MVP made it clear heâ€s not the type to stay in a situation just for the paycheck.
Speaking on the Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze podcast, the former United States Champion revealed he wasnâ€t fired from WWE during his first run with the company—he actually asked to leave, despite making close to seven figures. He addressed the long-standing misconception about his WWE departure:
“A lot of people thought that I got fired from WWE my first run. I asked for my release. I was making… man, my best year I was just shy of a million dollars. It was like 80 or—you know, I was doing great.â€
Even when WWE put a lucrative five-year deal on the table, MVP said no. Instead, he chose to leave and follow a path he felt would reignite his passion.
“They were trying to give me a five-year deal and I said no, I donâ€t want to re-sign. I want to go to Japan because I needed to rekindle my passion.â€
According to MVP, the environment at the time had taken a toll. The backstage vibe was full of wrestlers who felt stuck in unhappy roles, doing just enough to cash their checks.
“They werenâ€t happy because of how they were being booked, how they were being used… and that WWE corporate culture of that time.â€
He vowed not to end up like that.
“I promised myself I never wanted to be the guy showing up for the check.â€
Instead of locking himself into a life of creative frustration, MVP took a pay cut and signed with New Japan. Financially, he admits it wasnâ€t a smart business move—but spiritually, it saved his connection to wrestling.
“It was a bad business decision, but I felt my passion was rekindled.â€
MVPâ€s story is a rare one in the wrestling world—a top star walking away from major money to protect his love for the business.
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Would you have rejected that type of money if you were MVP? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
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