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 breaks down what separates top wrestlers from the rest—from mastering nerves in high-stakes WWE matches, to the critical difference between pre-taped and live promos. He shares how fear can motivate or cripple talent, what it was like debuting as MVP, and the surprising origin stories behind WWE’s most unlikely success stories—including his own early run and The New Day’s transformation from a doubted act to fan-favorite legends. The episode also features an inside look at the first official Hurt Business reunion, the importance of learning the business side of wrestling, and lessons for new talent trying to make it. Hear candid stories about working with legends like Kane, Benoit, and Undertaker, rare behind-the-scenes moments with WWE writers, and why crowd interaction can make or break a segment—all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

Get early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. Unlock the real story behind the squared circle—join our Patreon now → https://www.patreon.com/TheMarkingOutShow 🔥

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.

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.

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. This episode begins with the origin story behind the Hurt Syndicate's theme music. MVP breaks down how the track came together with Smoke DZA, Westside Gunn, and producer Cartune Beatz—from beat edits and recording sessions to that now-iconic “We Hurt People” hook. He reveals behind-the-scenes insights into how AEW licensed the track, what makes it hit with live crowds, and how the song became an underground anthem across arenas and indie shows.

From there, the conversation shifts into the differences between indie wrestling and working for major companies like AEW and WWE. MVP draws comparisons between small-stage hustle and big-league polish, highlighting the challenges indie wrestlers face when transitioning to televised work. He discusses how talent should adapt for the hard cam, build locker room equity, and embrace professionalism as a standard—not an exception.

MVP also shares stories from his early days working televised matches in Florida, his time learning from veterans like Steve Keirn and Dutch Mantell, and his experience adjusting to WWE’s production system under Vince McMahon. The episode closes with real talk about locker room dynamics, dressing room etiquette, and how company culture shapes what goes on behind the curtain. —all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

Get early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. Unlock the real story behind the squared circle—join our Patreon now → https://www.patreon.com/TheMarkingOutShow 🔥

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.

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.

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.

Get early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. Unlock the real story behind the squared circle—join our Patreon now → https://www.patreon.com/TheMarkingOutShow 🔥

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.