MVP Credits Prison Stint For Sparking Wrestling Interest

AEW wrestler MVP served time in prison starting at age sixteen after being convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping. He was originally sentenced to eighteen and a half years but was released after serving nine and a half years.

Near the end of his sentence, MVP was asked if he would consider taking steroids and wrestling professionally for a high annual salary. This conversation prompted him to start thinking about a career in wrestling after his release.

MVP had never previously considered becoming a professional wrestler. While at a work release center, he began focusing on building his physique by lifting weights and consuming large amounts of food including a dozen eggs for breakfast and homemade protein shakes made with powdered milk and sugar.

MVP increased his weight from 205 pounds to 245 pounds during this period through creatine use and intense training. Prison officials tested him for steroids, but the gains came from his diet and workout regimen.

After his release, MVP connected with a corrections officer who was also an independent wrestler. This individual helped him enter the wrestling business.

MVP believes his time in prison ultimately led him to his wrestling career. Without that experience, he states that his wrestling persona would never have existed.