The winds of change are blowing through AEW and someone trying to cash in on the opportunity is former WWE star Montel Vontavious Porter, MVP.
He and his new Hurt Business faction, now seemingly set to be called The Hurt Syndicate are coming to AEW, with former stablemate Shelton Benjamin the first to officially join the group’s ranks.
This past week Shelton Benjamin had an incredible showing and it looks like this group is here to make an impact in AEW.
But the question is: Who is going to join Benjamin and MVP in the group? Here are some potential candidates.
9. Anthony Ogogo
The British Olympian, who seemingly only gets his time to shine once All In rolls around, really needs a way to show off his true potential.
Ogogo has most recently found himself aligned with Shane Taylor Promotions in ROH, however, his last appearance came back in late August – spelling an uncertain future for him in AEW.
While he is technically aligned with Shane Taylor Promotions The Guv’nor is ready for a group with more substance and air-time, one that showcases the danger in his move set and his ability to connect with the crowd.
Nothing says ‘Hurt’ more than an instant hard punch to the head from an Olympian boxer.
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8. Dante Martin
You might remember that Dante Martin had a decent singles run in AEW throughout 2021/2022, during the untimely injury of his brother Darius.
During that time Dante showed off a huge potential to make it as a single performer, and perhaps that potential could be tapped into once again.
All he needs is some guidance and character. Something MVP and his business associates could definitely deliver.
Martin’s role could be one similar to Wheeler Yuta in the BCC or Jack Perry for The Elite, or Cedric Alexander’s in the original Hurt Business.
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7. Anthony Bowens
The Acclaimed have seemingly hit rock-bottom and are far removed from the immense popularity they once had.
However, that may only be the case with Max Caster and Billy Gunn. There still seems to be a lot of mileage in the character of Anthony Bowens.
The former AEW World Tag Team and Trios Champion is the total package, which did not go unnoticed by MVP.
MVP seemingly already has his eyes set on him, approaching him and Caster backstage. Wether Bowens accepts this offer or not, we will see.
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6. Max Caster
Despite publicly voicing his displeasure at the idea of Shelton Benjamin joining AEW in the past, Max Caster could wind up teaming alongside him in The Hurt Syndicate.
When MVP and Benjamin approached he and Anthony Bowens backstage, Caster seemed a bit less offended by MVP’s proposition than his tag team partner, with Bowens giving Caster a somewhat concerned look afterwards.
With The Acclaimed running a bit stale at this point, the time seems right for them to go there separate ways and out of the two it’s clear that Caster is the more likely to turn heel.
While it’s unclear whether he’d take his raps with him into The Hurt Syndicate, perhaps a true character change is what could take him to a new level.
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5. AR Fox
Remember Hachiman of the Diamond Mine? The silent veteran trainer in the background?
This is where AR Fox could slot in for the Hurt Business. Ever since he had visa issues at last year’s All In London, Fox has not been a regular on AEW TV anymore.
An association with MVP could be his door back in. A veteran that teaches the younger members everything they need to know.
Fox’s heel run was short-lived but showed a ton of promise, so hopefully he gets the opportunity to showcase his talents once again alongside MVP and The Hurt Syndicate.
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4. Lee Johnson
Where has Lee Johnson been?
Ever since Cody Rhodes left AEW, Johnson faded into the background. Mostly competing on Ring of Honor.
While this run did see him rack up some wins and even challenge for ROH TV gold, it has now been almost two months since his last appearance.
Although ‘One Shot’ has not been seen on the big shows, he still has a huge amount of potential that could be unlocked as the trainee of the Hurt Business.
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3. Ricochet
The beginning of Ricochet’s AEW career has shown much promise, already contesting for the International Championship at Dynamite’s Fifth Anniversary show and at WrestleDream last week.
While he seems more than comfortable continuing on the path he’s on, the high-flying athlete could potentially take a surprise left turn, reigniting plans once laid out for him in WWE.
The former United States and Intercontinental Champion was originally planned to be part of the WWE version of The Hurt Business, according to MVP himself.
While MVP would instead opt to choose Cedric Alexander, now is the time to do what as always meant to be. With the Babyface Ricochet character arguably being played out at this point, a heel turn would be a nice change of pace.
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2. Bobby Lashley
This goes without saying really. But Bobby Lashley absolutely will be making his move to The Hurt Syndicate before too long.
While not officially announced as an AEW star yet, but there is no Hurt without The All-Mighty.
Whenever his debut may be, MVP’s group will only be complete when Lashley takes centre stage, giving AEW a ready made main event level star in the process.
Hell will be calling the name of whom ever will be the first victim the leader of the Hurt Business.
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1. Swerve Strickland
I know what you are thinking. Did Strickland not deny the offer of MVP on Dynamite?
Did Prince Nana not have a big dance when Strickland called him family and sided with his long-time manager instead of MVP?
Maybe you are right, and all signs seem to suggest Strickland is going to be is the first victim of MVP’s new project.
Or instead perhaps poor Prince Nana is going to learn the hard way what it means to be…swerved.
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