Recent rumors alleged that MVP harbored backstage heat in AEW, particularly directed at Speedball Mike Bailey, a member of The Hurt Syndicate. The speculation suggested that MVP was displeased with Bailey and frustrated with The Hurt Syndicate’s refusal to accept certain planned losses, which supposedly caused tension within the company.
The Hurt Syndicate Responds with Humor
Contrary to the serious tone of the rumors, MVP, Mike Bailey, Shelton Benjamin, and Bobby Lashley posted a backstage video on social media that humorously confronted the speculation. In the clip, MVP approaches Bailey and says, “F*** you Speedball,” to which Bailey replies in kind. Lashley and Benjamin also reluctantly directed similar remarks at Bailey after MVP urged them to do so, creating a lighthearted and comedic atmosphere.
Championships and Team Dynamics Under Scrutiny
Reports indicated that The Hurt Syndicate opposed dropping the AEW World Tag Team Championships to FTR, despite MVP’s preference that his team lose the titles to a younger, rising team. Names such as Gates of Agony, Private Party, and The Outrunners were mentioned as potential recipients of the championships. However, whether JetSpeed qualifies as an up-and-coming team is still uncertain, especially since The Hurt Syndicate has defeated all four mentioned teams in AEW competition.
Implications for AEW and Future Developments
The playful denial of conflict between MVP, Mike Bailey, and The Hurt Syndicate challenges the narrative of backstage discord while raising questions about booking decisions and championship storylines in AEW. How AEW navigates these dynamics could affect the tag team division’s direction and the positioning of emerging teams within the company.
