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His first major feud as the Champion was against [[Matt Hardy]], whom he started claiming to be better than at everything, after defeating him at the [[The Great American Bash (2007)|Great American Bash]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/07/23/4361554.html|title=Cena still champ after busy Bash|date=2007-07-23|last=Plummer|first=Dale|coauthors=Tylwalk, Nick|accessdate=2009-02-17|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2008-01-05|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08032007/articles/mvpmostvariedperception|title=Most Varied Perception|last=Difino|first=Lennie|date=2007-08-03}}</ref> When MVP was [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimately]] diagnosed with the heart condition [[Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome]], it was written into the storyline, with MVP blaming the condition for his losing an [[Professional wrestling match types#Arm wrestling match|arm wrestling match]] against Hardy.<ref name="WPW"/><ref name="answertothechallenge"/> When MVP was given an interview segment during ''SmackDown!'', the ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown#Recurring segments|VIP Lounge]]'', it was used to bow out of a scheduled [[Professional wrestling match types#Boxing match|boxing match]] at ''[[WWE Saturday Night's Main Event results#Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV|Saturday Night's Main Event]]''&nbsp;– with [[Evander Holyfield]] replacing him, and eventually [[Knockout|punching out]] MVP during the bout.<ref>{{cite|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/aug182007/articles/boxingmatch|title=MVP = TKO|date=2007-08-18|last=Dee|first=Louie|accessdate=2007-08-19|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the August 24, 2007 ''SmackDown!'', MVP bragged to General Manager Teddy Long that he could win the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]] with anybody, prompting Long to grant him a Championship match alongside the next person who entered the room, Matt Hardy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/27/4450237.html|title=Smackdown: Batista bloodies Khali|date=2007-08-27|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-02-17|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The following week, MVP and Hardy took the championship from [[Deuce 'n Domino]], making MVP a double champion.<ref name="WWE-tag"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/09/01/4462709.html|title=Smackdown: Mysterio flies high|date=2007-09-01|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-02-17|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> MVP and Hardy's contentious relationship had them competing with each other in various ways while MVP proclaimed himself "Captain" of the team and refused to defend his US title. Their reign together came to an end on the November 16, 2007 episode of ''SmackDown!'', which was taped on November 13, after Hardy demanded a shot at the US title, but MVP declined, and announced they had a Tag Team Championship defense against [[John Hennigan|John Morrison]] and [[Mike Mizanin|The Miz]] instead.<ref name="tagtitleloss">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/17/4663686.html|title=Smackdown: Batista demolishes Henry|date=2007-11-17|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-02-18|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> They lost the match, and immediately afterwards, MVP invoked the rematch clause, but they lost that match as well.<ref name="tagtitleloss"/> MVP then attacked Hardy, targeting his knee, which in storyline had been injured during the matches, and put him "out of action".<ref name="tagtitleloss"/> Hardy suffered a legitimate ruptured appendix while he was off television, putting their feud on hold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/24/4682149.html|title=Rah-rah-RAW for Jericho|date=2007-11-24|first=Tim|last=Baines|accessdate=2008-04-23|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> While Hardy recovered, MVP engaged in short feuds with [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] and [[Ric Flair]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/22/4678051.html|title=Smackdown: U.S. spoiler edition|date=2007-11-22|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=2009-02-18|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/12/17/4728475.html|title=Edge brings in the clones to win at Armageddon|date=2007-12-17|last=Kapur|first=Bob|accessdate=2009-02-17|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/01/19/4782365.html|title=Smackdown: Backstage we go...|date=2008-01-19|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=2009-02-18|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2008/matches/6141204/results/|title=A Flair for greatness|date=2008-01-27|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|accessdate=2009-02-18|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> He participated in the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania XXIV]], and during the match, just as he was about to win, Hardy made an unannounced return and knocked MVP from the ladder with his signature [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Twist of Fate|Twist of Fate]] maneuver, reigniting their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania24/2008/03/31/5148416.html|title=Mayweather, Orton survive Mania; Edge, Flair don't|date=2008-03-31|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=2009-02-17|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> At April's [[Backlash (2008)|Backlash]] in 2008, MVP dropped the title to Hardy, ending his record reign at [[List of WWE United States Championship reigns by length|343 days]], the third longest in the history of the belt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/28/5407546.html|title=HHH reigns again after Backlash|date=2008-04-28|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=2009-02-17|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=History of the United States Championship|accessdate=2008-03-01|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|work=Title History}}</ref>
His first major feud as the Champion was against [[Matt Hardy]], whom he started claiming to be better than at everything, after defeating him at the [[The Great American Bash (2007)|Great American Bash]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/07/23/4361554.html|title=Cena still champ after busy Bash|date=2007-07-23|last=Plummer|first=Dale|coauthors=Tylwalk, Nick|accessdate=2009-02-17|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2008-01-05|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08032007/articles/mvpmostvariedperception|title=Most Varied Perception|last=Difino|first=Lennie|date=2007-08-03}}</ref> When MVP was [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimately]] diagnosed with the heart condition [[Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome]], it was written into the storyline, with MVP blaming the condition for his losing an [[Professional wrestling match types#Arm wrestling match|arm wrestling match]] against Hardy.<ref name="WPW"/><ref name="answertothechallenge"/> When MVP was given an interview segment during ''SmackDown!'', the ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown#Recurring segments|VIP Lounge]]'', it was used to bow out of a scheduled [[Professional wrestling match types#Boxing match|boxing match]] at ''[[WWE Saturday Night's Main Event results#Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV|Saturday Night's Main Event]]''&nbsp;– with [[Evander Holyfield]] replacing him, and eventually [[Knockout|punching out]] MVP during the bout.<ref>{{cite|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/aug182007/articles/boxingmatch|title=MVP = TKO|date=2007-08-18|last=Dee|first=Louie|accessdate=2007-08-19|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the August 24, 2007 ''SmackDown!'', MVP bragged to General Manager Teddy Long that he could win the [[WWE Tag Team Championship]] with anybody, prompting Long to grant him a Championship match alongside the next person who entered the room, Matt Hardy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/27/4450237.html|title=Smackdown: Batista bloodies Khali|date=2007-08-27|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-02-17|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The following week, MVP and Hardy took the championship from [[Deuce 'n Domino]], making MVP a double champion.<ref name="WWE-tag"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/09/01/4462709.html|title=Smackdown: Mysterio flies high|date=2007-09-01|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-02-17|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> MVP and Hardy's contentious relationship had them competing with each other in various ways while MVP proclaimed himself "Captain" of the team and refused to defend his US title. Their reign together came to an end on the November 16, 2007 episode of ''SmackDown!'', which was taped on November 13, after Hardy demanded a shot at the US title, but MVP declined, and announced they had a Tag Team Championship defense against [[John Hennigan|John Morrison]] and [[Mike Mizanin|The Miz]] instead.<ref name="tagtitleloss">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/17/4663686.html|title=Smackdown: Batista demolishes Henry|date=2007-11-17|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-02-18|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> They lost the match, and immediately afterwards, MVP invoked the rematch clause, but they lost that match as well.<ref name="tagtitleloss"/> MVP then attacked Hardy, targeting his knee, which in storyline had been injured during the matches, and put him "out of action".<ref name="tagtitleloss"/> Hardy suffered a legitimate ruptured appendix while he was off television, putting their feud on hold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/24/4682149.html|title=Rah-rah-RAW for Jericho|date=2007-11-24|first=Tim|last=Baines|accessdate=2008-04-23|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> While Hardy recovered, MVP engaged in short feuds with [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] and [[Ric Flair]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/11/22/4678051.html|title=Smackdown: U.S. spoiler edition|date=2007-11-22|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=2009-02-18|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/12/17/4728475.html|title=Edge brings in the clones to win at Armageddon|date=2007-12-17|last=Kapur|first=Bob|accessdate=2009-02-17|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/01/19/4782365.html|title=Smackdown: Backstage we go...|date=2008-01-19|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=2009-02-18|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2008/matches/6141204/results/|title=A Flair for greatness|date=2008-01-27|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|accessdate=2009-02-18|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> He participated in the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at [[WrestleMania XXIV]], and during the match, just as he was about to win, Hardy made an unannounced return and knocked MVP from the ladder with his signature [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Twist of Fate|Twist of Fate]] maneuver, reigniting their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania24/2008/03/31/5148416.html|title=Mayweather, Orton survive Mania; Edge, Flair don't|date=2008-03-31|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=2009-02-17|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> At April's [[Backlash (2008)|Backlash]] in 2008, MVP dropped the title to Hardy, ending his record reign at [[List of WWE United States Championship reigns by length|343 days]], the third longest in the history of the belt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/04/28/5407546.html|title=HHH reigns again after Backlash|date=2008-04-28|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=2009-02-17|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=History of the United States Championship|accessdate=2008-03-01|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|work=Title History}}</ref>


Beginning on the August 29, 2008 episode of ''SmackDown'', MVP developed a losing streak that lasted over 5 months, losing in both singles and tag team matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/30/6616906.html|title=Smackdown: Game over for Triple H?|date=2008-08-30|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/06/6681911.html|title=Smackdown: Triple H suffers a Twist of Fate|date=2008-09-06|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/27/6899081.html|title=Smackdown: So long, farewell...|date=2008-09-27|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> At [[Unforgiven (2008)|Unforgiven]], he got a chance at the [[WWE Championship]] in the [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Championship Scramble]] match but was ultimately pinned after a [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]] by [[Triple H]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html|title=Scramble matches make for wild Unforgiven|date=2008-09-08|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=2009-02-17|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> The losing streak meant that, in storyline, MVP did not receive "his contract incentive bonus", and also was no longer allowed his usual entrance with the NFL-like inflatable tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/mvpbigthingsarepoppingagain|title=Big things are poppin' again|date=2009-01-20|last=Burdick|first=Michael|accessdate=2009-02-18|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> During this losing streak he had a short feud with [[The Great Khali]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/07/7343226.html|title=Smackdown: Hardy goes Extreme!|date=2008-11-07|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/15/7422966.html|title=Smackdown: Hardy goes to the extreme|date=2008-11-15|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the January 16, 2009 episode of ''SmackDown'', MVP finally broke the losing streak by defeating [[Paul Wight|The Big Show]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] with help from Triple H, as he was fighting to ensure that Triple H would be allowed to compete in the [[Royal Rumble#Match|Royal Rumble match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/16/8052761.html|title=Smackdown: Hardy blows up!|date=2009-01-16|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He officially completed his transformation into a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]] after defeating [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]] on the January 30, 2009 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/31/8218126.html|title=Smackdown: Heading into the Chamber|date=2009-01-31|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><!--DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMORS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:Recentism", "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. -->
Beginning on the August 29, 2008 episode of ''SmackDown'', MVP developed a losing streak that lasted over 5 months, losing in both singles and tag team matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/08/30/6616906.html|title=Smackdown: Game over for Triple H?|date=2008-08-30|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/06/6681911.html|title=Smackdown: Triple H suffers a Twist of Fate|date=2008-09-06|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/27/6899081.html|title=Smackdown: So long, farewell...|date=2008-09-27|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> At [[Unforgiven (2008)|Unforgiven]], he got a chance at the [[WWE Championship]] in the [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|Championship Scramble]] match but was ultimately pinned after a [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]] by [[Triple H]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/09/08/6698911.html|title=Scramble matches make for wild Unforgiven|date=2008-09-08|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=2009-02-17|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> The losing streak meant that, in storyline, MVP did not receive "his contract incentive bonus", and also was no longer allowed his usual entrance with the NFL-like inflatable tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/mvpbigthingsarepoppingagain|title=Big things are poppin' again|date=2009-01-20|last=Burdick|first=Michael|accessdate=2009-02-18|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> During this losing streak he had a short feud with [[The Great Khali]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/07/7343226.html|title=Smackdown: Hardy goes Extreme!|date=2008-11-07|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/15/7422966.html|title=Smackdown: Hardy goes to the extreme|date=2008-11-15|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the January 16, 2009 episode of ''SmackDown'', MVP finally broke the losing streak by defeating [[Paul Wight|The Big Show]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] with help from Triple H, as he was fighting to ensure that Triple H would be allowed to compete in the [[Royal Rumble#Match|Royal Rumble match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/16/8052761.html|title=Smackdown: Hardy blows up!|date=2009-01-16|last=McNamara|first=Andy|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He officially completed his transformation into a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] after defeating [[Chavo Guerrero, Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]] on the January 30, 2009 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/01/31/8218126.html|title=Smackdown: Heading into the Chamber|date=2009-01-31|last=Waldman|first=Jon|accessdate=2009-03-08|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><!--DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMORS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:Recentism", "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. -->


==Personal life==
==Personal life==

Revision as of 04:57, 9 March 2009

Montel Vontavious Porter
Born (1973-10-28) October 28, 1973 (age 50)[1]
Liberty City, Florida
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Antonio Banks/Bank$
Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP)
Billed height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[2]
Billed weight252 lb (114 kg)[2]
Billed fromMiami, Florida[2]
Trained bySoulman Alex G[3]
Norman Smiley[3]
Debut2003[4]

Alvin Burke, Jr. (born October 28, 1973)[1] also known as Hassan Hamin Assad, is an American professional wrestler.[1] He currently works for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on the SmackDown brand under the ring name Montel Vontavious Porter, or MVP.[2]

Before being promoted to the main WWE roster, Burke has wrestled for numerous independent promotions in his career, including a stint in Total Nonstop Action (TNA).[4] While situated in these promotions, he has won various championships, in singles competition. Before competing in the independent promotions, Burke was trained by former professional wrestlers Soulman Alex G and Norman Smiley.[3] Burke was assigned to WWE's developmental territory Deep South Wrestling (DSW) in McDonough, Georgia in 2005.[4]

After signing with WWE, he made history after he was signed to one of the largest contract in SmackDown history. Following his contract signing, Burke made his wrestling debut in October 2006, and proceeded to play a villain in the program.[4] In 2007, he captured the WWE United States Championship, making it his first title with the company.[5] His reign was the longest since WWE came into possession of the championship in 2001 and the third longest in the title's entire history. That same year, Burke captured the WWE Tag Team Championship alongside Matt Hardy.[6]

Professional wrestling career

Early career

Burke first entered professional wrestling after completing 9½ years of an 18½ year prison sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping which he started at the age of sixteen.[1][7][8][9] Burke entered the professional wrestling business through the help of a corrections officer in his prison who also worked as a wrestler in the independent circuit.[10] After being trained by former professional wrestlers Soulman Alex G and Norman Smiley, Burke made his wrestling debut in 2002.[3][9] He worked for many different companies on the independent circuit using the name Antonio Banks, including appearances with Full Impact Pro (FIP), and Future of Wrestling, where he won the FOW Tag Team Championship with Punnisher.[4][9][11][12] During his time in FIP, he wrestled Homicide for the FIP World Heavyweight Championship at the Ring of Honor show, Do or Die IV on February 19, 2005, but did not win the title.[4][13] He also made sporadic appearances for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and wrestled on the April 20, 2003 episode of TNA Xplosion.[4][14] He appeared again for TNA on the August 6, 2004 episode of TNA Impact!, with Sal Rinauro as his tag team partner, losing to America's Most Wanted.[4][15] He also wrestled for the promotions Coastal Championship Wrestling (CCW) and Elite Wrestling Entertainment in 2005, competing against wrestlers like Jerry Lynn and D'Lo Brown.[4] In CCW, he won the CCW Heavyweight Championship on August 20, 2005, by defeating Blackhart and Bruno Sassi in a 3 way match.[16]

World Wrestling Entertainment

In 2005, after a number of house shows and dark matches, Burke signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was assigned to their developmental territory Deep South Wrestling.[3][4] He originally wrestled under his "Antonio Banks" ring name, but then developed the Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) in-ring persona: an arrogant, self-obsessed athlete partially inspired by the fictional NFL wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) from the 1996 film Jerry Maguire and the real-life wide receiver Terrell Owens.[4]

SmackDown! (2006–present)

MVP during a SmackDown! house show

As MVP, he made his first appearance on WWE television on the August 4, 2006 episode of SmackDown!, during which announcers described him as a coveted free agent.[17] The initial angle involved MVP appearing backstage and in arena crowds, often flanked by women and/or a bodyguard, and talking to SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long about the contract his (unseen) agent was supposedly aggressively negotiating.[18][19] Throughout his segments, commentators described MVP as arrogant, noting that he would stop conversations in the middle to answer his mobile phone or admire his own jewelry while people were speaking to him. Finally, on September 26, 2006, video of a press conference announcing the signing of MVP to "the largest contract in SmackDown! history" was uploaded to WWE.com.view

MVP's in-ring debut for the brand was set for October's No Mercy pay-per-view, for which he also debuted his ring entrance featuring an NFL-like inflatable tunnel, before defeating Marty Garner, a jobber—wrestlers who consistently lose to make their opponents look stronger.[20] During the match, commentators Michael Cole and JBL decried the choice of opponent, since it had been implied that it would be someone "more competent", and joined in with fans mocking his athletic suit styled ring gear, calling him "pathetic" while the fans chanted Power Ranger.[4][21][22] On the following week's on SmackDown!, MVP, in a promo segment, demanded a tougher opponent to prove his mettle, which was answered by Kane—making his SmackDown! debut.[23] The two were placed into a storyline for the next two months, with MVP narrowly scoring wins over Kane in a street fight and a cage match before losing to him in an Inferno match at the Armageddon pay-per-view in December 2006, from which he suffered storyline 1st degree burns.[24][25][26] Because of the burns he was "out of action" for a short time, during which color commentator JBL expressed rage with the fans for cheering a match where the only way of achieving victory is to set an opponent on fire.[27]

When the Kane feud died down, MVP began a new one with United States Champion Chris Benoit over Benoit's title.[28] During the build up for a title match with Benoit, MVP appeared on SmackDown! introducing various supposed champions from around the world and quickly defeating them.[4][29][30][31] MVP was in control for much of the time of the title match at WrestleMania 23, before he lost in the end.[32] A rematch at Backlash went much the same way, with MVP suddenly losing to an Inside Cradle after looking like he was about to win for much of the match.[33] The two wrestled in a two out of three falls match at Judgment Day, with MVP taking the United States Championship, his first WWE title, in two straight falls.[34] MVP credits his time working with Benoit for improving his in-ring skill.[22]

His first major feud as the Champion was against Matt Hardy, whom he started claiming to be better than at everything, after defeating him at the Great American Bash.[35][36] When MVP was legitimately diagnosed with the heart condition Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, it was written into the storyline, with MVP blaming the condition for his losing an arm wrestling match against Hardy.[37][38] When MVP was given an interview segment during SmackDown!, the VIP Lounge, it was used to bow out of a scheduled boxing match at Saturday Night's Main Event – with Evander Holyfield replacing him, and eventually punching out MVP during the bout.[39] On the August 24, 2007 SmackDown!, MVP bragged to General Manager Teddy Long that he could win the WWE Tag Team Championship with anybody, prompting Long to grant him a Championship match alongside the next person who entered the room, Matt Hardy.[40] The following week, MVP and Hardy took the championship from Deuce 'n Domino, making MVP a double champion.[6][41] MVP and Hardy's contentious relationship had them competing with each other in various ways while MVP proclaimed himself "Captain" of the team and refused to defend his US title. Their reign together came to an end on the November 16, 2007 episode of SmackDown!, which was taped on November 13, after Hardy demanded a shot at the US title, but MVP declined, and announced they had a Tag Team Championship defense against John Morrison and The Miz instead.[42] They lost the match, and immediately afterwards, MVP invoked the rematch clause, but they lost that match as well.[42] MVP then attacked Hardy, targeting his knee, which in storyline had been injured during the matches, and put him "out of action".[42] Hardy suffered a legitimate ruptured appendix while he was off television, putting their feud on hold.[43] While Hardy recovered, MVP engaged in short feuds with Rey Mysterio and Ric Flair.[44][45][46][47] He participated in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXIV, and during the match, just as he was about to win, Hardy made an unannounced return and knocked MVP from the ladder with his signature Twist of Fate maneuver, reigniting their feud.[48] At April's Backlash in 2008, MVP dropped the title to Hardy, ending his record reign at 343 days, the third longest in the history of the belt.[49][50]

Beginning on the August 29, 2008 episode of SmackDown, MVP developed a losing streak that lasted over 5 months, losing in both singles and tag team matches.[51][52][53] At Unforgiven, he got a chance at the WWE Championship in the Championship Scramble match but was ultimately pinned after a Pedigree by Triple H.[54] The losing streak meant that, in storyline, MVP did not receive "his contract incentive bonus", and also was no longer allowed his usual entrance with the NFL-like inflatable tunnel.[55] During this losing streak he had a short feud with The Great Khali.[56][57] On the January 16, 2009 episode of SmackDown, MVP finally broke the losing streak by defeating The Big Show in a Last Man Standing match with help from Triple H, as he was fighting to ensure that Triple H would be allowed to compete in the Royal Rumble match.[58] He officially completed his transformation into a face after defeating Chavo Guerrero on the January 30, 2009 episode of SmackDown.[59]

Personal life

Burke grew up Opa-locka, Florida, and his father was a police officer.[9] He joined a gang when he was 12, describing it as "a graffiti gang", which later turned into a street gang.[9] He spent six months in a juvenile detention centre after a robbery.[9] He later completed 9½ years of an 18½ year prison sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping which he started at the age of sixteen.[1][7][8]

In October 2007 Burke was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a rare condition that causes the heart to beat faster than normal.[60][37] The diagnosis and treatment were worked into WWE storylines.[38]

Burke has acquired numerous tattoos through his life, including; a portrait of Malcolm X on the upper left portion of his chest,[7][61] the sarcophagus of King Tut on his left upper biceps,[7][62] the legend "Monte Cristo" along with the phrase "The best revenge is living well" in script on his right forearm (both references to the book The Count of Monte Cristo)[7] and an Eye of Horus on the back of his left arm.[7][63] He also has a number of homemade gang related tattoos that he had done when he was in his teens and which he is no longer proud of.[7]

Burke has stated that he was a video game fan growing up and that the finishing maneuver he used on the independent circuit, the Malicious Intent, was inspired by a similar move performed by a character in the Tekken series.[60]

Due to his past criminal record, Burke is barred from visiting some countries for international tours such as Japan. He is, however, able to visit other countries through special permits and background checks for recent behavior.[10]

In wrestling

Porter as both the United States Champion and one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions

Championships and accomplishments

Porter had the longest reigning United States Championship reign in WWE history and third longest in the history of the championship.
  • Coastal Championship Wrestling
    • CCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[16]
  • Xtreme Wrestling Alliance
    • XWA Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Inmate Release Information Detail". Florida Department of Corrections. Retrieved 2007-05-26.
  2. ^ a b c d e "MVP's WWE Profile". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-04-07.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Montel Vontavious Porter profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-04-07.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Xamin, Mark. "Slam! Sports - Wrestling - Montel Vontavious Porter". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2007-10-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b "History of The United States Championship - Montel Vontavious Porter". World Wrestling Entertainment. 2007-05-20. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
  6. ^ a b c "History of the WWE Tag Team Championship - MVP & Matt Hardy". World Wrestling Entertainment. 2007-08-31. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Zeigler, Zack. "Ink from the clink". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
  8. ^ a b Baines, Tim (2007-04-14). "Slam! Sports - Wrestling - A true MVP -- take it to the bank". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2007-10-15.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Wojcik, Alan (2003-03-22). "Alan Wojcik interviews Antonio Banks". Alan Wojcik Archives. Retrieved 2006-12-21.
  10. ^ a b "MVP looking to be a 'beacon of hope'". GoTricities. Retrieved 2008-08-01.
  11. ^ "Full Impact Pro results". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-04-07.
  12. ^ a b "FOW Tag Team Title". Future Of Wrestling. Retrieved 2007-11-15.
  13. ^ "Do or Die IV- Elizabeth, NJ 2/19/05". Ring of Honor. 2005-02-19. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  14. ^ "NWA: Total Nonstop Action PPV results - April 13, 2003". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
  15. ^ "TNA Wrestling Results - NWA:TNA Imacpt". Online World of Wrestling. 2004-08-06. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  16. ^ a b "August 20, 2005 - Coral Springs Gymnasium - "Independence Bash"". Coastal Championship Wrestling. 2005-08-20. Retrieved 2007-11-15.
  17. ^ Hoffman, Brett (2006-08-04). "Challenge from the grave". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  18. ^ Waldman, Jon (2006-08-13). "Smackdown: New blood soaks in the spotlight". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  19. ^ Waldman, Jon (2006-08-19). "Smackdown: Last promos, last stand". Slam! Sports. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  20. ^ PWI Staff (2007). "Wrestling's historical cards". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts. Kappa Publishing Group: 122.
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  22. ^ a b "MVP Interview". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-06.
  23. ^ McNamara, Andy (2006-10-14). "Smackdown: Batista is #1". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  24. ^ McNamara, Andy (2006-11-18). "Smackdown: Batista crowns the King". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  25. ^ McNamara, Andy (2006-11-25). "Smackdown: A royal thrashing". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  26. ^ "MVP remains in burn unit". World Wrestling Entertainment. 2006-12-19. Archived from the original on 2007-05-06.
  27. ^ DiFino, Lennie (2006-12-22). "Bells will be ringing". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-04-07. Former WWE Champion JBL voiced his displeasures with the direction SmackDown has gone, and he placed the blame on Theodore Long for the burning of MVP. JBL also blamed the fans, calling them 'sick human beings'.
  28. ^ McNamara, Andy (2007-03-10). "Smackdown: Batista and 'Taker tune up for 'Mania". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  29. ^ McNamara, Andy (2007-03-17). "Smackdown: Batista feels the Dead Man's wrath". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  30. ^ McNamara, Andy (2007-03-24). "Smackdown: Lashley dominates Kennedy and Orton". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  31. ^ PWI Staff (2007). "Arena reports". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Kappa Publishing Group: 132. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  32. ^ McElvaney, Kevin (2007). "WrestleMania 23". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Kappa Publishing Group: 74–101. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  33. ^ Elliott, Brian (2007-04-29). "No filler makes for a consistent Backlash". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  34. ^ Elliott, Brian (2007-05-21). "WWE just passes on Judgment Day". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  35. ^ Plummer, Dale (2007-07-23). "Cena still champ after busy Bash". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ Difino, Lennie (2007-08-03). "Most Varied Perception". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
  37. ^ a b "MVP's Most Valuable Program". World Wrestling Entertainment. 2007-08-10. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  38. ^ a b c d Fuhrman, Alissa (2007-08-10). "Answer to the challenge?". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-09-26.
  39. ^ Dee, Louie (2007-08-18), MVP = TKO, World Wrestling Entertainment, retrieved 2007-08-19
  40. ^ McNamara, Andy (2007-08-27). "Smackdown: Batista bloodies Khali". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  41. ^ McNamara, Andy (2007-09-01). "Smackdown: Mysterio flies high". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  42. ^ a b c McNamara, Andy (2007-11-17). "Smackdown: Batista demolishes Henry". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  43. ^ Baines, Tim (2007-11-24). "Rah-rah-RAW for Jericho". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2008-04-23.
  44. ^ Waldman, Jon (2007-11-22). "Smackdown: U.S. spoiler edition". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  45. ^ Kapur, Bob (2007-12-17). "Edge brings in the clones to win at Armageddon". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  46. ^ Waldman, Jon (2008-01-19). "Smackdown: Backstage we go..." Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  47. ^ DiFino, Lennie (2008-01-27). "A Flair for greatness". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  48. ^ Plummer, Dale (2008-03-31). "Mayweather, Orton survive Mania; Edge, Flair don't". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  49. ^ Hillhouse, Dave (2008-04-28). "HHH reigns again after Backlash". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  50. ^ "History of the United States Championship". Title History. World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  51. ^ McNamara, Andy (2008-08-30). "Smackdown: Game over for Triple H?". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  52. ^ McNamara, Andy (2008-09-06). "Smackdown: Triple H suffers a Twist of Fate". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  53. ^ Waldman, Jon (2008-09-27). "Smackdown: So long, farewell..." Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  54. ^ Bishop, Matt (2008-09-08). "Scramble matches make for wild Unforgiven". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  55. ^ Burdick, Michael (2009-01-20). "Big things are poppin' again". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  56. ^ McNamara, Andy (2008-11-07). "Smackdown: Hardy goes Extreme!". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  57. ^ Waldman, Jon (2008-11-15). "Smackdown: Hardy goes to the extreme". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  58. ^ McNamara, Andy (2009-01-16). "Smackdown: Hardy blows up!". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  59. ^ Waldman, Jon (2009-01-31). "Smackdown: Heading into the Chamber". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  60. ^ a b c "MVP Interview". IGN. Retrieved 2007-09-26.
  61. ^ "Image of MVP". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2007-08-05.
  62. ^ "Image of Alvin Burke, Jr". Montel-Porter.org. Retrieved 2007-08-05.
  63. ^ "Image of Alvin Burke, Jr". Montel-Porter.org. Retrieved 2007-08-05.
  64. ^ "SummerSlam 2008 pictures w/captions". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2008-08-18.
  65. ^ Ring of Honor: Stars of Honor (DVD). Koch Vision. Retrieved 2008-04-27.
  66. ^ a b c DiFino, Lennie (2007-09-07). "Ballin' out of control". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
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  68. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2007". Wrestling Information Archive. Retrieved 2008-07-03.

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