Between 2011 and 2013, MVP competed in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he triumphed over several NJPW stars, including Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, and Tetsuya Naito. Notably, MVP became the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental Champion and fondly recalls his transition to Japan and the mentors who guided him. In an interview on the “Q101” podcast, MVP spoke highly of Tanahashi, calling him a “once-in-a-generation talent” and recalling how Tanahashi supported him by mentoring him during a training video shoot. MVP also shared that leaving WWE was a chance to reignite his passion for wrestling, even though it meant accepting a significant pay cut. Early in his NJPW career, he was informed that NJPW planned to crown its first IWGP Intercontinental Champion through a tournament he would win, a milestone that meant a great deal to him.
Fan Take: This revelation highlights the deep respect and connections between wrestlers across promotions, which fans of AEW can appreciate as it showcases the global and collaborative spirit of the sport. MVP’s experience and growth abroad not only enrich his character in AEW but also underline the value of international influence in shaping wrestling’s future.
