The Hurt Syndicate, AEW’s dominant heel faction led by MVP, has reportedly generated some backstage heat amidst frustrations over booking decisions and title reign management. While the group remains a fan-favorite powerhouse on AEW Dynamite, numerous insider reports indicate tensions within the locker room related to how the faction’s creative direction is being handled.

According to Fightful and Wrestling Inc., multiple AEW talent have voiced displeasure over The Hurt Syndicate’s reluctance to drop their AEW World Tag Team Championships, leading to clashes behind the scenes. Sources close to AEW reveal that various pitches for the faction to lose the belts—such as a proposed title change to FTR involving Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin—were shot down by MVP and the group’s members. This has led some wrestlers to perceive the faction as “heels that do cool moves, beat up everyone, and give fans fives on the way out,” but who maintain an impenetrable booking shield.

A report via WrestleZone expands on this, noting that MVP’s preferences for potential losses include teams like The Gates of Agony, The Outrunners, and Private Party. There was discussion about possibly dropping the titles to Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay, though that was complicated by Ospreay’s recent neck injury. The Hurt Syndicate has already defeated all of MVP’s suggested teams, reportedly fueling frustration about their continued dominance without significant storyline setbacks.

Although these backstage issues emerged, it is important to highlight that the overall AEW locker room morale remains positive in 2025, as confirmed by multiple sources including Wrestling Observer Radio and talent interviews. “[The locker room is] very, very happy with the show, very, very happy with the morale,” an AEW insider told Fightful. The success of events like All In Texas and consistent fan enthusiasm have contributed to a generally upbeat atmosphere backstage despite isolated heat involving The Hurt Syndicate.

Moreover, there appears to be no animosity between MJF and The Hurt Syndicate, contrary to some speculation. Sources clarify that the original plan was for MJF and the faction to have a longer alliance, but the separation was amicable and did not cause internal friction. MVP’s backstage reputation, however, is reportedly the major factor contributing to the subtle discord, especially due to his strong creative influence on The Hurt Syndicate’s booking and match outcomes.

In a recent Cultaholic podcast segment, it was noted that while AEW’s locker room is mostly united, MVP and the faction stand out as exceptions with unique booking demands. This dynamic has prompted some backstage whispers about the need for more storyline flexibility around The Hurt Syndicate to prevent further frustration among AEW’s diverse roster.

Despite these backstage challenges, all three Hurt Syndicate members have multiple years remaining on their AEW contracts, and there have been no reports of any imminent departures. The faction’s prominence on Dynamite continues unabated, and they remain a central heel force driving AEW’s tag team division.

To summarize, while The Hurt Syndicate’s on-screen dominance has thrilled fans, the backstage reality is more nuanced. The faction’s resistance to relinquishing titles and MVP’s booking assertiveness have stirred some locker room tension, though AEW’s overall morale remains strong. As one insider told Wrestling Inc., “The Hurt Syndicate may be unstoppable in the ring, but behind the scenes, their reign is causing some waves that AEW will need to navigate carefully moving forward.”

Sources: Fightful, Wrestling Inc., Wrestling Observer Radio, WrestleZone, Cultaholic Podcast, AEW official statements.