MVP says The Hurt Syndicate is actively discussing adding a new member and believes the group needs a youthful spark following MJF’s failed stint with the stable. Speaking on the Battleground Podcast, MVP explained why MJF’s time with The Hurt Syndicate did not work out and how that experience initially made the group reluctant to bring in anyone new.
“The last go-around, we tried it with MJF,” MVP said. “It didn’t go well because he just didn’t make the cut. He wasn’t good enough. He doesn’t have the drive, he doesn’t have the internal capability for true violence. He’s a huckster.”
MVP said he personally vouched for MJF before the pairing fell apart. “I went out on a limb and vouched for him with my colleagues, but he just didn’t make the cut,” MVP said. “That kind of soured us a little bit about trying to add somebody new.”
Despite that experience, MVP said the group has now come around to the idea of expanding its roster again. “We think we do need a little youthfulness,” MVP said. “We need a youthful spark, so it could be about time to add a new member.”
The Hurt Syndicate currently consists of MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin. The group is the AEW evolution of The Hurt Business, which was WWE’s top stable during the pandemic era. MJF had a brief association with the group before the alliance broke down, with the two sides ultimately parting ways.
Lashley’s most recent AEW match was at Full Gear 2025, while Benjamin was last in action on the January 7, 2026 episode of Dynamite. MVP continues to serve as the group’s manager. No specific name has been put forward as a potential new addition to The Hurt Syndicate.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit the Battleground Podcast with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
