Buying or Selling Rumors on MVP and More Former Superstars Returning to WWE
As WWE continues to reshape its rosters following the Raw-SmackDown brand split, old names are sure to populate the New Era. Rumors point to Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) being on that list, but wrestling fans know to be wary of what floats around online.
WWE alumni are certain to step back into the ring for the company.
Jinder Mahal and Rhyno already have. WWE is trumpeting Shelton Benjamin's return to SmackDown.
Before the draft, Dave Meltzer, founder of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, tweeted that WWE had reached out to a number of older wrestlers:
But will WWE's search for roster depth and veterans to aid all its up-and-comers lead to a comeback for MVP? What about Carlito or Stevie Richards?
Breaking down what the reports have actually said and where these men are in their careers helps one separate which rumors to dismiss and which ones to buy into.
Rumored Return: Carlito
Rumor
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Nick Hausman of Wrestle Zone), WWE has offered Carlito a return deal, but it was too low in his eyes.
Analysis
Carlito is just the kind of talent WWE has to be looking for right now.
He's experienced, but his WWE run wasn't so long ago that fans have forgotten about him. The Caribbean Bad Apple wrestled for the company throughout the '00s and then returned briefly in 2014.
At 37, he's not yet ancient. He keeps himself in great shape, too.
His recent work in Puerto Rico has been strong as he has taken on the likes of Rey Mysterio and Bobby Lashley.
As a bonus, his brother Primo and cousin Epico already work for WWE as The Shining Stars. Now that the duo is no longer playing a bullfighting gimmick and instead playing up their Puerto Rican lineage, WWE has an appealing option of putting the family together as a faction.
Buy or Sell?
Buy. If money is the sole issue here, Carlito and WWE will come to a compromise. He is one of the better realistic options left for the company to bring back into the fold.
Primo and Epico's recent embrace of their Puerto Rican heritage opens the door for Carlito to join their side, too.
Rumored Return: Stevie Richards
Rumor
Mike Johnson of PWInsider wrote that WWE has contacted a number of former Superstars, including MVP and Carlito. He added, "Another name that has been brought up has been Stevie Richards."
Analysis
Richards, the former member of The Blue World Order and Right to Censor, has to be low on WWE's wish list.
For one, he was never more than a role player throughout his WWE run. The company asked him to either play comic relief or be a background guy in a faction. The nostalgia factor would be minimal were he to return.
And Richards is 44. He has better value as a coach at NXT than as an in-ring talent.
The New Era just isn't the place for him.
Buy or Sell?
Sell. There wouldn't be enough interest from fans to offer Richards much. Someone like Mahal at least might have some upside. Richards has already hit his ceiling and is well past his prime.
WWE may be talking to him, but the company surely isn't holding its breath about his potential return.
Rumored Return: Curt Hawkins
Rumor
PWInsider's Johnson reported on Tuesday, "Brian 'Curt Hawkins' Myers is also backstage at the taping and is expected to make his WWE return tonight."
Analysis
The word on Hawkins hasn't been about conversations and reported interest. PWInsider has reported several times now that he's on his way back.
Sure, he didn't show up on Tuesday's SmackDown, but WWE changes its booking plans all the time. Matches get cut, debuts get pushed back, returns get delayed.
Hawkins would be a smart addition to the SmackDown brand. The 31-year-old showed promise during his WWE stint, whether as Zack Ryder's tag team partner or as a cane-wielding solo act.
WWE will be happy to bring back a guy it can depend on the ring, someone who can help the young guys progress. And as a bonus, he may end up being something more than a way to fill out the roster. Among the guys rumored to come back to the company, he has the most upside.
Buy or Sell?
Buy. PWInsider has reported on Hawkins' return too many times for it to just be smoke.
He's not far removed from his last stint with the company. He's young and is still fresh in fans' minds. Plus, he likely comes at a good value.
It's just a matter of time before he shows up.
Rumored Return: MVP
Rumor
Former SmackDown general manager Teddy Long spoke on the Gerweck Report Podcast and brought up the possibility of MVP re-signing with WWE. He said, "As far as I know, he was going back. He did tell me that he signed, and that they were sending him to Pittsburgh."
Analysis
MVP is the biggest star among this group. He holds the record for the longest reign as United States champ since WWE took over that title, per WWE.com. He was often an upper-midcarder facing off against the likes of Matt Hardy, Chris Benoit or Kane.
Stints at TNA and New Japan Pro Wrestling upped his name value, as well.
Even at 42, it's not surprising to hear of WWE's interest in him. The reason to doubt that he's on his way back to Raw is thanks to what he has tweeted.
In late July, MVP refuted reports of his return:
He later tweeted a link (now dead) to the 1986 Timex Social Club song "Rumors" in response to all the talk about him coming back:
You didn't see that kind of rhetoric from Benjamin before news broke of his return. The same is true for Rhyno.
Buy or Sell?
Sell. There's not enough substance to the news on MVP. And he has so adamantly denied all the rumors, it doesn't appear that he's pulling a Chris Jericho and misdirecting the fans.
The gap between WWE's perceived value and what he thinks he's worth is likely substantial, too. If WWE wants him to just be a midcard guy who puts over all the young talent, his interest level for that gig is sure to be minimal.
He would be better off returning to NJPW where he held the prestigious IWGP Intercontinental Championship. WWE probably doesn't have him in line for any gold this time around.
