MVP Reveals Contract Dispute With MLW Over Young Talent Deals

MVP has always been blunt when it comes to protecting talent—and now, he’s shedding light on the contract drama that caused his fallout with MLW’s Court Bauer.

On the latest episode of his Marking Out podcast, MVP got real about the struggles young wrestlers face when smaller companies offer them restrictive contracts. The former WWE star didn’t hold back as he explained how those deals can block talent from life-changing opportunities, all while barely paying enough to survive.

“I famously fell out with Court Bauer and MLW because they were signing talent to contracts that I felt professionally was unfair. And Brody King, who’s now with AEW, he came to me and asked me, ‘Hey man, they want me to sign this contract.’ And I said, ‘I can’t in good conscience tell you to sign that contract because I don’t think it’s fair if you sign that contract.’”

MVP revealed he even tried to work with MLW leadership to give talent a fair exit option—but says his suggestions were dismissed.

“I remember telling Court, ‘Give these guys a 90-day out. It won’t mess up your TV. You have 90 days to do whatever storyline you want to get these people out… have them lose on the way out… whatever.’ But if NXT comes along and gives them an opportunity to make life-changing money, you’re gonna make them stay with you for two or three years for a few hundred bucks a month where they’re not a full-time — they’re not making a living as a wrestler?”

MVP didn’t back down then—and he’s not backing down now. He made it clear that young wrestlers need to understand their worth and not settle for exposure at the expense of their future.

In the end, his honesty built real trust with Brody King, who now works for AEW and still appreciates the advice.

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