After nearly two decades of on-and-off runs with WWE, Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) has candidly explained the reasons behind his departure from the “E” and his decision to join All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Speaking on Chris Van Vliet’s popular podcast “Insight,” MVP detailed the frustration stemming from WWE’s abrupt dissolution of The Hurt Business stable—a key factor driving him away from WWE and into AEW’s fold.

MVP, a two-time United States Champion and one-time Tag Team Champion during his WWE tenure, reflected on how The Hurt Business, consisting of Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander, and himself, was unexpectedly shut down by WWE management. “Everybody knows that The Hurt Business got shut down in WWE for reasons that have never been made clear to me,” MVP said in the interview. “No one has ever said, and I begged Vince [McMahon], Bobby begged Vince, please don’t do this. Vince had his ideas of what he wanted to do, and everybody genuinely agrees that we got shut down way too soon”[3].

This sudden breakup under the WWE management—especially after the 2020 resurgence of the group and its credible feuds with top acts like The New Day and RK-Bro—left MVP disillusioned. According to sources close to MVP, this mishandling was largely attributed to the new regime led by Triple H, which shifted WWE’s creative direction and priorities, leaving talents like MVP feeling sidelined[2].

With his WWE contract expiring in August 2024, MVP took the opportunity to exit the company. “When it came time for our contracts, I made it very clear that I don’t want to be there anymore,” MVP confirmed. Evidence of this was Shelton Benjamin’s release from WWE prior to MVP’s own departure, reinforcing their collective decision not to recommit under the new management[1][3].

The transition to AEW came quickly after MVP’s WWE exit. Teaming up once again with Lashley and Benjamin, these former Hurt Business members reassembled in AEW under the new banner “The Hurt Syndicate.” This alliance has allowed them to continue both their storied rivalry and mentorship of AEW’s emerging talents. MVP highlighted this aspect, saying, “Contrary to what the internet tells you, there are a lot of young guys that come up and ask us for advice and ask us to watch their matches and ask us for insight, and I love being able to pay it forward because people gave it to me”[3].

MVP also expressed gratitude towards AEW president Tony Khan for believing in their value and giving them a platform to extend their narrative: “Thank you to Tony Khan for seeing something in us and believing in us and giving us an opportunity to end The Hurt Syndicate in AEW, and for us to finish telling our story”[3].

This move aligns with a growing trend of established WWE stars finding fresh opportunities in AEW. AEW’s willingness to elevate vet talents and blend them with younger stars has created fertile ground for wrestlers seeking creative freedom and respect—conditions that MVP found increasingly difficult to secure during WWE’s recent leadership changes.

MVP’s wrestling journey has frequently involved reinvention. He previously left WWE in 2010 due to burnout, explaining in past interviews that he wanted to reignite his passion by competing internationally, especially in Japan, before returning stateside. His earlier exits were often motivated by creative frustrations and the physical toll of WWE’s demanding schedule. “I was burned out on the WWE machine. I needed to recharge and rekindle the flame,” MVP said during a retrospective interview[4][6].

Now, with his current AEW run, MVP enjoys both renewed creative satisfaction and the chance to mentor up-and-coming wrestlers. The Hurt Syndicate has rekindled the chemistry and intensity of their WWE stable days, promising fans a continuation of one of WWE’s most respected groups of recent years, but with new life and narratives in AEW[3].

According to Fightful and other wrestling news platforms, the backstage buzz around MVP’s signing with AEW has been overwhelmingly positive, noting how the veteran’s experience, leadership, and charisma have bolstered AEW’s locker room culture. Sources close to Tony Khan have indicated that MVP’s signing was part of AEW’s strategic focus on blending seasoned stars with fresh talent to maintain a dynamic yet grounded roster[1][2].

In summary, MVP’s candid discussion reveals that his WWE departure was largely born of frustration with sudden creative changes that dismantled a beloved stable without explanation. The opportunity to unite with former allies and contribute meaningfully to AEW’s landscape offered the perfect next chapter for his career. As The Hurt Syndicate gathers momentum in AEW, fans can expect MVP to continue showcasing the blend of skill, leadership, and passion that made him a standout in WWE for nearly 20 years.

This latest chapter in MVP’s storied career exemplifies the shifting dynamics in pro wrestling, where talent mobility and creative freedom have become increasingly important. For MVP, the move to AEW is not just a new job—it’s a chance to write the next successful installment in his enduring wrestling legacy.

Sources: Interview on “Insight” with Chris Van Vliet[3], Fightful[2], Sportskeeda[1], past MVP interviews[4][6], Wrestling Inc.