MVP Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 21, 2024
MVP Then
Montel Vontavious Porter(MVP), born Alvin Burke Jr. on October 28, 1973, in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, Florida, had a turbulent and challenging early life that profoundly influenced his later career.
Growing up in Opa-locka, Florida, Burke became involved with a gang at a young age.
Initially joining a graffiti gang, he found himself drawn deeper into criminal activities, which ultimately led to a series of legal troubles.
By the age of 16, Burke had accumulated a criminal record that included armed robbery and kidnapping.
His involvement in these crimes resulted in a substantial prison sentence—18.5 years—though he served nine and a half years before being released.
During his incarceration, Burke underwent a significant transformation. He converted to Islam while in prison, a spiritual journey that helped him find a sense of direction and purpose. However, his beliefs evolved over time, and he is now an atheist.
His past criminal activities have had lasting effects on his life, particularly concerning his international travels.
Due to his criminal record, Burke faces rigorous background checks and permit requirements when traveling abroad for professional commitments.
In addition to the challenges posed by his criminal history, Burke’s past as a Muslim affects his involvement with WWE’s international events.
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Specifically, he does not attend WWE shows in Saudi Arabia, where his status as a former Muslim would be considered a serious legal issue under the Kingdom’s strict laws.
This situation underscores the complex intersection of his personal history, professional life, and international travel, reflecting the ongoing impact of his past on his present circumstances.
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MVP Wrestling Career
Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), born Alvin Burke Jr., entered the professional wrestling world with a remarkable backstory and a diverse career trajectory.
After being trained by experienced wrestlers Soulman Alex G and Norman Smiley, Burke made his wrestling debut in 2002 under the ring name Antonio Banks.
His early years were spent on the independent circuit, where he gained significant experience and achieved success in various promotions.
He won the Tag Team Championship with Punisher in Future of Wrestling (FOW) and had notable matches in Full Impact Pro (FIP), including a title bout against Homicide.
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His sporadic appearances in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) further honed his skills and visibility in the wrestling industry.
In 2005, Burke’s burgeoning career led him to a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Initially assigned to Deep South Wrestling (DSW), he adopted the ring persona Montel Vontavious Porter, a character marked by arrogance and self-obsession.
This persona quickly resonated with audiences, and by October 2006, MVP made his debut on WWE’s SmackDown brand.
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His tenure with WWE was highlighted by his impressive reign as the United States Champion, which set a record for the longest title reign in SmackDown history.
After departing WWE in 2010, MVP expanded his horizons by joining New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in February 2011.
His time in NJPW allowed him to explore different wrestling styles and gain international experience before leaving the promotion in 2013.
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Following his NJPW stint, MVP returned to the independent circuit and made appearances in various wrestling organizations, including Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor (ROH).
MVP’s wrestling career came full circle when he re-signed with WWE in January 2020.
However, his tenure with WWE was brief, and in August 2024, he announced his departure from the company at Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XI.
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In a dramatic turn of events, MVP challenged Josh Barnett to a match, signaling his continued commitment to professional wrestling outside of WWE.
In a unique twist, MVP’s path into wrestling was facilitated by a corrections officer who had previously worked as a wrestler in the independent circuit.
This connection, coupled with his rigorous training and early career achievements, paved the way for MVP to become a prominent figure in professional wrestling, showcasing a remarkable journey from troubled beginnings to a celebrated wrestling career.
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MVP Wrestling Competition
- Full Impact Pro (FIP)
- Future of Wrestling (FOW)
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)
- Coastal Championship Wrestling (CCW)
- Elite Wrestling Entertainment (EWE)
- Deep South Wrestling (DSW)
- World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
- Ring of Honor (ROH)
- Game Changer Wrestling (GCW)
MVP Now
Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), now 50 years old, is an accomplished American professional wrestler and submission grappler with a storied career spanning multiple prominent wrestling promotions.
Known primarily for his work in WWE, MVP achieved significant success under his ring name Montel Vontavious Porter.
During his time with WWE, he captured the United States Championship twice and won the Tag Team Championship once with Matt Hardy.
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His impressive accolades extend beyond WWE, as he also had notable stints in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he earned the distinction of being the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
Despite his celebrated career, MVP’s recent professional journey has faced setbacks.
After being removed from WWE’s main roster in July 2024, he announced on Instagram that he is currently unemployed.
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His last match took place in 2022, and since then, he has been navigating a period of inactivity.
At 50 years old, MVP’s age and time away from the ring present unique challenges as he considers a return to professional wrestling.
Despite these hurdles, MVP remains optimistic and is actively training for a potential comeback.
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Speculation suggests that he may join All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a promotion known for its dynamic roster and innovative approach to wrestling.
As he prepares for a possible return, MVP’s dedication to maintaining his physical condition and readiness for competition highlights his commitment to the sport, despite the complexities of re-entering the wrestling scene after a hiatus.
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FAQs
In wrestling, MVP stands for Montel Vontavious Porter. This is the ring name of Alvin Burke Jr., an American professional wrestler known for his stints in various wrestling promotions.
The name MVP reflects the persona of an arrogant and self-obsessed athlete, which was a significant part of his character during his time in WWE and other promotions.
As of now, MVP is not actively wrestling in major promotions due to his recent removal from WWE’s main roster in July 2024.
Following his departure from WWE, MVP announced on Instagram that he is currently unemployed and not wrestling regularly.
His last match occurred in 2022, and despite his ongoing training for a potential return, he faces challenges related to his age and time away from the ring.
The wrestler named MVP is Montel Vontavious Porter, whose real name is Alvin Burke Jr.
He is a renowned professional wrestler and submission grappler known for his impressive career across several promotions, including WWE, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
MVP is celebrated for his charisma and achievements, including being a two-time WWE United States Champion and the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
Yes, MVP has held several championships throughout his wrestling career. In WWE, he was a two-time United States Champion and a one-time Tag Team Champion with Matt Hardy.
In addition, during his tenure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), he won the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental Championship.
His success in these promotions highlights his impact and accomplishments in professional wrestling.
In WWE, the MVP character is Montel Vontavious Porter, known for his extravagant and self-confident persona.
His character is portrayed as a high-profile athlete with a flair for the dramatic, often emphasizing his superiority and charisma.
The MVP character became well-known for its boastful and arrogant traits, which contributed significantly to his popularity and success in WWE.
As of August 2024, MVP is not currently with WWE. He was removed from the main roster in July 2024 and has since announced his unemployment from the company.
While he had a significant presence in WWE over the years, including a return in January 2020, he is no longer actively working with the promotion.
MVP has not officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling. However, his departure from WWE in July 2024 and his recent statements indicate that he is currently inactive within WWE.
Despite this, MVP has expressed interest in potentially returning to wrestling, possibly with other promotions such as AEW.
His status remains dynamic as he continues to train and consider future opportunities in the wrestling world.