Montel Vontavious Porter Explained
Montel Vontavious Porter |
Birthname: | Alvin Burke Jr. |
Birth Date: | 1973 10, mf=yes |
Birth Place: | Miami, Florida, U.S. |
Children: | 1 |
Names: | Antonio Banks Antonio Bank$ Lord of War[1] [2] Montel Vontavious Porter MVP |
Height: | 6 ft 3 in |
Weight: | 259 lb |
Billed: | Miami, Florida[3] |
Trainer: | Soulman Alex G Prime Time Darryl Davis [4] Norman Smiley |
Debut: | 2001 |
Alvin Burke Jr. (born October 28, 1973) is an American professional wrestler and submission grappler. He currently wrestles on the independent circuit. He is best known for his tenure in WWE, where he performed under the ring name Montel Vontavious Porter. He is also known for his tenures in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Between the three promotions, he is a two-time WWE United States Champion, one-time WWE Tag Team Champion (with Matt Hardy), and was the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
He was trained by Soulman Alex G & Norman Smiley. After the ending of his training, he began wrestling for numerous independent promotions, including a stint in TNA. During his time in these promotions, he won various championships in singles competition.
Assad was first signed with WWE in 2005 and was assigned to Deep South Wrestling (DSW), one of the company's developmental territories. After being promoted to the SmackDown brand, he made his WWE wrestling debut in October 2006. During that time, he became the longest reigning United States Champion in SmackDown history. Following his departure from WWE in 2010, he joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in February 2011. He spent the next two years with the promotion, then left NJPW in 2013. Since then, he has returned to the independent circuit and made appearances in Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor (ROH). He returned to WWE in January 2020 but left in August 2024. On July 28, 2024 in Brooklyn, NY Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) announced at Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) Josh Barnett's Bloodsport XI that his contract is up soon with the WWE and doesn't plan on staying with the company and challenged Josh Barnett to match; Barnett would approve his match request for anytime and anywhere.
Early life
Alvin Antonio Burke Jr.[5] was born in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, Florida,[4] on October 28, 1973.[6] He grew up in Opa-locka, Florida. His father was a police officer. He joined a gang when he was 12, describing it as a "graffiti gang" which later turned into a street gang. He spent six months in a juvenile detention center after a robbery. He later completed nine and a half years of an 18.5-year prison sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping, which he started at the age of 16.[6] [7] [8] He converted to Islam while in prison,[5] [6] though he is now an atheist.[9] [10] [11] [12] Due to his criminal record, his visits to other countries on international tours are subject to permits and background checks for recent behavior. Unrelated to his record, Burke also doesn't attend WWE's shows in Saudi Arabia, as his status as a former Muslim is considered a punishable capital offense in the Kingdom.[13]
Professional wrestling career
Early career (2002–2005)
Burke entered the professional wrestling business through the help of a corrections officer in his prison who also worked as a wrestler in the independent circuit.[14] After being trained by former professional wrestlers Soulman Alex G and Norman Smiley, Burke made his wrestling debut in 2002.[4] [15] He worked for many different companies on the independent circuit using the name Antonio Banks, including appearances with Full Impact Pro (FIP) and Future of Wrestling (FOW), where he won the latter's Tag Team Championship with Punisher.[5] [15] [16] During his time in FIP, he wrestled Homicide for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Ring of Honor show Do or Die IV on February 19, 2005, but did not win the title.[5] [17] He also made sporadic appearances for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and wrestled on the April 20, 2003, episode of TNA Xplosion.[5] [18] He appeared again for TNA on the August 6, 2004, episode of Impact!, with Sal Rinauro as his tag team partner, losing to America's Most Wanted.[5] [19] He also wrestled for Coastal Championship Wrestling (CCW) and Elite Wrestling Entertainment in 2005, competing against wrestlers like Jerry Lynn and D'Lo Brown.[5] In CCW, he won the Heavyweight Championship on August 20, 2005, by defeating Blackhart and Bruno Sassi in a three-way match.
World Wrestling Entertainment
Deep South Wrestling (2005–2006)
In 2005, after a number of live events and dark matches, Burke signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was assigned to their developmental territory Deep South Wrestling.[5] [4] He originally wrestled under his "Antonio Banks" ring name, but then developed the Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) in-ring persona: an arrogant, self-obsessed athlete.[20] He was also on an episode of SmackDown! on January 13, 2005, being one of the police officers in the ring with Kurt Angle.
Feuding with Kane (2006–2007)
As MVP, he made his first appearance on WWE television on the August 4, 2006 episode of SmackDown!, during which announcers described him as a coveted free agent.[21] The initial angle involved MVP appearing backstage and in arena crowds, often flanked by women and/or a bodyguard, and talking to SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long about the contract his (unseen) agent was supposedly aggressively negotiating.[22] [23] Throughout his segments, commentators described MVP as arrogant, noting that he would stop conversations in the middle to answer his mobile phone or admire his own jewelry while people were speaking to him. Finally, on September 26, 2006, video of a press conference announcing the signing of MVP to "the largest contract in SmackDown! history" was uploaded to WWE.com.[24]
MVP made his in-ring debut at No Mercy as a heel with a ring entrance featuring an NFL-like inflatable tunnel, before defeating Marty Garner.[25] During the match, commentators Michael Cole and John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) decried the choice of opponent, since it had been implied that it would be someone "more competent", and joined in with fans mocking his athletic suit styled ring gear, calling him "pathetic" while the fans chanted Power Ranger.[5] [26] [27] On the following episode of SmackDown!, MVP made a demand for a tougher opponent to prove his mettle, which was answered by Kane making his SmackDown! debut.[28] The two feuded for the next two months, with MVP narrowly scoring wins over Kane in a Street Fight, a Steel Cage match and tag team matches with Mr. Kennedy against the reunited Brothers of Destruction, before losing to Kane in an Inferno match at Armageddon, from which he suffered storyline first-degree burns.[29] [30] [31] Because of the burns he was "out of action" for a short time, during which color commentator JBL expressed rage with the fans for cheering a match where the only way of achieving victory is to set an opponent on fire.[32]
United States Champion (2007–2009)
When his feud with Kane ended, MVP began a feud with the WWE United States Champion Chris Benoit over Benoit's title.[33] During the buildup for a title match with Benoit, MVP appeared on SmackDown! introducing various supposed champions from around the world, defeating them in squash matches.[5] [34] [35] [36] MVP lost to Benoit at WrestleMania 23 and at Backlash,[37] [38] but finally defeated Benoit in a Two out of three falls match at Judgment Day, with MVP taking the United States Championship, his first WWE title, in two straight falls.[39] MVP credits his time working with Benoit for improving his in-ring skill.[27] In his first pay-per-view championship defense at, MVP defeated Ric Flair to retain the title.[40] His first major feud as the champion was against Matt Hardy, whom he started claiming to be better than at everything, after defeating him at The Great American Bash.[41] When MVP was legitimately diagnosed with the heart condition Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, it was written into the storyline, with MVP blaming the condition for his losing an arm wrestling match against Hardy.[42] [43] When MVP was given an interview segment during SmackDown!, the VIP Lounge, it was used to bow out of a scheduled boxing match at Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV—with Evander Holyfield replacing him, and eventually punching out MVP during the bout.[44] On the August 24 episode of SmackDown!, MVP bragged to General Manager Theodore Long that he was so good, he could win the WWE Tag Team Championship with anybody, prompting Long to grant him a championship match alongside the next person who entered the room, who turned out to be Matt Hardy.[45] The following week, MVP and Hardy won the WWE Tag Team Championship from Deuce 'n Domino, making MVP a double champion.[46] MVP and Hardy's contentious relationship had them competing with each other in various ways while MVP proclaimed himself "Captain" of the team. In the months coming, MVP started getting along better with Hardy, including helping him defeat Finlay on the October 19 episode of SmackDown!.[47]
Their reign together came to an end on the November 16 episode of SmackDown! after Hardy demanded a shot at the United States Championship, but MVP declined, and announced they had a WWE Tag Team Championship defense against John Morrison and the Miz instead.[48] They lost the match and the titles, and immediately afterwards, MVP invoked the rematch clause, but they lost that match as well.[48] MVP then attacked Hardy, targeting his knee, which in storyline had been injured during the matches, and put him "out of action". Hardy suffered a legitimate ruptured appendix while he was off television, putting their feud on hold.[49] While Hardy recovered, MVP engaged in short feuds with Rey Mysterio (losing a title match by countout at Armageddon) and Ric Flair (losing a career threatening match at the Royal Rumble).[50] [51] [52] [53] [54] At No Way Out, he competed in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber match for a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity at WrestleMania XXIV, but was eliminated by Finlay after The Undertaker chokeslammed him off the top of a chamber pod.[55] He would instead participate in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania, and during the match, Hardy made an unannounced return and knocked MVP from the ladder with his signature Twist of Fate maneuver, costing him the match and reigniting their feud.[56] At Backlash on April 27, MVP lost the United States Championship to Hardy, ending his record reign at 343 days, which was at the time the longest reign of the WWE era, and the third longest in the entire history of the championship (the record has since broken by Dean Ambrose in 2014).[57] He then subsequently failed to regain the championship in a rematch on the May 2 episode of SmackDown.[58]
Beginning on the August 29 episode of SmackDown, MVP developed a losing streak that lasted over five months, losing in both singles and tag team matches.[59] [60] [61] At Unforgiven, he challenged for the WWE Championship in the Championship Scramble match, but was unsuccessful, continuing his losing streak.[62] The losing streak meant that, in storyline, MVP did not receive "his contract incentive bonus", and also was no longer allowed his usual entrance with the NFL-like inflatable tunnel.[63] During this losing streak he had a short feud with The Great Khali.[64] [65] On the January 16, 2009 episode of SmackDown, MVP finally broke the losing streak by defeating Big Show in a Last Man Standing match with help from Triple H, as he was fighting to ensure that Triple H would be allowed to compete in the Royal Rumble match, in the process turning him face for the first time in his career.[66] On the 500th episode of SmackDown on March 20, MVP won the United States Championship for the second time by defeating Shelton Benjamin.[67] [68] At WrestleMania 25, MVP competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match for the second year in a row, but failed to win.[69]
Teaming with Mark Henry and departure (2009–2010)
On the April 13 episode of Raw, MVP was drafted as the first overall pick to the Raw brand as a part of the 2009 WWE draft. As a result of being the reigning WWE United States Champion, he transferred the title to Raw for the first time in history.[70] He lost the title to Kofi Kingston on the June 1 episode of Raw,[71] before beginning a feud with Jack Swagger, which culminated in a match at SummerSlam, which MVP won.[72] He then formed a tag team with Mark Henry, and they challenged Jeri-Show (Chris Jericho and Big Show) for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship at the Breaking Point pay-per-view, but they failed to win the championship. At Survivor Series, MVP and Henry made up part of Team Kofi, competing against Team Orton in a 5-on-5 tag team elimination match. Although both MVP and Henry were eliminated, Team Kofi would go onto to win the match.[73]
After beginning a feud with The Miz, MVP faced him for the WWE United States Championship at Royal Rumble on January 31, 2010, but was unable to win.[74] After this preliminary title retention, both also participated in the Royal Rumble match itself. MVP entered 14th and was surprise-attacked by The Miz (who was not yet an official entrant) who hit him with the United States title belt. MVP later recovered and entered the match (having not been eliminated) to eliminate both himself and The Miz.[74] MVP challenged The Miz for the title a second time at the February 21 Elimination Chamber pay-per-view but was once again unable to win after interference from Big Show.[75] He also competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXVI, but was unable to win.[76]
As part of the 2010 WWE supplemental draft, MVP was drafted back to the SmackDown brand.[77] He made his SmackDown return on the April 30 episode, interrupting CM Punk's promo, and later teaming up with Rey Mysterio to defeat Punk and Luke Gallows.[78] On June 1, MVP was announced as the mentor of Percy Watson for the second season of WWE NXT;[79] [80] Watson was eliminated from the competition on August 17, finishing fifth overall.[81] On the November 5 episode of SmackDown, MVP fought in a triple threat match for the number one contendership of Dolph Ziggler's Intercontinental Championship against Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. The match was won by MVP, and the championship match was set for the following week's SmackDown, but MVP was unsuccessful in winning the title.[82] MVP was announced as part of Team Mysterio, teaming with Rey Mysterio, Big Show, Chris Masters and Kofi Kingston to take on Team Del Rio (Alberto Del Rio, Tyler Reks, Jack Swagger, Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes) at Survivor Series. At Survivor Series, MVP was the first man eliminated in the match by McIntyre, who was aided by Del Rio holding MVP's foot down so he could not kick out. MVP's team was able to win the match with Rey Mysterio and Big Show being sole survivors.[83] MVP's last match with the WWE aired on the December 3 episode of SmackDown, teaming with Kaval in a losing effort against Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler; afterward, he and Kaval were attacked by Kane. MVP was released from his WWE contract earlier on December 2.[84] [85]
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2011–2013)
In 2011, Burke signed a one-year contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, pursuing his noted passion for puroresu.[86] TMZ reported that Burke's prior convictions had made it difficult for him to acquire a visa but that he would be debuting in February.[87] As WWE owned the rights to the name Montel Vontavious Porter, but not MVP, Burke was able to continue working under the abbreviated ring name.[88] In storyline MVP was brought in to the promotion by Nosawa Rongai, who wanted him to join the villainous Kojima-gun, led by Satoshi Kojima.[89] In his debut match for the promotion on February 20 at The New Beginning, MVP teamed with fellow Kojima-gun member Taichi to defeat Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma in a tag team match by making Honma submit to his Take it to the Bank crucifix neck crank.[90] On March 6, MVP entered the 2011 New Japan Cup, used to determine the new number one contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, defeating Karl Anderson in his first round match.[91] On March 19, MVP suffered his first loss in New Japan, when he was defeated by Togi Makabe in the second round of the New Japan Cup.[92] The following day, MVP achieved a major victory when he tapped IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi out with the TTB in a tag team match, where he teamed with Satoshi Kojima and Tanahashi with Hirooki Goto.[93] On May 3, the returning Minoru Suzuki took over as the new leader of Kojima-gun, after its members Taichi and Taka Michinoku had turned on Satoshi Kojima.[94]
In May 2011, MVP took part in the Invasion Tour 2011, New Japan's first tour of the United States. On May 13 in Rahway, New Jersey, he entered the tournament to determine the first ever IWGP Intercontinental Champion, defeating Kazuchika Okada in his first round match.[95] The following day in New York City, MVP defeated Tetsuya Naito to advance to the finals of the tournament.[96] On the third and final day of the tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, MVP defeated Toru Yano in the finals to become the first IWGP Intercontinental Champion.[97] Earlier in the event, MVP showed his allegiance to Satoshi Kojima by saving him from the debuting Lance Archer, thus breaking away from the newly renamed Suzuki-gun.[98] On June 18 at Dominion 6.18, MVP made his first successful defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship by defeating Toru Yano. After the match, Yano attacked him and cut his hair.[99] [100] The two would face each other in a third title match on July 18, where MVP was once again victorious.[101] After the match MVP was attacked and challenged by Yano's Chaos stablemate Masato Tanaka.[102] In August, MVP took part in the 2011 G1 Climax, where he managed to win six out of his nine matches, but a loss to Karl Anderson on the final day of the tournament caused him to narrowly miss advancing to the finals.[103] On October 10 at Destruction '11, MVP lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to Masato Tanaka, ending his reign at 148 days.[104] MVP received a rematch for the title on December 4, but was again defeated by Tanaka, following interference from his stablemate Yujiro Takahashi.[105]
On January 4, 2012, at Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome, MVP teamed with Shelton Benjamin, making a special one-time appearance, to defeat Tanaka and Takahashi in a tag team match.[106] MVP reunited with Benjamin on June 16 at Dominion 6.16, where they defeated Karl Anderson and Tama Tonga in a tag team match.[107] In August, MVP took part in his second G1 Climax tournament, where he won four out of his eight matches and failed to advance to the finals.[108] [109] In November, MVP took part in the 2012 World Tag League, where he teamed with Shelton Benjamin under the tag team name "Black Dynamite".[110] MVP and Benjamin finished their tournament on December 1 with a record of three wins, one over the reigning IWGP Tag Team Champions K.E.S. (Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer),[111] and three losses, failing to advance from their block.[112]
On January 4, 2013, at Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome, MVP teamed with Akebono, Manabu Nakanishi and Strong Man in an eight-man tag team match, where they defeated Bob Sapp, Takashi Iizuka, Toru Yano and Yujiro Takahashi.[113] [114] On February 26, Burke announced that he had parted ways with New Japan and would be next focusing on a television project with Lionsgate Television.[115] He later explained his reasons behind leaving the promotion, saying that he wanted to stay closer to his home in addition to just "recharging the batteries".[116]
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2014–2015, 2019)
At the January 30, 2014, tapings of Impact Wrestling, Burke returned to TNA using the MVP name, where he was pointed as the storyline "investor" of TNA. As an authority figure, he signed The Wolves and counteracting TNA President Dixie Carter's agenda.[117] Both feuded over the control of TNA until Lockdown, where two teams, representing MVP and Carter, face each other. MVP's team defeated Dixie's team with an assist from special referee Bully Ray, earning MVP total control of wrestling operations.[118]
However, MVP turned heel when, on the May 8 episode of Impact Wrestling, he attacked TNA World Heavyweight Champion Eric Young and announced himself as the number one contender to the title at Slammiversary XII. However, MVP suffered a legit torn meniscus and was removed from the match. According to PWInsider, the original plans were to crown MVP as champion.[119] After that, MVP and Kenny King helped Lashley win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Eric Young, but MVP was substituted by Kurt Angle as the on-screen authority figure. From there, MVP acted as Lashley and King's manager (and occasional partner after his knee's condition improved), while feuding with Angle in promos. He defeated Kazma Sakamoto at Bound for Glory and, on the November 5 episode of Impact Wrestling, MVP lost to Bobby Roode in a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match.
In January 2015, MVP formed a new group, the Beat Down Clan with King, Samoa Joe, Low Ki, and Eric Young, helping Lashley to regain the championship from Roode. MVP attempted to present Lashley as the centerpiece of the Clan as well as a "founding member" (officially establishing the MVP-Lashley-King trio as the foundation of the BDC as a faction). However, Lashley turned on them and the Beat Down Clan attacked him. At Impact Wrestling: Lockdown (2015), Team Angle (Kurt Angle, Austin Aries, Gunner, and Lashley) defeated The BDC (MVP, Samoa Joe, Low Ki, and Kenny King) in a Lethal Lockdown match. On February 27 broadcast of Impact Wrestling, MVP faced Lashley for the title, but was defeated. In April, The Beat Down Clan started a feud against the newly formed The Rising (Drew Galloway, Eli Drake and Micah), having several matches between the stables until the June 24, 2015 (aired July 1) episode of Impact Wrestling, where The Beat Down Clan defeated The Rising in a 4-on-3 Handicap match, forcing The Rising to dissolve. On July 17, 2015, MVP officially left TNA.[120] He was reportedly released in the fallout of a contract dispute between TNA and Lucha Underground. MVP had pushed for TNA to sign Hernandez, even though he was at the time still under contract to Lucha Underground. When Lucha Underground contacted TNA, they released Hernandez and were forced to re-edit all segments he had been involved in at the past tapings.[121]
On September 13, 2019, he made an appearance for TNA, now known as Impact Wrestling at their Operation Override Twitch special. In the match, he challenged for WCR's World Class Championship against the champion Chavo Guerrero Jr.[122] Due to the disqualification finish, the two had a rematch at the following night's Victory Road Impact Plus Monthly Specials.[123]
Independent circuit (2013–2019)
MVP has made frequent appearances for Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore (HOH) promotion. He wrestled at the second and third events when the promotion was starting up in 2013.[124] After his stint in TNA, MVP defeated Moose at House of Hardcore XVI in August 2016 in his return to the promotion.[125] He went on to appear at nine straight shows for the promotion in 2017, wrestling the likes of Jack Swagger, Tommy Dreamer, Billy Gunn and Matt Cross among others.[126] At December 1, 2018, he made his most recent appearance for the promotion, defeating Big Cass at HOH 51.[127]
He announced on March 31, 2016, that he would be joining Lucha Underground. However, days later, on April 8, he announced his release from the company due to inadvertently violating terms of his contract by interviewing members of the roster for his podcast.[128] On October 10, 2016, MVP defeated Jody Kristofferson for the All Pro Wrestling (APW) Universal Heavyweight Championship.[129] MVP fought Rob Van Dam for the PCW Ultra Heavyweight Championship on March 24, 2017, in a losing effort.[130] The following day, MVP lost the APW Universal Heavyweight Championship to Luster the Legend. His June 22, 2018, return to APW resulted in a loss to Penta El 0M.[131]
In early 2018 MVP wrestled two matches for Booker T's promotion Reality of Wrestling. On February 25, 2018, he won a battle royal for the Big League Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship, a title he still holds. In March 2018 he wrestled in Istanbul, Turkey for Turkish Power Wrestling in the main event.[131] He debuted for AAW Wrestling on August 4, 2018, in a match where he beat Eddie Kingston.[132]
During early 2019 he wrestled most frequently for World Class Revolution (WCR), a promotion based out of Oklahoma.[133] Also during 2019 he wrestled for Oakland's Hoodslam Wrestling and Alberto El Patron's new Mexican promotion Nación Lucha Libre.[134]
Major League Wrestling (2017–2018)
Due to his podcast on Court Bauer's MLW Radio Network, MVP was chosen as one of the wrestlers for the newly relaunched Major League Wrestling (MLW). He appeared at their first show since 2004, One Shot beating Sami Callihan in a no-disqualification match October 5, 2017.[135] He also joined the company as an agent, producing talent promos and matches.[136] In February 2018, MVP participated in the tournament to crown a new MLW World Heavyweight Champion, the first one since the promotion's revival. He was beaten in the first round by Tom Lawlor.[137] Two months later he made his debut on their new weekly program MLW Fusion in a match against Callihan, that MVP lost.[138] MVP continued his feud with Callihan by defeating one of Callihan's partners Leon Scott by DQ on the June 8 episode of MLW Fusion.[139] On July 1, 2018, MVP revealed he had parted ways with MLW and MLW Radio.[140] His final match for the promotion aired on July 6, 2018. It was a Boiler Room Brawl that was won by Sami Callihan ending their feud.[141]
Ring of Honor (2019)
On January 25, 2019, MVP made a return to Ring of Honor (ROH) at their Road To G1 Supercard show in Houston, Texas. This was his first appearance for the company since one match in 2005, where he wrestled as Antonio Banks. At the show he debuted as a surprise partner of Kenny King, reforming the Beat Down Clan.[142] [143] They would go on to defeat the team of Willie Mack and Colt Cabana advancing them in the Tag Wars tournament.[144] The winners of Tag Wars were set to receive a ROH World Tag Team Championship title shot at ROH's 17th-anniversary pay-per-view and a spot in the Crockett Cup tournament.[145] However, MVP and King lost in the semi-finals of the tournament to Brody King and PCO.[146]
Return to WWE (2018, 2020–2024)
Sporadic appearances and return (2018, 2020)
On January 22, 2018, MVP made a special appearance on the 25th-anniversary episode of Raw as a guest WWE legend, in a poker segment also involving The APA (Bradshaw and Ron Simmons), and Ted DiBiase.[147] This marked his first WWE appearance of any kind in since December 2010, at that point.[148]
When Paul Heyman worked as executive director of the Raw brand, Burke called him asking for a spot on the Royal Rumble match, since it was going to be held in Houston. Heyman agreed if he had also one match on Raw the next day. At the end, WWE and Burke made an agreement to work as a wrestler, manager, producer and commentator.[149] On January 26, 2020, at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, MVP would return again, as a face, as a surprise entrant at #12 in the Royal Rumble match, where he was quickly eliminated by Brock Lesnar; this marked MVP's first time in a WWE ring in 10 years.[150] The next night on Raw, MVP had a match with Rey Mysterio, which he lost.[151] On the February 10 episode of Raw, MVP brought back "The VIP Lounge," with his guest being 2020 Royal Rumble winner Drew McIntyre.[152] During the segment, MVP turned heel for the first time since 2009, insulting the fans, and trying to advise McIntyre to be managed by him. However, McIntyre disregarded the advice and subsequently attacked MVP.[153] The following week, MVP announced that he was hired by WWE as a backstage producer, while still being an on-screen performer.[154] On the April 20 episode of Raw, MVP faced Apollo Crews to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match, but was defeated.[155]
The Hurt Business (2020–2022)
See main article: The Hurt Business (professional wrestling). At Money in the Bank on May 10, MVP was scheduled to face R-Truth, but was replaced by Bobby Lashley, who quickly defeated Truth.[156] [157] The following night on Raw, MVP aligned himself with Lashley.[158] [159] At Backlash, MVP managed Lashley as he challenged Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship, but he was unsuccessful in capturing the title due to an altercation between MVP and Lashley's storyline wife, Lana, that distracted Lashley and allowed McIntyre to retain his championship.[160] [161] The following night on Raw, Lashley had a rematch against McIntyre for the WWE Championship in a tag team match that also involved MVP and R-Truth, but he lost again when the latter pinned MVP.[162] On the July 20 episode of Raw, Shelton Benjamin joined his stable, now known as The Hurt Business.[163]
MVP then started a feud with the United States Champion Apollo Crews, after MVP would offer him his services but Crews turned him down.[164] During the storyline, MVP proclaimed himself the real United States Champion when he unveiled a new belt design.[165] At The Horror Show at Extreme Rules, Crews did not appear for their scheduled match, so MVP declared himself as the champion.[166] However, MVP faced Crews two times, one at Raw and the other at SummerSlam, failing both times.[167] [168] At Payback, Lashley defeated Crews to win the United States Championship.[169] [170] On the September 7 episode of Raw, Cedric Alexander joined The Hurt Business when he betrayed Crews and Ricochet during a six-man tag team match, attacking them and helping The Hurt Business win the match.[171] At TLC, he was present when Alexander and Benjamin won the Raw Tag Team Championship. In early 2021, MVP suffered a leg injury and began using a crutch to move around, taken him out of in-ring action. He was present when Bobby Lashley won the WWE Championship on the March 1 episode of Raw.
On the March 29 episode of Raw, Lashley attacked Alexander and Benjamin due to them losing the Raw Tag Team Championships and losing to Drew McIntyre in a 2-on-1 handicap match, thus kicking the tag team out of the faction in the process. Lashley would proclaim that The Hurt Business was over.[172] MVP later stated on Twitter that The Hurt Business is still in action, comprising now of just him and Lashley, and that it was open for new members.[173]
On the July 5 episode of Raw, MVP wrestled for the first time since his injury earlier in the year, in a tag match with Bobby Lashley against Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, also known as The New Day. The team of MVP and Lashley lost the match.[174] On the August 30 episode of Raw, MVP and Lashley would challenge RK-Bro for the Raw Tag Team Championships, but were unsuccessful in winning the titles. On the September 13 episode of Raw, MVP suffered a broken rib after receiving an RKO from Randy Orton, which put him out of action indefinitely.[175] He returned on the November 8 episode of Raw, accompanying Lashley to the ring for his match with Dominik Mysterio.[176]
Managing with Omos and departure (2022–2024)
On the April 4, 2022 episode of Raw, MVP turned on Lashley and aligned himself with Omos.[177] MVP helped Omos defeat Lashley at WrestleMania Backlash.[178] This led to a 2-on-1 handicap match at Hell in a Cell, where MVP and Omos lost to Lashley, ending their feud which would become MVP's most recent WWE appearance to date.[179] He would accompany Omos to the ring throughout 2023 and 2024. His last appearance was accompanying Omos to the Andre the Giant battle royal on the SmackDown before WrestleMania XL. On August 16, 2024, MVP’s contract expired and his profile on WWE's website was moved to the alumni section ending his second tenure with the promotion.[180]
Return to the independent circuit (2024–present)
On July 28, 2024, MVP made his debut for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport XI, claiming that he would be leaving WWE and confronting Josh Barnett and challenging him to a match.[181]
Personal life
In August 2007, Burke was diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, a rare condition that causes the heart to beat faster than normal. The condition was discovered during his tenure with WWE, when he had undergone a routine check-up in accordance with WWE's Talent Wellness Policy, which otherwise would have gone undetected until it was too late.[42] [182]
Burke has acquired numerous tattoos through his life, including a portrait of Malcolm X on the upper left portion of his chest,[7] [183] the sarcophagus of King Tut and the pyramids on his left upper biceps,[7] the words "Monte Cristo" with the phrase "the best revenge is living well" in script on his right forearm (both references to the book The Count of Monte Cristo),[7] the Eye of Horus on the back of his left arm,[7] and a star on his right shoulder. He also has a number of homemade gang-related tattoos that he had done when he was a teenager.[7]
Burke has stated that he was a video game fan growing up, and that the finishing maneuver he used on the independent circuit, the Malicious Intent, was inspired by a similar move performed by Eddy Gordo from the Tekken series.[182] He has been a fan of Manchester United FC since he was 13, naming Eric Cantona as his favorite player.[184] Despite his earlier conversion to Islam, he has since described himself as an atheist and "infidel".
Burke practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu, in which he gained the rank of purple belt after winning the gold medal at the Houston Open in the Masters 3 Ultra Heavyweight Division. He also won gold in the Open Division at the Houston Open, and silver at the IBJJF Masters World Championship in the Masters 4/Male/Purple/Ultra-Heavy Category.[185] In December 2020, he won a gold medal at the IBJJF Masters World Championship in the Masters 4/Male/Purple/Ultra-Heavy Category, and was promoted to brown belt at the medal presentation.[186] [187] He continues to train in the sport, alongside fellow wrestler Dave Bautista.[188] In April 2024, he was awarded his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu by Andre Santos at Gracie Barra Boca Raton.[189]
Other media
Burke made a cameo appearance in the film MacGruber, alongside fellow WWE Superstars Chris Jericho, The Great Khali, Big Show, Kane, and Mark Henry.
MVP released his first hip hop song titled "Holla to da World" featuring Dwayne Swayze in June 2011.[190] A music video for the song, featuring cameos from Carlito and Hernandez, was released the following October.[191] The song was released as a single through iTunes on April 5, 2012.[192] On March 18, 2013, he released his second song entitled "Tokyo".[193] On January 30, 2014, MVP released his third single, titled "Return of the Ronin".[194] The song also became MVP's entrance theme in TNA.[195]
MVP has been featured as a playable character in the video games WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, and WWE 2K22, his first WWE licensed video game in 11 years. He also appeared in WWE 2K23.[196]
Filmography
Championships and accomplishments
Notes and References
- Web site: MVP reveals anti-U.S. character in WRP. January 22, 2012. Caldwell. James. January 23, 2012. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Meltzer. Dave. Dave Meltzer. October 24, 2011. October 24 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2011 Hall of Fame issue, GSP down, Bound for Glory and Bobby Roode, Hogan vs. Sting, giant issue. Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, CA. 1083-9593. 37. Jeff Katz's Wrestling Revolution Project taped its first season in Los Angeles this past week. [...] MVP is now The Lord of War, and dresses up and wrestles like Masahiro Chono, including using the STF and Yakuza kick as his big moves..
- Web site: WWE. MVP's WWE Profile. November 27, 2016.
- Web site: Montel Vontavious Porter profile. Online World of Wrestling. April 7, 2007.
- Web site: Slam! Sports — Wrestling — Montel Vontavious Porter. https://archive.today/20120718065100/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/mvp.html. usurped. July 18, 2012. Xamin. Mark. Kamchen, Richard. Canadian Online Explorer. Slam! Sports. October 15, 2007.
- Web site: Inmate Release Information Detail. https://web.archive.org/web/20150923213056/http://www.dc.state.fl.us/InmateReleases/detail.asp?Bookmark=1&From=list&SessionID=254775830. September 23, 2015. May 26, 2007. Florida Department of Corrections. dead.
- Web site: Ink from the clink. Zeigler. Zack. November 10, 2007. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- Web site: Slam! Sports — Wrestling — A true MVP — take it to the bank. April 14, 2007. Canadian Online Explorer. Slam! Sports. Baines. Tim. October 15, 2007. June 29, 2012. https://archive.today/20120629120512/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/14/4013402.html. usurped.
- 902020121643929600. The305MVP. I'm an atheist. Believers, PLEASE explain something to me. If the hurricane is an "act of God", what do prayers do? Serious question. . August 27, 2021. en. August 28, 2017.
- The305MVP. MVP. 256585045962280960. October 12, 2012. I'm a NON believer. I'm not attacking anyone's faith. I just feel religious organizations should NOT be tax exempt. Believe what you will..
- News: Wrestler MVP Went From Prison-Bound Opa-locka Teen to Superstar in the Ring. Fishman. Scott. March 6, 2014. Miami New Times. February 22, 2018.
- The305MVP. MVP. 1297587708060209153. August 23, 2020. With 2 (potential) Hurricanes bearing down on the Gulf Coast states I'm dreading the seemingly inevitable reports of COVID-19 ripping through evacuation shelters. If I believed in gods I would send prayers. I don't. So I can only hope for a better outcome. Be safe out there!.
- Web site: MVP Not Traveling to WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia to Avoid Punishable Offence from His Past . November 5, 2022 .
- Web site: MVP looking to be a 'beacon of hope'. GoTricities. August 1, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080805053210/http://www.gotricities.com/content/article.dna?idNumber=5725. August 5, 2008.
- Web site: Alan Wojcik interviews Antonio Banks. March 22, 2003. Wojcik. Alan. December 21, 2006. Alan Wojcik Archives. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090716025529/http://alanwojcik.com/archives/id21.html. July 16, 2009.
- Web site: Full Impact Pro results. Online World of Wrestling. April 7, 2007.
- Web site: Do or Die IV- Elizabeth, NJ 2/19/05. February 19, 2005. June 25, 2010. Ring of Honor. https://web.archive.org/web/20100528134439/http://www.rohwrestling.com/pastresults.php . May 28, 2010.
- Web site: NWA: Total Nonstop Action PPV results — April 13, 2003. Online World of Wrestling. January 5, 2008.
- Web site: TNA Wrestling Results — NWA:TNA Imacpt. August 6, 2004. March 8, 2009. Online World of Wrestling.
- Web site: 411Mania.
- News: Challenge from the grave. August 4, 2006. Hoffman. Brett. Wwe. May 17, 2007. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- Web site: Smackdown: New blood soaks in the spotlight. https://archive.today/20120714082639/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/13/1751826.html. usurped. July 14, 2012. August 13, 2006. Waldman. Jon. February 17, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: Smackdown: Last promos, last stand. https://archive.today/20120912133739/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/08/19/1765452.html. usurped. September 12, 2012. August 19, 2006. Waldman. Jon. February 17, 2009. Canadian Online Explorer. Slam! Sports.
- Web site: WWE.COM Exclusive – MVP Press conference. https://web.archive.org/web/20071116045630/http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/specialty_clips/3199666/3295654/0927mvppressconf. WWE. September 26, 2006. November 16, 2007. February 2, 2019.
- PWI Staff. Pro Wrestling Illustrated. 2007. Wrestling almanac & book of facts. Wrestling's historical cards. Kappa Publishing Group. 2007. 122.
- News: Zack. Zeigler. April 7, 2007. MVP: Most Valuable Phony?. Wwe. October 8, 2006. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- Web site: MVP Interview. October 6, 2007. IGN. October 13, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071013212519/http://sports.ign.com/articles/791/791766p1.html. dead.
- Web site: Smackdown: Batista is #1. October 14, 2006. McNamara. Andy. February 17, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. July 14, 2012. https://archive.today/20120714075520/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/10/14/2024830.html. usurped.
- Web site: Smackdown: Batista crowns the King. https://archive.today/20120713185017/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/18/2404878.html. usurped. July 13, 2012. November 18, 2006. McNamara. Andy. February 17, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: Smackdown: A royal thrashing. https://archive.today/20120713201504/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/25/2488695.html. usurped. July 13, 2012. November 25, 2006. McNamara. Andy. February 17, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: MVP remains in burn unit. https://web.archive.org/web/20070506135128/http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/exclusives/385758021. May 6, 2007. December 19, 2006. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- Web site: Bells will be ringing. World Wrestling Entertainment. December 22, 2006. Lennie. DiFino. April 7, 2007.
- Web site: Smackdown: Batista and 'Taker tune up for 'Mania. March 10, 2007. McNamara. Andy. February 18, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. July 17, 2012. https://archive.today/20120717213024/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/03/10/3726308.html. usurped.
- Web site: Smackdown: Batista feels the Dead Man's wrath. https://archive.today/20120718093028/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/03/17/3769805.html. usurped. July 18, 2012. March 17, 2007. McNamara. Andy. February 18, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: Smackdown: Lashley dominates Kennedy and Orton. https://archive.today/20120719225749/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/03/24/3821721.html. usurped. July 19, 2012. March 24, 2007. McNamara. Andy. February 18, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- PWI Staff. Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Arena reports. June 2007. 132. Kappa Publishing Group.
- McElvaney. Kevin. Pro Wrestling Illustrated. WrestleMania 23. Kappa Publishing Group. June 2007. 74–101.
- Web site: No filler makes for a consistent Backlash. April 29, 2007. Elliott. Brian. February 17, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. April 19, 2015. https://archive.today/20150419051211/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/04/29/4140920.html. usurped.
- Web site: WWE just passes on Judgment Day. https://archive.today/20120911065612/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/05/21/4197038.html. usurped. September 11, 2012. May 21, 2007. Elliott. Brian. February 17, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: Corey. Clayton. MVP puts on legendary show with win over Flair. https://web.archive.org/web/20100831022900/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2007/matches/4842036/resultsflairMVP06242007/. World Wrestling Entertainment. June 24, 2007. August 31, 2010. November 6, 2007.
- Web site: Cena still champ after busy Bash. July 23, 2007. Plummer. Dale. Tylwalk, Nick. February 17, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. June 29, 2012. https://archive.today/20120629045647/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/07/23/4361554.html. usurped.
- Web site: MVP's Most Valuable Program. World Wrestling Entertainment. August 10, 2007. August 10, 2007.
- Web site: Answer to the challenge?. August 10, 2007. Fuhrman. Alissa. September 26, 2007. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- News: MVP = TKO. August 18, 2007. Dee. Louie. Wwe. August 19, 2007. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- Web site: Smackdown: Batista bloodies Khali. https://archive.today/20120629143624/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/27/4450237.html. usurped. June 29, 2012. August 27, 2007. McNamara. Andy. February 17, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: Smackdown: Mysterio flies high. https://archive.today/20120731150753/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/09/01/4462709.html. usurped. July 31, 2012. September 1, 2007. McNamara. Andy. February 17, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: SmackDown: Mysterio flies high in England. https://web.archive.org/web/20160111060707/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/20/4591722.html. dead. January 11, 2016. SLAM! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. October 19, 2007. February 2, 2019.
- Web site: Smackdown: Batista demolishes Henry. https://archive.today/20120629045650/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/17/4663686.html. usurped. June 29, 2012. November 17, 2007. McNamara. Andy. February 18, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: Rah-rah-RAW for Jericho. https://archive.today/20120717064354/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/24/4682149.html. usurped. July 17, 2012. November 24, 2007. Tim. Baines. April 23, 2008. Canadian Online Explorer. Slam! Sports.
- Web site: Smackdown: U.S. spoiler edition. https://archive.today/20120716134038/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/22/4678051.html. usurped. July 16, 2012. November 22, 2007. Waldman. Jon. February 18, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: Edge brings in the clones to win at Armageddon. https://archive.today/20120629101307/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/12/17/4728475.html. usurped. June 29, 2012. December 17, 2007. Kapur. Bob. February 17, 2009. Canadian Online Explorer. Slam! Sports.
- Web site: Smackdown: Backstage we go.... https://archive.today/20120714163829/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/01/19/4782365.html. usurped. July 14, 2012. January 19, 2008. Waldman. Jon. February 18, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: A Flair for greatness. January 27, 2008. DiFino. Lennie. February 18, 2009. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- Web site: Madison. Marc. February 27, 2021. MVP Wrestling's Unsung Hero for the Culture -. April 1, 2021. ProWrestlingPost.com. en-us.
- Web site: The Deadman doubles down . February 17, 2008 . WWE . Dee . Louis . February 17, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090225063218/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2008/matches/6364982/results/ . February 25, 2009 .
- Web site: Mayweather, Orton survive Mania; Edge, Flair don't. https://archive.today/20120628224249/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania24/2008/03/31/5148416.html. usurped. June 28, 2012. March 31, 2008. Plummer. Dale. February 17, 2009. Canadian Online Explorer. Slam! Sports.
- Web site: HHH reigns again after Backlash. https://archive.today/20120716191007/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/28/5407546.html. usurped. July 16, 2012. April 28, 2008. Hillhouse. Dave. February 17, 2009. Canadian Online Explorer. Slam! Sports.
- Web site: Smackdown: The Undertaker is stripped!. https://web.archive.org/web/20160310092047/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/05/03/5461746.html. dead. March 10, 2016. SLAM! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Andy. McNamara. May 2, 2008. February 2, 2019.
- Web site: Smackdown: Game over for Triple H?. August 30, 2008. McNamara. Andy. March 8, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. June 29, 2012. https://archive.today/20120629120452/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/30/6616906.html. usurped.
- Web site: Smackdown: Triple H suffers a Twist of Fate. https://archive.today/20120629120452/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/06/6681911.html. usurped. June 29, 2012. September 6, 2008. McNamara. Andy. March 8, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: Smackdown: So long, farewell.... September 27, 2008. Waldman. Jon. March 8, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. June 29, 2012. https://archive.today/20120629120454/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/27/6899081.html. usurped.
- Web site: Scramble matches make for wild Unforgiven. https://archive.today/20120629151951/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html. usurped. June 29, 2012. September 8, 2008. Bishop. Matt. February 17, 2009. Canadian Online Explorer. Slam! Sports.
- Web site: Big things are poppin' again. January 20, 2009. Burdick. Michael. February 18, 2009. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- Web site: Smackdown: Hardy goes Extreme!. November 7, 2008. McNamara. Andy. March 8, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. June 29, 2012. https://archive.today/20120629120455/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/07/7343226.html. usurped.
- Web site: Smackdown: Hardy goes to the extreme. https://archive.today/20120629120510/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/15/7422966.html. usurped. June 29, 2012. November 15, 2008. Waldman. Jon. March 8, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: Smackdown: Hardy blows up!. https://archive.today/20120713181005/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/16/8052761.html. usurped. July 13, 2012. January 16, 2009. McNamara. Andy. March 8, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: WWE News: Full results from Smackdown TV taping — major return of WWE divas (contains spoilers). March 18, 2009. Caba. Carlos. March 18, 2009. PW Torch.
- Web site: Montel Vontavious Porter's second United States Championship reign. https://web.archive.org/web/20120603034405/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/9613096. dead. March 20, 2009. June 3, 2012. March 21, 2009. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- Web site: Wrestlemania 25: HBK-Undertaker steals the show. https://archive.today/20120629103158/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/04/06/9019551.html. usurped. June 29, 2012. April 6, 2009. Plummer. Dale. April 6, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: 2009 WWE Draft. World Wrestling Entertainment. April 14, 2009.
- Web site: Raw: Orton, Legacy end Flair. https://archive.today/20120713201020/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/01/9644971.html. usurped. July 13, 2012. Plummer. Dale. June 1, 2009. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. June 2, 2009.
- Web site: MVP prevails in war of the worlds. https://web.archive.org/web/20100721211446/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/11290488/results/. Vermillion. James. August 23, 2009. July 21, 2010. August 23, 2009. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- Web site: Team Kingston def. Team Orton (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match). November 22, 2009. May 1, 2012. WWE.
- Web site: The 2010 Royal Rumble is Rated R in Atlanta. Plummer. Dale. Tylwalk, Nick. February 1, 2010. June 7, 2011. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. June 30, 2012. https://archive.today/20120630051046/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/01/12692216.html. usurped.
- Web site: Batista, Jericho and Michaels capitalize on Elimination Chamber opportunities. https://archive.today/20120721135441/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/02/22/12978356.html. usurped. July 21, 2012. Plummer. Dale. Tylwalk, Nick. February 22, 2010. June 7, 2011. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: Undertaker ends Shawn Michaels' career in thrilling rematch to cap off Wrestlemania XXVI. https://archive.today/20120630024236/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania26/2010/03/29/13391706.html. usurped. June 30, 2012. Plummer. Dale. Tylwalk, Nick. March 29, 2010. June 7, 2011. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: 2010 WWE Supplemental Draft results. World Wrestling Entertainment. April 27, 2010.
- Web site: Smackdown!: Comings and goings. May 1, 2010. Hillhouse. Dave. May 1, 2010. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. July 13, 2012. https://archive.today/20120713161004/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/01/13790226.html. usurped.
- Web site: WWE NXT: Barrett wins show's first season. https://archive.today/20120629045655/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/01/14222371.html. usurped. June 29, 2012. June 1, 2010. Bishop. Matt. June 2, 2010. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: WWE News: NXT Results – Season Two announced, Pro & Rookie pairings revealed. June 1, 2013. Caldwell. James. June 1, 2010. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: Caldwell's WWE NXT results 8/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 2, Week 11. Caldwell. Nick. August 17, 2010. June 7, 2011. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 11/5: Kane to the Rescue? Nexus blurs brand split even further, MVP and Kaval compare zippers. November 5, 2010. Keller. Wade. Wade Keller. June 7, 2011. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: CALDWELL'S WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV RESULTS 11/21: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena's decision, six title matches. November 21, 2010. Caldwell. James. June 7, 2011. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: Smackdown: Three men and a dummy. https://archive.today/20120714063441/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/04/pf-16430176.html. usurped. July 14, 2012. December 4, 2010. Hillhouse. Dave. June 7, 2011. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
- Web site: WWE News: Top News - MVP released by WWE on Thursday, MVP comments on his release. December 2, 2010. Caldwell. James. December 2, 2010. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: Caldwell. James. MVP officially booked for New Japan card in February, details on his first match in Japan. Pro Wrestling Torch. January 31, 2011. January 31, 2011.
- Web site: Former WWE Star – Cleared to Kick Ass in Japan. TMZ. January 31, 2011. January 31, 2011.
- News: MVP officially booked for New Japan card in February, details on his first match in Japan. Wrestling News World. Gray. Richard. May 13, 2014. January 31, 2014.
- Web site: NOSAWA: MVP is coming to New Japan. January 31, 2011. Strong Style Spirit. February 20, 2011.
- Web site: The New Beginning. February 20, 2011. February 20, 2011. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. ja.
- Web site: MVP successful in round one of the New Japan Cup. Gerweck. Steve. March 6, 2011. March 6, 2011. WrestleView.
- Web site: Japan News: Updated – MVP loses second round New Japan Cup match Saturday, watch highlights of MVP's first round match (w/video). Caldwell. James. March 19, 2011. March 19, 2011. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: (Results) New Japan, 3/20/11. March 20, 2011. March 23, 2011. Strong Style Spirit.
- Web site: (Results) New Japan, 5/3/11. May 3, 2011. May 3, 2011. Strong Style Spirit.
- Web site: 5/13 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: Rahway, NJ. Martin. Adam. May 14, 2011. May 15, 2011. WrestleView.
- Web site: 5/14 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: New York. Martin. Adam. May 15, 2011. May 15, 2011. WrestleView.
- Web site: NJPW News: MVP becomes first-ever IWGP Intercontinental champion Sunday capping off "Invasion" tour. Caldwell. James. May 15, 2011. May 16, 2011. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: (Results) New Japan, 5/15/11 (USA). May 15, 2011. May 15, 2011. Strong Style Spirit.
- Web site: Dominion 6.18. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. June 18, 2011. ja.
- Web site: NJPW News: Results from Dominion PPV Saturday – MVP's first IWGP IC Title defense, TNA wrestler appears, key title change. Caldwell. James. June 18, 2011. June 19, 2011. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: New Japan Soul 2011. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. July 18, 2011. ja.
- Web site: (Results) New Japan, 7/18/11. July 18, 2011. July 18, 2011. Strong Style Spirit.
- Web site: ブシロード Presents G1 Climax XXI ~The Invincible Fighter~. August 14, 2011. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. August 14, 2011. ja.
- Web site: Destruction '11. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. October 10, 2011. ja. https://web.archive.org/web/20111014001109/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=412. October 14, 2011. dead.
- Web site: New Japan Alive 2011. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. December 4, 2011. ja.
- Web site: NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム. January 4, 2012. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. ja. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044116/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470. January 8, 2012.
- Web site: Dominion 6.16. July 31, 2012. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. ja.
- Web site: カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ~The One And Only~. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. August 12, 2012. ja.
- Web site: NJPW: Former TNA wrestler wins G1. Caldwell. James. August 12, 2012. August 12, 2012. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: 11月20日(火)開幕!! 『World Tag League 2012』の出場メンバー決定!! 棚橋はなんとキャプテンとタッグ結成!!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. November 11, 2012. November 28, 2012. ja.
- Web site: NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. December 1, 2012. ja.
- Web site: NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. December 1, 2012. ja.
- Web site: Wrestle Kingdom 7 ~Evolution~ in 東京ドーム. January 4, 2013. New Japan Pro-Wrestling. ja.
- Web site: Show Results – 1/4 New Japan Tokyo Dome Show: Former WWE stars in undercard matches, Tanahashi vs. Okada, did any titles change hands?. January 4, 2013. January 4, 2013. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: News: MVP announces end of New Japan run; returning to WWE?. Caldwell. James. February 26, 2013. February 26, 2013. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: MVP discusses why he's open to a TNA run, deciding to leave New Japan, WWE and more. Ryker. Mike. September 28, 2013. October 11, 2013. Pro Wrestling Insider.
- Web site: TNA News: spoiler – "New Investor" revealed. Caldwell. James. January 30, 2014. January 30, 2014. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: TNA Lockdown PPV Results (3/9): Who Has Control of TNA Wrestling? Wrestle-1 Takes on Bad Influence, Blockbuster Returns & More. Killam. Mike. March 9, 2014. March 10, 2014. Wrestlezone.
- Web site: TNA INJURY UPDATE, DEPARTURES AND MORE SPOILER NOTES. Johnson. Mike. February 7, 2014. PWInsider.
- The305MVP. MVP. 622175566419095552. July 17, 2015. Dear @IMPACTWRESTLING I dedicate this classic to you. It was fun... "Bad Brains – Sailing On" on YouTube -.
- Web site: ANOTHER TNA STAR GONE AS A RESULT OF THE HERNANDEZ ISSUE PWInsider.com. pwinsider.com. February 22, 2018.
- Web site: IMPACT Wrestling Operation: Override Results Sami Callihan vs Eddie Edwards in a Street Fight • Page 2 Fightful Wrestling. www.fightful.com.
- 1172675976788107264. IMPACTWRESTLING. After getting disqualified in their match at #OperationOverride, @mexwarrior must once again defend his… . September 14, 2019.
- Web site: Matches « MVP « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: HOH XVI « Events Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. Kreikenbohm. Philip. www.cagematch.net. February 22, 2018.
- Web site: Matches « MVP « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net.
- Web site: HOH 51: Blizzard Brawl « Events Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net.
- Web site: MVP ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE FROM LUCHA UNDERGROUND PWInsider.com. pwinsider.com. February 22, 2018.
- Web site: APW Halloween Hell XX « Events Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. Kreikenbohm. Philip. www.cagematch.net. February 22, 2018.
- Web site: PCW High Tide « Events Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: Matches « MVP « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net.
- Web site: Matches « MVP « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net.
- Web site: Matches « MVP « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net.
- Web site: Matches « MVP « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net.
- Web site: 10/5 MLW One Shot in Orlando, Fla.: Strickland vs. Ricochet, MVP vs. Callihan, Lawlor vs. Cobb, return date announced -. October 6, 2017.
- Web site: VIP Lounge with MVP. www.stitcher.com.
- Web site: MLW Road To The World Championship « Events Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: MLW Fusion #3 – Rise Of The Worldwide Desperado « Events Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: MLW Fusion #8 – The Bounty « Events Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: MVP Announces His Departure From Major League Wrestling Fightful Wrestling. www.fightful.com. July 2018 . en. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: 7/6 MLW Fusion TV Report: MVP vs. Sami Callihan in Boiler Room Brawl, Lawler & Gotch vs. ACH & Swann -. July 9, 2018.
- Web site: Former IWGP Intercontinental Champion MVP Makes His ROH Debut At 'Road To G1 Supercard' In Houston Fightful Wrestling. www.fightful.com. en. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: 1/25 ROH Road To G1 Supercard in Houston results: MVP makes a surprise appearance in Tag Wars, Lifeblood vs. Bully Ray, Shane Taylor, Silas Young, and The Briscoes, Jay Lethal vs. Vinny Marseglia for the ROH Title, Kelly Klein vs. Britt Baker for the WOH Championship. January 26, 2019.
- Web site: MVP aparece en ROH para reformar el Beatdown Clan. Solowrestling. January 26, 2019. www.solowrestling.com. es. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: ROH Road to G1 Supercard Houston results: Night two of Tag Wars. January 26, 2019. WON/F4W – WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results. en. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: ROH Road To G1 Supercard – Tag 3 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: Deangelo. Dominic. EDITORIAL: I got worked by Raw 25 – I got too hyped and ended up disappointed with another corporate agenda-pushing episode. pwtorch.com. January 22, 2018. January 22, 2018.
- Web site: Campbell. Brian. WWE Raw results, recap: New champion, Austin stuns McMahon, Taker, 'Too Sweet'. January 23, 2018. June 20, 2018. CBS Sports.
- Web site: Paul Heyman revela cómo trajo de vuelta a MVP a WWE . January 28, 2022 .
- Web site: Powell. Jason. WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan in a strap match for the WWE Universal Championship, Becky Lynch vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. January 26, 2020. January 26, 2020.
- Web site: Powell. Jason. 01/27 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Edge's return, Royal Rumble winners Drew McIntyre and Charlotte Flair, Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy vs. Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens for the Raw Tag Titles, Liv Morgan vs. Lana . Pro Wrestling Dot Net. January 28, 2020. January 27, 2020.
- Web site: Benigno. Anthony. Drew McIntyre threw down with MVP on The VIP Lounge. wwe.com. WWE. February 10, 2020.
- Web site: Powell. Jason. 2/10 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Becky Lynch vs. Asuka for the Raw Women's Championship, Seth Rollins, Murphy, and AOP vs. Samoa Joe, Kevin Owens, and The Viking Raiders in an eight-man tag match, the build to WWE Super ShowDown continues. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. February 10, 2020. February 11, 2020.
- Web site: Satin . Ryan . MVP Hired As Backstage Producer In WWE . . February 17, 2020 . February 19, 2020.
- Web site: Powell. Jason. 4/20 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Money in the Bank qualifying matches featuring Rey Mysterio vs. Murphy, Aleister Black vs. Austin Theory, MVP vs. Apollo Crews. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. April 20, 2020. April 20, 2020.
- Web site: Garretson. Jordan. Bobby Lashley def. R-Truth. WWE. May 10, 2020. May 10, 2020.
- Web site: Powell. Jason. WWE Money in the Bank results: Powell's review of the Climb The Corporate Ladder MITB matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt for the WWE Universal Championship, Bayley vs. Tamina for the Smackdown Women's Championship. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. May 10, 2020. May 10, 2020.
- Web site: Beaston. Erik. WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from May 11. July 9, 2020. Bleacher Report. en.
- Web site: 5/11 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Becky Lynch's major announcement, the return of Edge and Randy Orton, Lynch confronting MITB winner Asuka, Money in the Bank fallout. May 11, 2020. Powell. Jason. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. May 12, 2020.
- Web site: Powell. Jason. WWE Backlash results: Powell's review of Edge vs. Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship, Asuka vs. Nia Jax for the Raw Women's Championship, Braun Strowman vs. The Miz and John Morrison for the WWE Universal Championship, Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. June 14, 2020. June 14, 2020.
- Web site: WWE Champion Drew McIntyre def. Bobby Lashley. WWE. Jordan. Garretson. June 14, 2020. June 14, 2020.
- Web site: WWE Monday Night RAW Results – Christian In Unsanctioned Match, Backlash Rematch, Dominick Mysterio. Wrestling Inc. June 15, 2020 .
- Web site: Raw results, July 20, 2020. WWE. July 20, 2020. July 20, 2020.
- Web site: WWE Raw 6/22/20 Results: 3 Title Matches, While Dolph Ziggler & Rey Mysterio Make Their Raw Returns. Fightful.
- Web site: WWE Raw 7/6/20 Results: Champion vs. Champion, Several Returns & A New US Title Belt Is Revealed. Fightful.
- Web site: WWE Extreme Rules 2020 Results: Apollo Crews off PPV Amid Twitter Speculation. Forbes.
- Web site: 411MANIA. August 4, 2020. Apollo Crews Crowned Undisputed US Champion, Rematch Set For SummerSlam. en-US.
- Web site: Powell. Jason. WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, Braun Strowman vs. The Fiend for the WWE Universal Championship, Mandy Rose vs. Sonya Deville in a No DQ, loser leaves WWE match, Asuka challenges for two titles. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. August 23, 2020. August 23, 2020.
- Web site: Powell. Jason. WWE Payback results: Powell's review of The Fiend vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman in a Triple Threat for the WWE Universal Championship, Keith Lee vs. Randy Orton, Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, Matt Riddle vs. King Corbin. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. August 30, 2020. August 30, 2020.
- News: Garretson. Jordan. United States Champion Apollo Crews vs. Bobby Lashley. WWE. August 24, 2020. August 24, 2020.
- Web site: Cedric Alexander Turns on Ricochet and Apollo Crews on WWE Raw, Joins the Hurt Business | Fightful News.
- Web site: Powell. Jason. 3/29 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley contract signing for the Raw Women's Championship match at WrestleMania, U.S. Champion Riddle vs. Sheamus in a non-title match, the penultimate edition of Raw heading into WrestleMania 37. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. March 29, 2021. March 30, 2021.
- 1377254874082074628. The305MVP. To be clear, Bobby Lashley and MVP are The Hurt Business. We are always looking for talented applicants. Have the day you deserve. . March 31, 2021.
- Web site: WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods battle Bobby Lashley and MVP in main event. July 6, 2021 .
- Web site: Powell. Jason. September 13, 2021. 9/13 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Bobby Lashley vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship following Big E's threat to cash in the MITB contract, Damian Priest vs. Jeff Hardy for the U.S. Title, Raw Women's Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Shayna Baszler in a non-title match, Rhea Ripley vs. Natalya. November 8, 2021. Pro Wrestling Dot Net.
- Web site: Tedesco. Mike. November 8, 2021. WWE Raw Results – 11/8/21 (Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens, build to Survivor Series). November 8, 2021. Wrestleview.
- Web site: WWE Raw live results: Raw after WrestleMania. April 5, 2022. F4WOnline.com. April 4, 2022. Steve. Khan.
- Web site: Powell. Jason. WWE WrestleMania Backlash results: Powell's live review of Roman Reigns and The Usos vs. Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro, Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey in an I Quit match for the Smackdown Women's Title, Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins, Edge vs. AJ Styles, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos, Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. May 8, 2022. May 8, 2022.
- Web site: Powell. Jason. WWE Hell in a Cell results: Powell's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins in a HIAC match, Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's Title, Theory vs. Mustafa Ali for the U.S. Title, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos and MVP in a handicap match, Kevin Owens vs. Ezekiel, Judgment Day vs. AJ Styles, Finn Balor, and Liv Morgan. Pro Wrestling Dot Net. June 5, 2022. June 5, 2022.
- News: 2024-07-23 . MVP's potential departure from WWE sparks speculation on future in wrestling . 2024-07-26 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
- Web site: G . Joey . 2024-07-29 . MVP Appears At Josh Barnett's Bloodsport XI, Confirms That He Is Leaving WWE . 2024-07-29 . Wrestling Headlines . en-US.
- Web site: MVP Interview — Chatting with the Baller about Tekken, Matt Hardy, and who needs Just for Men.. September 26, 2007. Barnwell. Bill. IGN. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080129094302/http://sports.ign.com/articles/847/847749p1.html. January 29, 2008.
- Web site: Image of MVP. August 5, 2007. . https://web.archive.org/web/20080227151508/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/mvp/photos/smackphotos/jan51.jpg . February 27, 2008.
- Web site: Daily Mirror interview. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/50VpzCw7EI0. November 17, 2021 . live. June 19, 2009. Daily Mirror.
- Web site: October 2019. International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
- News: MVP gana el Campeonato Mundial de Jiu-Jitsu Brasileño . December 24, 2020 . solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com . December 24, 2020 . es.
- Web site: The 305 MVP on Instagram: "These pics were from the IBJJF Masters Worlds. I didn't have a chance to post them before I lost my phone. I won a gold medal in the ultra…" . https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CJ9nhkvD2Gn . December 26, 2021 . registration. Instagram . February 17, 2021 . en.
- Web site: WWE Superstars Batista and MVP Spotted Training BJJ . October 27, 2022 .
- Web site: Blackett . Todd . WWE Superstar MVP Promoted To BJJ Black Belt . Jitsmagazine . 2 May 2024.
- Web site: Various News: MVP Debuts Hip Hop Song, Jesse Ventura Appearance. Csonka. Larry. June 6, 2011. August 3, 2011. 411Mania.
- Web site: Video – MVP's first music video, who made cameos?. October 3, 2011. October 4, 2011. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: MVP's first single released. Caldwell. James. April 5, 2012. April 5, 2012. Pro Wrestling Torch.
- Web site: WWE News: Canada House Show Dates, MVP Releasing New Rap Track. Thomas. Jeremy. March 18, 2013. March 19, 2013. 411Mania.
- Web site: Return of the Ronin – Single. January 30, 2014. February 1, 2014. iTunes.
- The305MVP. MVP. 429516741333368833. February 1, 2014. "Return Of The Ronin" – By MVP TNA theme song available here-->.
- Web site: Montel Vontavious Porter. Giant Bomb. February 2, 2019.
- Web site: APW Universal Heavyweight Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: Eck. Kevin. 2007 Awards. The Baltimore Sun. December 30, 2007. September 25, 2020.
- Web site: BLW World Heavyweight Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: Brookhouse. Brent. 2020 CBS Sports Wrestling Awards: Drew McIntyre stands out as Wrestler of the Year. CBSSports.com. January 2, 2021. January 2, 2021.
- Web site: August 20, 2005 – Coral Springs Gymnasium – "Independence Bash". August 20, 2005. November 15, 2007. Coastal Championship Wrestling. https://web.archive.org/web/20090416021409/http://ccw.ms/HTM/results-082005.htm. April 16, 2009.
- Web site: Ironman Heavymetalweight Title. August 29, 2016. Wrestling-Titles.com.
- Web site: FOW Tag Team Championship history. November 15, 2007. Future of Wrestling.
- Web site: WCR Heavyweight Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- Web site: WCR Tag Team Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- 2021. Pro Wrestling Illustrated. 2020 Achievement Awards. Kappa Publishing Group. 18–19.
- Web site: Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2008. February 4, 2015. Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Internet Wrestling Database.
- Web site: SCW Florida Heavyweight Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. www.cagematch.net. February 7, 2019.
- 1173043194570924034. IMPACTWRESTLING. We told you anything can happen on @IMPACTPlusApp! @The305MVP is the new @WorldClassRev Champion! 30-DAY FREE TRI… . September 14, 2019.
- Web site: Home. February 27, 2021. WWE. en.
- Web site: MVP and Matt Hardy's first WWE Tag Team Championship reign. https://web.archive.org/web/20120921173547/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/1871854111. dead. August 31, 2007. September 21, 2012. February 18, 2009. World Wrestling Entertainment.
- Web site: 2020 SLAMMY Award winners announced. December 23, 2020. WWE. en.
- Meltzer. Dave. Dave Meltzer. January 30, 2012. Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news. Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California. 1083-9593.