EP. 32 – Montel Vontavious Porter on Ring Size, Rope Tension & Match Psychology

Hosted by longtime friends Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Houston-based rapper & songwriter Dwayne Swayze, Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze takes you inside the world of professional wrestling like never before. In this episode, MVP answers a Patreon question about whether he’d have entered wrestling without incarceration, traces the path from work release to his first training ring, and breaks down how ring size, rope tension, entrances, and on-camera choices shape match psychology, capped with a Lakers vs. Nuggets Raw story and a tandem moment with John Cena, all with raw, unfiltered insight from one of the most respected veterans in the business.

MVP opens with an honest reckoning: without prison, he might have been dead or still inside. He recalls South Florida fandom, discovering ECW and Taz on late-night radio, and maneuvering Saturday passes to catch WWF while stacking “gain time.”

He then details training origins: correctional officer “Prime Time” Daryl D, a King Kong Bundy book, a backyard ring, and Duke “The Dumpster” school with Soulman Alex G, tuition waived as mentors saw a prospect.

Craft talk follows: inspecting boards and canvases, rope types (real rope vs cable), ring sizes (20/18/16) and stride, safer rope-running with a tucked elbow, and why entrances shrink on indies. Teaming etiquette gets real, showing how a star gives the rub, including a five-knuckle-shuffle/“Ballin’” tandem with Cena.

Thanks to Hope for the question, salute to the supporters, and a Yamazaki 12 toast with a Lost in Translation nod. Like, comment, subscribe, and share with a friend who’ll appreciate the craft.

Get early access, exclusive behind-the-scenes, and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. Unlock the real story behind the squared circle—join our Patreon now → https://www.patreon.com/TheMarkingOutShow 🔥

About Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze:

Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze is a weekly wrestling podcast hosted by longtime friends MVP, a professional wrestling veteran with over 20 years in the business, and Dwayne Swayze, a Houston-based rapper with a deep love for the sport. Every Monday, MVP pulls back the curtain on pro wrestling, breaking down its history, behind-the-scenes moments, and the psychology that makes it all work. With firsthand experience in the ring, he shares unfiltered insight, legendary road stories, and deep dives into promos, match strategy, and the business behind the spectacle. No topic is off limits.

New episodes release every Monday. Audio drops at midnight CT on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The full video show premieres at noon CT on YouTube. Subscribe for real talk, real stories, and a fresh perspective on the world of professional wrestling.

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