EP. 9 – Hurt Business Reunion & WWE Gimmicks That Almost Failed

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. In this episode, MVP breaks down what separates top wrestlers from the rest—from mastering nerves in high-stakes WWE matches, to the critical difference between pre-taped and live promos. He shares how fear can motivate or cripple talent, what it was like debuting as MVP, and the surprising origin stories behind WWE’s most unlikely success stories—including his own early run and The New Day’s transformation from a doubted act to fan-favorite legends. The episode also features an inside look at the first official Hurt Business reunion, the importance of learning the business side of wrestling, and lessons for new talent trying to make it. Hear candid stories about working with legends like Kane, Benoit, and Undertaker, rare behind-the-scenes moments with WWE writers, and why crowd interaction can make or break a segment—all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business. 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