MVP believes that formal wrestling experience isn’t necessary to teach someone how to deliver a promo effectively. He expressed skepticism regarding advice given by NXT head writer Johnny Russo during a recent WWE tryout.
On the latest episode of Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Swayze, Swayze introduced footage of Russo advising tryout candidates to speak in complete sentences rather than fragmented phrases, avoid asking rhetorical questions without anyone to answer them, and steer clear of generic promos. Jim Cornette and Brian Last later ridiculed this guidance on Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru, arguing that it epitomizes the kind of uninspired promos already seen on NXT.
The clip, filmed during WWE’s SummerSlam week tryout in Minneapolis in August, shows Russo addressing independent wrestlers and athletes alongside NXT coaches like Steve Corino. Although MVP admitted he was unfamiliar with Russo and does not watch NXT, he rejected the notion that only wrestlers can teach promo skills.
“No, you don’t have to be a wrestler to teach someone to cut a promo,” MVP said. “If you’re an actor and can deliver a compelling monologue, that works. So anyone with that kind of talent can teach this.”
MVP shared that he attended promo sessions at the WWE Performance Center while recovering from a knee injury, highlighting valuable advice he received from Mick Foley’s son. Regarding Russo’s pointers, MVP agreed strongly with the caution to avoid generic promos, emphasizing the importance of standing out.
He disagreed with Russo on the issue of rhetorical questions, explaining they can be effective if designed to lead the audience to a clear answer—for instance, a challenger asking who has what it takes to become NXT Champion. However, the instruction to always speak in complete sentences confused him.
“What does that even mean? Isn’t a phrase a sentence?” MVP questioned. “Catchphrases are key in pro wrestling. You want something that sticks.”
The full context reveals Russo was referring to cadence and delivery, not catchphrases. Russo advised against chopping speech into fragmented words, urging wrestlers to talk naturally. He criticized openers that pose a question to an audience with no immediate response and dismissed overused lines about hard work without personal uniqueness.
MVP also differentiated between writing and performing scripted dialogue. “Just because someone can write doesn’t mean they can deliver,” he stated.
Still, he acknowledged Russo’s knowledge of content as head writer but expressed doubt about his grasp on delivery. MVP concluded that phrases and questions have their place, as long as promos aren’t generic.
Currently, MVP manages Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin in AEW’s The Hurt Syndicate, having led them previously in WWE’s The Hurt Business.
Fan Take: This discussion shines a light on the evolving art of promo delivery in wrestling, highlighting how nuanced and varied approaches can be. For fighting fans, it raises the importance of authenticity and personality in captivating storytelling, which could shape the future of wrestling promos and character development.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
