EP. 21 – Wrestling Passion vs. Business, Timeless Matches & Bar Fights

What does it really take to turn a dream into a career, and what do you sacrifice to keep your passion alive? Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. In this episode, MVP reveals the raw truth of his journey, from Florida indie loops that barely paid for gas, to selling weed and steroids just to afford boots and hotels, to cashing his first $500 WWE developmental check that left friends stunned. He details the climb to six-figure paydays on the main roster, the lessons he learned about contracts, taxes, and branding, and why he shocked many by walking away from WWE at his peak to reignite his love for wrestling in Japan. MVP also explains what separates a one-night crowd-pleaser from a timeless classic. He points to technology and exposure as the difference, citing Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage as a match preserved for history while countless Ric Flair bouts with Steamboat live only in memory. He recalls his own house-show war with Shelton Benjamin in Tupelo, Mississippi, a match fans will never see because it was never taped. The conversation shifts to comedy in wrestling, where MVP stresses that villains must turn laughs into heat. A joke at the heel’s expense should fuel the story, not derail it, and laughter must quickly turn into jeers once the villain retaliates. Finally, MVP shares a hotel-bar moment from WrestleMania weekend where he, Shayna Baszler, and Josh Barnett stood with Grayson Waller to shut down rowdy fans, earning the nickname “The Hotel Avengers.” The episode closes with gratitude to listeners, a shout to a fan who surfaced MVP’s long-lost U.S. Title win over Chris Benoit, and a reflection on why wrestling still matters after decades in the game, all with unfiltered insight from one of the industry’s most respected veterans. 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