WWE legend, 50, confirms exit with defiant message 18 years after debut

MVP has confirmed he is leaving WWE when his contract expires.

The 50-year-old wrestler, who first signed with the company in 2005 and made his official debut the following year, has directly addressed his future after speculation about himself and Bobby Lashley.

Both superstars are expected to be gone from WWE in the near future, and now MVP has confirmed he will be gone.

He made a surprise appearance at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, confronting Barnett and challenging him to a match at an upcoming event.

He said: ‘My contract with a company who I won’t mention right now is about to expire, and I’m not going back Josh. I’m not ready to retire yet!’

Barnett accepted the challenge, and the match appears to be set once MVP, real name Montel Vontavious Porter, has officially departed from WWE.

Last week, as rumours started to swirl about his future, MVP posted a photo of his wrestling boots and his suitcase.

He simply wrote alongside the snap: ‘Dusted these off…’

He last wrestled in 2022 and hasn’t been seen on screen since accompanying Omos to the ring as his manager on live events earlier this year.

Following his debut in 2006, MVP soon became United States Champion and would hold the title twice during his career, as well as a tag team title run with Matt Hardy.

He left at the end of 2010, and the following year moved on to New Japan Pro Wrestling, TNA Wrestling and the independent scene, before returning to WWE at the 2020 Royal Rumble.

This led to a full-time return to the company, a run which was highlighted by his group the Hurt Business alongside Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander.

He recently said on Instagram: ‘I came back so my baby boy could see “Daddy” in a WWE ring. “The Royal Rumble.” That’s all I wanted. A one-off. I was ready to retire. Then, I received an offer to become a producer. The pandemic hit. I became a producer AND a commentator for Main Event.

Next, they asked me to put the boots on and help out with TV during the “PC Era”. One episode of RAW, “MVP” was in NINE segments! Heyman agreed to put me and Roberto together. I signed a full time talent contract.

‘And then we made history. What a ride!!!!’

MVP has been critical of WWE’s decision to end – and not reunite – Hurt Business, with reports he and Lashley could reform the group with Benjamin once they’re out of contract and free to work elsewhere.

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