WWE: MVP discusses Apollo Crews, comparisons to legendary managers
Ahead of Sunday’s Extreme Rules PPV, WWE legend MVP spoke about his opponent.
The 46-year-old meets Apollo Crews in a match for Crews’ WWE United States Championship, after weeks of feuding with the popular wrestler.
It continues a remarkable comeback in WWE for the man who has already held that coveted title on two occasions, as he couples his in-ring work with a blossoming career as a manager-come-advocate.
Although the two are at odds as rivals on screen, it’s clear to see that the influence and input of MVP is having a positive impact on the California-born pro wrestler.
It comes after many fans – and even fellow WWE star Seth Rollins – had talked about wanting to see more character and personality from Crews, who has previously relied largely on his work inside the ring to forge his career.
MVP told us that we’re already starting to see signs of that coming through, saying: “I do think we have already seen a little bit of it, little flashes of it.
“As a matter of fact, I remember the first time we wrestled, I saw that anger come out!
“I have the tendency to, in some cases, the wrong buttons with people, so I absolutely believe that we’ll see more of that side of Apollo if he wants to be a fighting champion. In order to hold on to that title, he’s going to have to be able to harness that mean and nasty side.
“So yes, if I continue to work with him, I’ll definitely be able to help elevate him in those areas.”
It seems almost a given that MVP will thrive in the role of a Manager for a while yet.
With an uncanny confidence on the microphone, a natural charisma, and a career’s worth of experience, he appears an ideal asset to that role on WWE programming.
But where the classic heel managers of the past are concerned, what were MVP’s go-tos for inspiration?
We asked the question and got an emphatic answer.
He added: “Paul Heyman is the epitome of that now but, legendarily, Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan was the guy!
“I heard a few people recently mention my name in the same breath as his, in that I can manage and that I’m quick-witted and can go in there and do physicality.
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“That’s a huge honor to me because, in my opinion, Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan was the greatest to ever do it. There were many that were good, but he was the greatest.
“He’s the guy I look at for inspiration in that way.”