Backstage Frustrations Over Issues with MVP’s Influence in Hurt Syndicate’s Creative Direction & AEW Tag Titles Reign

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that there has been growing frustrations backstage over MVP’s influence on The Hurt Syndicate’s creative direction for their AEW World Tag Team Championship reign.

It was reported that several sources spoken to within AEW stated that MVP has developed backstage heat over the last few months with talent pointing to issues surrounding creative decisions and how the Hurt Syndicate faction has been positioned.

It was also reported that rumors of MVP’s backstage heat first appeared during a recent Twitter Space from The Wrestling Binder’s JCup2013 who brought to live several concerns that have been quietly circulating for some time within AEW. One of the biggest issues reportedly involved MVP’s alleged unwillingness to lose to certain teams including FTR.

AEW officials reportedly had pitched the idea for FTR to defeat The Hurt Syndicate at All In Texas and again at Forbidden Door 2025 as part of a broader redemption storyline planned for the team. AEW officials reportedly has also been considering putting FTR against teams like Swerve Strickland & Will Ospreay prior to Ospreay’s neck injury issues halting those plans. It was reported that MVP had said no to FTR going over and claimed a preference for dropping the AEW Tag titles to younger talent instead.

Those spoken to reportedly stated that MVP is said to have listed the Gates of Agony, The Outrunners, and Private Party as teams he’d be comfortable having Hurt Syndicate losing to but those options only led to more locker room grumbling. Many within AEW believe that MVP’s suggestion feels hollow due to the Hurt Syndicate had already defeated each of those teams.

Besides MVP’s unwillingness to have Hurt Syndicate lose, several talents spoken to reportedly have also taken issue with the group’s presentation in regards to how the faction plays heel but still engages in crowd-friendly antics like giving high fives after matches.

It was reported that issues with MVP’s role in Hurt Syndicate’s creative direction also revolves around MVP’s apparent dislike of “Speedball” Mike Bailey. It was reported that there is no known incident that sparked this issue but several talents spoken to confirmed that MVP was vocal about not wanting Hurt Syndicate to lose to JetSpeed. While no match outcome was ever locked in, MVP’s stance did not sit well with others within the company.

It was also reported that there has not been any indication that Bobby Lashley or Shelton Benjamin are currently involved in this backstage drama nor has there been any talk of the group leaving AEW. All three members reportedly are said to be under multi-year contracts with plenty of time left.

It was also reported that there had also been internal discussions about a longer-term angle involving MJF and The Hurt Syndicate but it appears that storyline was wrapped up earlier than expected. Those spoken to reportedly stated that there is no heat between MJF and the group.