The internet wrestling community was buzzing with reports of backstage heat in AEW involving MVP and his dominant faction, The Hurt Syndicate. However, in a brilliant move, MVP and another wrestler involved in the rumors, "Speedball" Mike Bailey, decided to tackle the gossip head-on with a healthy dose of humor.

Backstage Rumblings

According to a report from Fightful Select, there were whispers of friction between MVP and some of the AEW talent. One of the key issues revolved around MVP's alleged reluctance for The Hurt Syndicate, the reigning AEW World Tag Team Champions, to lose to the tag team JetSpeed, which includes "Speedball" Mike Bailey.

Further reports indicated that The Hurt Syndicate also refused to drop their titles to the popular and established team FTR. Instead, MVP reportedly favored losing the championships to a younger, up-and-coming team, such as The Gate of Agony, The Outrunners, or Private Party.

These rumors began to swirl on the same day as the AEW television tapings in Columbus, Ohio. MVP initially took to Twitter, now known as X, to playfully ask, "heard any good rumors today," but he didn't stop there.

A Comedic Response to Controversy

Later in the day, MVP took his response to the rumors to another level by posting a hilarious video on Instagram. The video features MVP, along with his Hurt Syndicate stablemates Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, walking past Mike Bailey backstage.

In the video, MVP stops and confronts Bailey, exclaiming, "F*** you, Speedball." He then encourages Lashley and Benjamin to do the same, and they both meekly comply while looking at the ground. In a perfect comedic response, Bailey cheerfully retorts, "Well f*** you too, MVP" and "Well f*** you guys too." As The Hurt Syndicate walks away, Bailey smiles and waves, effectively squashing any speculation of legitimate animosity.

The Right Way to Handle Rumors

In an industry often plagued by negativity and "dirt sheet" gossip, it's refreshing to see wrestlers take control of the narrative in such a positive and entertaining way. Instead of letting the rumors fester and create a toxic environment, MVP and Mike Bailey chose to address them with wit and humor, turning a potentially negative situation into a moment of levity.

This approach not only dispels the rumors but also showcases their professionalism and camaraderie. It's a masterclass in how to deal with the often-turbulent world of wrestling rumors.

5 Greatest Feuds in AEW History

"It was so unique and so personal," Swerve Strickland said about his blood feud with Hangman Adam Page. "It got so personal because it wasn't just two wrestlers, it's two human beings, and crossing the line of men. How far you're willing to go to push those buttons of someone that you truly hate? Why are you hating them? What are you going to do about it?"

"It's that hatred that actually brings out the best in the product of what AEW is, in my opinion. People get uncomfortable because we pushed the line so far." 

Throughout its short lifespan, AEW has created some of the most iconic and vicious feuds in pro wrestling history. A brand that isn't afraid to turn the violence up to sickening heights, AEW has allowed its rivalries to escalate to Tarantino levels, solidifying stars like MJF and Toni Storm in the process.

Some of these rivalries were simply to prove who exactly was the best in the world inside the ring, while others devolved into deeply personal wars based on hatred and the thirst for revenge. Regardless of intention, these are the five greatest feuds in AEW history.

Gallery Credit: AEW

11 Most Shocking + Violent Moments in AEW History

"I am unapologetic about my love of... whatever you want to call it... the deathmatch style, hardcore. I love that stuff," Jon Moxley famously told Chris Van Vliet. "I understand most people are gonna think that's crap and they're not gonna want to watch that. Although I make no apologies that I like that stuff, I would never foist it upon everybody else. It's not like I walked into AEW and was like 'Look, all my matches are going to be crazy.' I never imagined we'd be able to do stuff like that."

Since its official formation in 2019, AEW has become wrestling's premiere destination for extreme acts of violence. With an entire locker room influenced by Atsushi Onita's FMW and Paul Heyman's ECW, both the men and women of AEW have created gruesome and iconic moments that rival any era of pro wrestling.

Tables, ladders, chairs, garbage cans and even kendo sticks have become commonplace in hardcore matches. But a bat full of a nails? A hypodermic needle? A champagne bucket filled with broken glass? These instruments of pain remain sickening to the core.

Check out the most shocking and violent moments from AEW below.

Gallery Credit: AEW