MVP believes that the show Dark Side of the Ring strikes a balance between paying homage to wrestling history and capitalizing on its darker moments, and he’s largely okay with that approach. During a recent episode of Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze, when asked if he watches the Vice TV series regularly, MVP admitted he doesn’t tune in all the time but has caught several episodes and found them enjoyable.
He explained, “I think it’s a bit of both because, let’s be honest, people are fascinated by disasters. Like when there’s an accident causing a traffic jam—not because the road is blocked but because everyone wants to slow down and see what happened.”
Dark Side of the Ring debuted on Vice TV in April 2019. Created by Evan Husney and Jason Eisener, and narrated by Chris Jericho, the series focuses on one chapter of wrestling’s past per episode, often centered on scandal, tragedy, or controversy. It uses interviews, archival clips, and reenactments to tell the story. Its seventh season aired in the summer of 2024, kicking off with a three-part exploration of Jeff Jarrett and the history of TNA, followed by episodes covering matches like the 2005 Necro Butcher vs. Samoa Joe, the life of Ray Traylor as Big Boss Man, the rise and fall of Rick Wilson as The Renegade, plus stories about Paul Orndorff, Missy Hyatt, and Zach Gowen.
MVP noted that these narratives can do more than just entertain. “Sometimes tragic stories offer inspiration or cautionary lessons: ‘Be careful so this doesn’t happen to you.’ I think that’s perfectly acceptable,” he said. “But when tragedy is exploited purely for profit, it can feel a bit tasteless.”
The 2024 season featured examples of both—The Renegade’s episode chronicled a promising career that ended in tragedy, the Big Boss Man story delved into pain and addiction struggles, and the season finale highlighted Zach Gowen, who overcame losing a leg to cancer in childhood to compete in WWE.
MVP’s main critique was about some of the commentators featured on the show. He praised knowledgeable insiders like Jim Cornette but used Conor McGregor’s famous “Who is this guy?” quip to question the relevance of others. “Some weren’t even around at the time,” he said. “I’d prefer hearing from people who were really there, involved, and knew those involved—that adds real depth.”
Cornette has been featured throughout multiple seasons, including the latest one alongside Jarrett, Matt Hardy, Scott Steiner, Tony Khan, Samoa Joe, and Eddie Kingston. MVP also poked fun at the reenactments, saying, “Some of the acting and wigs are a bit cheesy,” but acknowledged that it adds to the show’s charm.
Overall, MVP expressed strong approval: “I haven’t come across an episode of Dark Side of the Ring I didn’t like. If you’re a wrestling fan who appreciates the history of the sport, it’s solid content.”
MVP, with over two decades in wrestling, currently manages Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin in AEW as part of The Hurt Syndicate. He previously led both men in WWE’s The Hurt Business faction. Last year, he started the podcast Marking Out with Houston rapper Dwayne Swayze, which they record in a Houston speakeasy.
Fan Take: This insight from MVP highlights how Dark Side of the Ring plays a crucial role in preserving wrestling’s complex legacy—showcasing both its triumphs and tragedies. For fighting fans, understanding the deeper stories behind the sport can foster greater respect for the performers and the sacrifices they make, potentially leading to more awareness and positive changes within the wrestling community.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
