MVP recently spoke with The Mirror about preparing for the next chapter of his life, as the 44-year-old former WWE Superstar admitted he is “ready to transition”.
The two-time United States Champion is eyeing a career in motivation speaking, and will be telling his life story before a crowd in London later this year. “I know that my life story is an inspirational one,” he told The Mirror, “and one that can, hopefully, help others achieve goals in their own lives.”
MVP, born Alvin Antonio Burke, Jr., does indeed have an interesting life story prior to joining the wild world of pro wrestling. He grew up in Florida, the son of a police officer, and from a very early age was involved in local gangs. At just 16-years-old, he was arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping, and would serve nearly ten years of an 18-year sentence.
It was actually a corrections officer that got MVP involved in the wrestling business, eventually finding success in many of the world’s top promotions including WWE, New Japan Pro Wrestling – where he became the inaugural IWGP Intercontinental Champion – Impact Wrestling and MLW.
“I made some bad decisions and was able to overcome that because Vince McMahon gave me an opportunity,” MVP stated in the interview. He has spent the many years since his release speaking with inmates and involving himself in various outreach programs. All of that is something he will speak about at length in his upcoming one-man-show, which is something he has called a “passion play”.
For those hoping to see MVP back in the ring, don’t be concerned. The master of the Ballin’ Elbow says he’s still got “a couple more years” left in the tank, but it’s very clear to him that his time wrestling is “coming to a close”.
The Mirror