AEW star MVP, who had a notable WWE tenure winning both the WWE Tag Team and US titles, recently shared insights about a challenging WWE match he had with Cody Rhodes. On the show "Marking Out," MVP recalled how their match on a live NXT house show underwent multiple time changes, with the match duration fluctuating between 12 and 15 minutes. Despite these shifts, MVP and Rhodes worked well together, developing chemistry as they outlined and adjusted the match. MVP described how producers later decided to extend the post-match segment from two to three parts, pushing the total segment time to around 28 minutes due to commercial breaks needing to align with key moments in the ring.
MVP revealed that Cody Rhodes was informed live about the changes by the referee just moments before the finish, leading to improvised adjustments, such as Rhodes countering with his Crossroads finisher. Vince McMahon, watching from backstage, found amusement in the unfolding chaos, treating the situation like a game, though MVP noted the pressure of performing live TV meant they had to adapt quickly or risk failure. Today, Cody Rhodes is the crowned WWE Champion while MVP coaches the injured faction in AEW. Meanwhile, Vince McMahon has stepped away from his WWE and TKO Group Holdings roles amid a financial investigation into the company’s payments.
Fan Take: This behind-the-scenes look highlights the unpredictability and high-pressure environment of live wrestling, which AEW fans appreciate as part of the sport’s excitement. It underscores the adaptability and professionalism required from wrestlers, adding depth to the respect for talent on both sides of the wrestling world.