EP. 19 – Wrestling’s Physical Toll, Hot Tags & Most Painful Finishers

MVP reveals his all-time top five music artists, then dives into wrestling’s pain, psychology, and rarest payoffs. 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 shares his top five favorite music artists; opens up about wrestling’s painful reality and the toll it takes on the body; breaks down the art of the perfect hot tag; and explains why a heel manager rarely gets touched until it’s time for a big payoff—all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business. MVP begins by sharing his all-time top five music artists – an eclectic mix spanning punk, funk, hip-hop, and classic rock. Next, he addresses how much wrestling really hurts. MVP explains the “bump card” concept—the idea that a wrestler only has so many bumps—and likens taking nightly bumps for years to enduring a series of small car crashes. In his 20s he could dive off ladders and be fine the next day, but by his 40s those same stunts left him wrecked. Even legends aren’t spared: Hulk Hogan’s leg drop wrecked his back, and The Undertaker needed hip surgeries by the end of his career. He also shares insider lessons on tag team psychology—specifically how to build a perfect “hot tag” that ignites the crowd—and on the art of a manager at ringside. Fans learn why stretching out that hot tag moment makes the payoff so satisfying, and why a heel manager should almost never be touched until the end of a feud. As a manager now, MVP carries a cane as his signature prop but uses it sparingly. Finally, he caps the episode with a lightning round of the top five most painful finishing moves he’s endured—topped by The Great Khali’s devastating chop and two-handed powerbomb. 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