The return of MVP to WWE has been a huge success for both parties. WWE loves using MVP in a managerial role, and it gives him another chance to add more memorable moments to his career. Fans have loved getting the chance to see a star from the past find an effective role in the company today.
MVP has had a few versions of his character showcased in WWE and beyond. The results range from disappointments that failed to meet expectations, to incredible stints that defined MVP’s career. Find out which versions of MVP were the worst, leading all the way up to the best.
8 Teaming With Mark Henry
WWE tried to create a makeshift tag team of MVP and Mark Henry when both wrestlers were looking for something new to do. The run came with both wrestlers playing face characters and becoming a top pushed duo for a few months.
Unfortunately, fans didn’t connect with the team and it felt a bit forced. Henry looked silly in the new red gear and the jokes about it were the most memorable part of the team. MVP started to realize it was time to leave WWE during this chapter of his career.
7 TNA Authority Figure
MVP's return to the United States wrestling scene after a break saw him signing with TNA. Dixie Carter was playing the heel authority figure when MVP began a feud with her. The alliance with the debuting American Wolves allowed MVP to win a Winner-Takes-All match.
TNA moved forward with MVP running the show as a face for a few months. The eventual pivot saw a heel turn coming his way which resulted in a return as a full-time in-ring performer. MVP’s time as a TNA authority figure was lackluster overall, and is an often forgotten part of his career.
6 Underdog Face
The progression of MVP in WWE saw his first face run come about in a unique manner. MVP was one of the top heels for WWE for a few years before the turn finally happened. The storyline played out with MVP’s heel run ending with a huge losing streak.
MVP did not score a win for over four months with his opponents transitioning from faces to heels. The fans started to rally behind him with the hopes of him finally scoring a victory. Fellow face Triple H helped MVP defeat Big Show to end the streak and helped him forward as a strong mid-card face winning the United States Championship once more.
5 Beat Down Clan
MVP’s stint with TNA found the most success during his heel turn which led to the formation of the Beat Down Clan. An alliance with Bobby Lashley would see other credible heels and friends of the two joining the group to become the dominant faction in TNA.
Samoa Joe, Kenny King, Homicide and Low Ki were the other talented members of the group that benefited from MVP leading them. Unfortunately, the group ended faster than expected due to Hernandez not being upfront about his Lucha Underground contract. TNA was forced to remove months of segments it had already taped and ended the group without an explanation.
4 NJPW Run
MVP was one of the few wrestlers who chose to leave WWE on his own despite no other major American promotions providing him with the same potential for stardom. When MVP entered the business, he dreamed about working with NJPW, at at this point in his career, he cared more about the passion than the money.
NJPW signed MVP to become one of the top mid-carders during its first small first steps towards expanding in the United States. MVP made history as the first-ever IWGP Intercontinental Champion, introducing the title on NJPW’s American tour. The three years in NJPW allowed MVP to live out his dream, feuding with the likes of Masato Tanaka, Tory Yano, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer.
3 Forced Partnership With Matt Hardy
The rivalry between Matt Hardy and MVP helped both of their careers during a time when Smackdown needed depth on its roster. Each wrestler had already developed respected identities in the industry, but they were lacking real purpose when they entered a feud.
The matches extended to competitions outside the ring, like eating contests, boxing matches and basketball games. WWE booked them to become an odd couple tag team and they captured the tag titles together. MVP and Hardy provided great entertainment until they picked up their heated rivalry once more.
2 Hurt Business
MVP's most recent WWE return was initially scheduled to just have him working backstage as a producer. MVP received a huge ovation for his return in the Royal Rumble match, and it convinced WWE to book him in a few more matches.
Vince McMahon loved MVP's poise and wanted him to have an active role on television. Bobby Lashley once again reunited with MVP to start another faction after their success in TNA. The Hurt Business has become a top act for the Raw, with Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander joining them.
1 Top Free Agent Signing
MVP received a tremendous start to his WWE career with the right gimmick. The gimmick featured him playing a top free agent athlete joining WWE after demanding a huge contract with perks. It was inspired from NFL players who were viewed as egotistical, but had the talent to back it up.
The push connected instantly as MVP came off as an equal to established names like Kane and Chris Benoit. MVP won the United States Championship as a heel for the first time and held it for 343 days. The title reign was the second-longest for a United States Champion in WWE, with only Dean Ambrose topping it by a week.