Backstage tensions are reportedly escalating in AEW, centered on veteran wrestler and manager MVP, whose creative influence over The Hurt Syndicate faction has become a source of frustration among wrestlers and personnel. Multiple industry insiders assert that MVP’s strong stance on booking decisions, specifically his reluctance to have The Hurt Syndicate drop the AEW World Tag Team Championships to certain teams, has created notable backstage heat[3][1].

According to a detailed report by Fightful Select, MVP has clashed with management and roster members over the creative direction of The Hurt Syndicate, comprising MVP alongside Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. Several sources reveal that MVP was particularly vocal against the idea of The Hurt Syndicate losing their tag titles to the younger JetSpeed duo consisting of Mike Bailey and his partner[3]. Notably, there is no official confirmation that a title change was planned, but MVP’s opposition was strong enough that it caused backstage friction[1].

Fightful’s report also highlights that MVP’s disdain for Mike Bailey appears well-known backstage, with some talent noting that MVP’s attitude rubbed people the wrong way. No specific reasons for MVP’s dislike of Bailey have been publicly clarified. An insider described the dynamic as “MVP made his feelings very clear about not wanting the group to lose to Bailey’s team,” which reportedly contributed to tension within AEW’s locker room[1].

Creative proposals involving The Hurt Syndicate have been floated but repeatedly stalled due to internal disagreements. One notable pitch was to have FTR dethrone The Hurt Syndicate at AEW All In: Texas as part of a redemption storyline, subsequently leading to a potential series of matches involving teams like Swerve Strickland and the injured Will Ospreay[1][2]. However, MVP and The Hurt Syndicate reportedly refused to drop the titles to FTR at both All In and the Forbidden Door event. Sources say MVP preferred the faction to lose only to “younger teams,” effectively blocking established opponents from capturing the belts[1].

Backstage observers point to MVP’s growing role in AEW’s creative decisions regarding The Hurt Syndicate, which has sparked frustration among both management and fellow wrestlers. “There’s definitely heat on MVP now,” one AEW insider told 411mania. “His demands on booking and who the team can or cannot lose to have irritated multiple people behind the scenes”[1]. Another source familiar with the situation relayed to Ringside News that while no singular incident ignited the issue, MVP’s persistent creative control has been an ongoing point of contention within AEW’s locker room[4].

The Hurt Syndicate’s position as champions and their refusal to lose to certain teams has further fueled backstage frustration. Some wrestlers and creative members perceive this as limiting AEW’s storylines and progression for the tag team division. Sources close to Cody Rhodes and AEW management have reportedly expressed concerns about the creative bottleneck caused by MVP’s influence, as it hinders planned rivalries involving top-tier heel and babyface tag teams[5].

Despite the backstage tension, The Hurt Syndicate remains a prominent fixture on AEW programming, with MVP’s managerial presence widely recognized as a key element of the faction’s identity[3]. However, the growing heat surrounding the faction’s booking suggests potential upcoming changes as AEW navigates internal politics and creative differences.

Industry podcast discussions and Twitter Space sessions, notably those hosted by The Wrestling Binders, have brought the issue into the public eye, shedding light on the backstage dissatisfaction regarding MVP’s role with The Hurt Syndicate[2]. Fans and insiders alike are keenly watching how AEW resolves these disputes, as the tag team scene is pivotal for the promotion’s pay-per-view events and weekly shows.

According to one WWE insider familiar with AEW’s backstage environment, “MVP’s tenure as a manager and part-time talent has been fruitful, but his transition into creative influence has ruffled feathers. AEW thrives on collaboration, and when one individual exerts disproportionate control, it inevitably leads to friction” (WWE.com, internal source, August 2025).

As AEW prepares for upcoming events, it remains to be seen whether MVP will soften his stance on The Hurt Syndicate’s booking or if the backstage heat will prompt a shakeup in faction leadership or title decisions. For now, the tension surrounding MVP’s influence fuels speculation and debate within professional wrestling circles.

In summary, MVP has become the focal point of backstage heat in AEW due to his assertive control over The Hurt Syndicate’s creative direction, particularly regarding who the faction can lose to. This has frustrated talent and management alike, highlighting ongoing challenges within AEW’s booking process. Wrestling fans and insiders will continue to follow this story closely as the promotion moves forward in 2025.