MVP made it clear he’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 wasn’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.”
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 don’t want to re-sign. I want to go to Japan because I needed to rekindle my passion.”
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 weren’t happy because of how they were being booked, how they were being used… and that WWE corporate culture of that time.”
He vowed not to end up like that.
“I promised myself I never wanted to be the guy showing up for the check.”
Instead of locking himself into a life of creative frustration, MVP took a pay cut and signed with New Japan. Financially, he admits it wasn’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.”
MVP’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.
