After MVP, another former WWE star to make big AEW debut to feud with Swerve Strickland, says backstage personality
AEW surprised the wrestling world once again as MVP made his debut on the fourth annual Dynamite: Grand Slam. The veteran confronted Prince Nana during a status update on Swerve Strickland. WWE analyst Sam Roberts has predicted another massive first-time-ever rivalry for All Elite Wrestling.
Montel Vontavious Porter's WWE exit came in August as his contract expired. In a shocker, Bobby Lashley left the company around the same time as his deal was also not renewed. This led to heavy rumors of The Hurt Business reuniting in AEW, which increased with the reveal of a new faction name.
MVP debuted last week, interrupting Nana after he announced that Strickland was still not cleared following All Out 2024. The Miami native's intentions were clear as he insulted his colleague and offered to take over as the former World Champion's manager.
WWE personality Sam Roberts discussed MVP's debut on Notsam Wrestling. The lifelong fan praised Porter's talents and said it was really cool to have a storyteller like him on the roster. Roberts believed MVP's second WWE run was much stronger than his first as the 22-year veteran proved how much he was capable of.
The Ballin' Superstar would be an asset to All Elite Wrestling, according to Roberts. The 41-year-old Sirius XM radio personality predicted that MVP and Lashley could feud with Nana and Strickland in the company.
"The AEW fanbase loves Swerve, I think he's too beloved to be a villain managed by MVP. I think he is going to turn down MVP, but we've all watched wrestling before (...) what happens when you turn down a heel manager? They get furious, they get upset, they don't handle rejection well, and I think that MVP is gonna end up bringing in the one and only, Bobby Lashley, to take out Swerve," Sam Roberts said. [From 52:50 to 53:19]
Roberts continued:
"You'll end up with MVP and Lashley trying to get revenge against Swerve and Prince Nana. I think that if Swerve isn't going for the World Title anytime soon because Bryan Danielson is on his tour, then Swerve vs. Lashley would be a pretty sweet rivalry for Swerve to come back to in AEW." [From 53:20 to 53:41]
MVP has not been confirmed for Dynamite's fifth-anniversary show, but he will likely appear for the follow-up to his debut. It remains to be seen when Lashley might debut in the Tony Khan-led company, but Strickland is now expected to return at WrestleDream in less than two weeks.
Swerve Strickland teases AEW return plans
Swerve Strickland is currently on hiatus following his AEW World Championship loss to Bryan Danielson in the main event of All In, and his brutal defeat to Adam Page in the Unsanctioned Lights Out Steel Cage main event of All Out.
AEW's televised singles series between Hangman and The New Flavor is currently led by Strickland at three-one, with a draw as well. Strickland spoke with The Breakfast Club this week and indicated that he would target Page as soon as he could make his return.
Strickland predicted that Adam Page would win the World Championship in his absence. He also imagined a scenario where he regains the title and gets revenge on Page at the same time. Sources recently revealed that a WWE legend was working closely with Strickland backstage.
If you use any quotes from this article's first half, please credit Notsam Wrestling and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.