In a surprising revelation that will intrigue wrestling fans, former WWE star MVP has disclosed details of an ambitious storyline that never saw the light of day - a rap supergroup featuring himself, John Cena and R-Truth called Urban Desperados.
The Urban Desperados Concept
The 52-year-old wrestler, who recently signed with rival promotion All Elite Wrestling, recalled how the unique idea emerged from their shared musical talents. Speaking exclusively to Metro on behalf of Adventure Gamers, MVP described how he invited the current Intercontinental Champion to his home studio to record music together.
'It was a really cool beat,' MVP remembered. 'It had a slight guitar, Western sound to it and then this really heavy drumbeat, and I called it Urban Desperados.'
The plan involved all three wrestlers recording verses for the track, creating what would have been a collaboration between the three most prominent rappers in WWE at that time. Cena recorded his verse, MVP laid down his own, and R-Truth was scheduled to complete the trio's musical effort.
From Music to Wrestling Storyline
MVP envisioned taking the project beyond just a song release, proposing an on-screen partnership where he and R-Truth would serve as backup for John Cena during his matches and storylines.
'John Cena would be in trouble and you'd hear that guitar lick and then Me and Truth would come out to help him,' he explained, detailing how the musical element would translate to television entertainment.
The concept received positive feedback from those involved. R-Truth liked the idea, and Cena reportedly responded, 'Man, I think that's actually pretty cool. If the old man [Vince McMahon] approves it, then yeah, let's go with it.'
Unfortunately, WWE chairman Vince McMahon didn't share their enthusiasm. Despite most people MVP spoke to finding the concept fun and entertaining, McMahon didn't think much of it, leading to the abrupt cancellation of the Urban Desperados project.
Praise for Cena's Work Ethic
Reflecting on his time working with John Cena, who is set to retire next month after 23 years with WWE, MVP shared remarkable insights into the legendary wrestler's dedication and professionalism.
'I used to watch the guy get out of the limousine from the jet where he just came from Australia shooting a movie,' MVP recalled. 'He'd fly nonstop, literally to the airstrip, to the building.'
Cena would arrive at Raw or SmackDown venues with script in hand, deliver his promos, wrestle matches lasting 20-25 minutes, then immediately return to his limousine and jet back to Australia to continue filming.
'I got nothing but high praise for that guy and I tolerate no John Cena slander because most people would crumble under the pressure he thrived under,' MVP stated emphatically.
While he knew Cena well as a colleague and respected him as a leader, MVP admitted he never truly got to know the private John Cena outside of their professional relationship.
MVP's Current Career and Future Plans
Now celebrating his 52nd birthday and recently signing with AEW, MVP acknowledged that his own in-ring career is approaching its conclusion, though he's 'not ready to retire' just yet.
Thanks to stem cell treatment recommended by WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio and maintaining fitness through Jiu-Jitsu, MVP feels he still has something to offer the wrestling business.
'I'm still wrestling when needed. And I'm not ready to retire yet. I've still got some gas in the tank,' he confirmed.
When retirement does come, MVP has clear plans for his final chapter in wrestling. 'I want to work a programme with some younger talent and go out on my back,' he revealed, indicating he wants to help elevate new stars on his way out.
For now, he remains committed to the Hurt Syndicate in AEW, suggesting he might continue wrestling for 'maybe a year or two' before fully transitioning away from active competition.
The revelation about the scrapped Urban Desperados project offers wrestling fans a fascinating glimpse into what might have been - a unique crossover between music and sports entertainment that, while rejected by WWE management, demonstrates the creative thinking that occurs behind the scenes in professional wrestling.
