EP. 7 – Life After Wrestling: Injury, Money, and the Hard Truths

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 pulls back the curtain on the physical toll, financial realities, and emotional challenges that come with life in—and after—the ring. He shares how evolving medical standards in WWE and AEW changed the culture around injuries, and why disclosure is now mandatory, not optional. From nearly missing a major pay-per-view due to a groin injury to receiving PRP treatments and compression gear, MVP walks through how care has improved since the early days of taping yourself up and hiding the pain.

MVP also reveals the backstory behind Bobby Lashley’s Impact World Championship win, explaining how his own sudden knee injury abroad led to Lashley being brought in—and why he has zero regrets about stepping aside. The conversation then shifts to the economics of wrestling: how AEW covers travel and hotels while WWE talent pay out-of-pocket for road expenses. MVP breaks down why six-figure contracts can be misleading when factoring in those costs, and discusses the gender pay gap in pro wrestling, giving props to pioneers like Gail Kim and Mickie James.

The episode closes with a sobering but honest look at what happens when the spotlight fades. MVP reflects on former stars who now work regular jobs, the instability of indie bookings, and how many wrestlers struggle after their TV run ends. Despite the harsh truths, he expresses deep gratitude for still being relevant after 20+ years, while reminding fans: not everyone makes it, and even fewer stay.

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.

This episode is a must-listen for wrestling fans who want to go beyond WWE and AEW’s scripted world and hear firsthand from one of the industry’s most respected veterans.

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.