Disappointing report emerges over recently acquired AEW talent

MVP made his debut for AEW in September 2024, with The Hurt Syndicate becoming a key factor within the company's programming shortly after. Since then, MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin have proven to be dominant forces within AEW's ranks. 

Lashley and Benjamin have crushed the tag team division. However, at some point, they must drop their titles to allow new storylines to emerge and progress. Yet, it would appear that MVP's preferences for who Lashley and Benjamin lose to is becoming a sticking point, thus leading to some friction in the locker room. 

According to a report from Fightful Select, some members of the AEW roster are growing frustrated with The Hurt Syndicate's role within the company's programming.

"There have been a number of creative pitches, and we should be clear that the following are claims we've heard within the company, and we aren't sure how far they've got...MVP had stated that the team preferred to lose the championships to younger teams or talent. MVP's personal preferences were that of Gates of Agony, The Outrunners and Private Party," Fightful Select reported. "...When checking in the company about the preferred teams of Hurt Syndicate's to lose to, it was noted that Hurt Syndicate has already beaten all three teams. The frustration from the locker room is that the team are heels that do cool moves, beat up everyone, and give fans fives on the way out."

AEW's roster has been praised for its unity in recent months. Everyone in the company appears to be pulling in the same direction, and it's leading to a swell of momentum for AEW as a whole. 

Therefore, any frustration with MVP is likely minimal, with more of a focus on how the current setup benefits AEW compared to generating new angles and stories. 

It's worth noting that the Fightful Selects report did specifically note that the current frustration is with MVP, and not Lashley or Benjamin. 

In terms of talent, there are few better than The Hurt Syndicate. AEW is better for having them within its ranks. Nevertheless, there is little value to portraying them as an unbeatable unit. It takes away from other talent around them and kills any interest in the tag division. 

Hopefully, in the coming months, MVP will agree on The Hurt Syndicate's eventual successors, and AEW's creative team can get to work on making the storyline pop.