tracks on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4mnveyr & Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dwayne-swayze/1368365090. Follow for exclusive updates. About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze: Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits. New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of professional wrestling. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marking-out-with-mvp-and-dwayne-swayze/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy