Hurt Syndicate Fallout: AEW Frustration Mounts Over MVP’s Role

AEW‘s hurt Syndicate Faces Backstage Frustration Amidst Creative Direction Concerns

Dallas, TX – Reports are surfacing from within All Elite Wrestling indicating internal friction surrounding The Hurt Syndicate and their positioning on the card. While the group, consisting of MVP, Swerve Strickland, and Will Ospreay (currently sidelined by injury), remains under contract for several years, sources suggest a growing disconnect between their booking and locker room expectations.

Initial creative pitches explored a path for FTR to achieve a significant redemption arc, potentially beginning with a victory at AEW All In: Texas. One proposed storyline involved FTR overcoming The Hurt Syndicate, but this was reportedly blocked by the group itself. According to sources, The Hurt Syndicate declined to lose to FTR at both All In and Forbidden Door, with MVP allegedly expressing a preference for losses to come against younger teams like The Gates of Agony, the Outrunners, or Private Party – all of whom The Hurt Syndicate has already defeated.

the reluctance to elevate rising stars has reportedly sparked frustration amongst other wrestlers, who view The Hurt Syndicate as “heels that do cool moves, beat up everyone, and give fans fives on the way out,” lacking ample narrative impact.

Further complicating matters, plans for a longer-term alliance between MJF and The Hurt syndicate were apparently curtailed, though reports emphasize there is no personal animosity between MJF and the group members.

Despite these internal discussions, a prevailing sentiment within the AEW locker room is surprisingly positive. Multiple wrestlers have indicated that 2025 is shaping up to be the most harmonious year in recent memory, with many dismissing the concerns as isolated incidents.

Evergreen Insights: The Challenges of Veteran Presence in Pro Wrestling

This situation highlights a recurring dynamic in professional wrestling: balancing the established star power of veteran groups with the need to build future main eventers. While experienced performers like MVP bring credibility and in-ring expertise, prolonged dominance without meaningful progression for younger talent can stifle momentum and create backstage tension.

The Hurt Syndicate’s reported preference for losing to developing teams demonstrates an awareness of this issue, but the fact that they’ve already defeated those teams underscores the challenge of finding compelling storylines. Prosperous wrestling promotions consistently navigate this balance, utilizing veterans to elevate rising stars through strategic victories and compelling narratives. The long-term health of AEW, and any wrestling organization, depends on its ability to foster both established names and the next generation of talent.

How does the disbanding of the Hurt Syndicate reflect broader concerns about AEW’s creative direction and talent utilization?

The dissolution of a dominant Force

The recent disbanding of the Hurt Syndicate in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has sent ripples through the fanbase, but more significantly, has ignited frustration surrounding MVP’s role and the perceived mishandling of its members. For months, the Syndicate – comprised of MVP, Brian Cage, and Gates of Agony (Toa Loa & Kaun) – presented a formidable heel faction, consistently delivering impactful segments and matches. Now, with the group fractured, questions are being raised about the long-term vision and the utilization of talent within AEW. The fallout is especially acute given the initial promise and the potential for sustained dominance the Syndicate possessed.

Examining MVP’s Leadership & Creative Control

MVP, a veteran of the professional wrestling industry, was positioned as the strategic mastermind behind the Hurt Syndicate. However, many observers believe his creative input wasn’t fully leveraged, and the group’s momentum stalled.

Limited Storytelling: While the Syndicate excelled in physical confrontations, the narrative depth felt lacking. Opportunities too explore individual character motivations within the group were largely missed.

underutilized Cage & Gates of Agony: Brian Cage, a powerhouse performer, frequently enough felt relegated to a supporting role. Similarly, the gates of Agony, despite their impressive size and athleticism, weren’t given consistent opportunities to showcase their full potential. AEW booking frequently enough struggles with consistent character progress.

Perceived Lack of direction: The Syndicate’s feuds, while occasionally compelling, lacked a clear overarching narrative. This contributed to a sense of stagnation and ultimately, the group’s implosion.

The Impact on AEW’s Tag Team Division

The Hurt Syndicate’s presence significantly impacted AEW’s tag team landscape. Their dominance created a credible threat to established teams like FTR, The Young Bucks, and others.The dissolution leaves a void, and the individual members now face uncertain futures.

Brian Cage’s Future: Cage’s trajectory is particularly concerning. He’s a proven commodity with a history of success in Impact Wrestling and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. AEW needs to capitalize on his abilities, potentially as a singles competitor or in a newly formed tag team.

Gates of Agony’s Potential: Toa Loa and Kaun possess unique charisma and a compelling look. AEW could explore repackaging them as a more focused, intimidating duo, potentially aligning them with a different faction.

Tag Team Division Shake-Up: The Syndicate’s absence forces a re-evaluation of the tag team hierarchy. This could lead to new rivalries and opportunities for emerging teams.

fan Reaction & Social Media Sentiment

Social media has been ablaze with criticism regarding the handling of the Hurt Syndicate. Fans express disappointment over the wasted potential and frustration with what they perceive as inconsistent booking.

#SaveTheSyndicate: This hashtag trended briefly on X (formerly Twitter) as fans attempted to rally support for the group.

Criticism of AEW Creative: Many fans have directed their ire at AEW’s creative team,questioning their ability to effectively utilize the talent at their disposal.

calls for Better Storytelling: A recurring theme in fan feedback is the desire for more compelling narratives and character development.

AEW’s Talent Management: A Recurring Concern?

The Hurt Syndicate situation isn’t an isolated incident. AEW has faced criticism in the past for underutilizing talent and failing to capitalize on promising storylines. The success of younger stars like Hook, highlighted by Zhihu reports, demonstrates AEW’s ability to connect with audiences when given the opportunity. However, consistency remains a challenge.

The Miro Exmaple: Miro (Rusev) experienced a similar trajectory, initially presented as a dominant force before being sidelined and his momentum lost.

Wardlow’s Stagnation: Wardlow, another physically imposing talent, has also seen his momentum wane after a strong initial push.

Need for Long-Term Planning: AEW needs to prioritize long-term planning and consistent character development to avoid repeating these patterns.

Potential Paths Forward for Former Syndicate Members

Despite the disappointment, opportunities remain for the former members of the Hurt Syndicate. AEW can salvage the situation by strategically repositioning these talents.

1. Brian Cage – Singles Push: Focus on Cage’s strength and aggression, building him as a credible threat in the AEW World Championship picture.
2. Gates of Agony – New Alignment: Pair them with a veteran heel