EP. 13 - Montel Vontavious Porter on His AEW Role, Ring Psychology, and the Art of the Audible

What makes a wrestler truly last 20+ years—and stay relevant across eras, companies, and continents? 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. MVP opens up about what separates stars from flashes-in-the-pan—sharing how real mentorship, the right entrance music, and mastering the art of improvisation changed his career. He explains how he shares wisdom with younger AEW talent like Kyle Fletcher while honoring veterans like Fit Finley. He breaks down how theme songs shape a wrestler’s identity, tracing his evolution from Antonio Banks with Ludacris’ “Move” to MVP with Silkk the Shocker’s “I’m Coming”—handpicked by Dusty Rhodes and approved by Vince McMahon himself. The conversation dives into the psychology of switching between heel and face, the loss of live event reps in modern wrestling, and calling audibles based on crowd reactions. MVP recalls career-defining moments with Shelton Benjamin, the power of crowd connection, and the story behind the “We Hurt People” theme made with Smoke DZA and Westside Gunn. Whether you're a fan, wrestler, or student of the game, this episode offers a masterclass in longevity, crowd psychology, and building legacy—all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

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Enjoying the show? Houston rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze brings the same storytelling precision to his music. Experience his latest tracks on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3CFDVhx & 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 Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP)—a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business—and Dwayne Swayze, a 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. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of professional wrestling.