EP. 4 – Black Belt Matches, Road Reps, & Earning Trust in the Ring

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 explores what it truly takes to build trust, chemistry, and long-term credibility between wrestlers—especially while working nonstop on the road. MVP breaks down how weekly live events act as real-time training for televised matches, helping wrestlers sharpen timing, adapt in the moment, and connect with audiences without relying on rehearsals or planned spots.

MVP shares stories that highlight the value of instinct and trust. One standout: a live event match in Tupelo, Mississippi with Shelton Benjamin, called entirely on the fly. With Edge and The Great Khali injured and headlining, MVP and Shelton knew the show rested on their shoulders—and their performance earned backstage praise from legends like Ricky Steamboat.

He also shares a defining “black belt” moment from a match in Vienna, where he was tasked with calling an entire bout solo. A quiet nod of approval from The Undertaker confirmed what MVP already knew: he had arrived as a true ring general.

The episode goes deeper into wrestling psychology—explaining how the greatest workers, from Dusty Rhodes to Dolph Ziggler, use facial expressions and emotional realism to draw sympathy and sell a match. MVP stresses that wrestling isn’t about memorized moves—it’s about making people believe.

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 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.