MVP On His Friendship With Chris Benoit: "He Was My Friend And My Mentor"

In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, current AEW wrestler MVP discussed his professional and personal relationship with Chris Benoit over the course of seven minutes. MVP described Benoit as both his favorite wrestler and a mentor who played a huge role early in MVP's WWE career.

MVP On Early Mentorship From Chris Benoit

MVP recalled first meeting Chris Benoit while working as an extra for WWE and seeking out his advice. The Rabid Wolverine went a step ahead, giving MVP his address so the latter could send tapes of his matches on the independent circuit.

According to MVP, Benoit didn't just watch the footage - he took notes and went over every aspect of MVP's performance inside the ring. When MVP asked if he didn't suck, the former World Champion said no, that he was "just green" and predicted MVP would be great in the future.

The Day MVP Earned Chris Benoit's Respect

From that point on, Chris Benoit would often call MVP. When MVP pitched his cocky "Montel Vontavious Porter" gimmick to WWE's higher-ups, he told Benoit about his new character. Benoit loved the idea and offered MVP money to get some new suits.

He offered me $1,000 so I could buy some suits and stuff. I said 'you can't even begin to understand how much I appreciate that, but I've got to do this on my own.' I think I earned a measure of respect from him that day.

MVP Feuded With Chris Benoit In WWE

MVP also reflected on his rivalry with Chris Benoit in WWE. MVP made his in-ring debut at No Mercy 2006, picking up easy win over enhancement talent Marty Garner. Meanwhile, Chris Benoit (who had been absent since May) returned from injury at that very same pay-per-view, defeating William Regal in an intense matchup. Their friendship got stronger on the road, as MVP started working out with Benoit.

Then, Benoit campaigned to lose the United States Championship to MVP, which led to a program between the two in early 2007. Benoit would win the first two matches - WrestleMania 23 and Backlash - before finally putting MVP over at Judgment Day, in what would sadly become Benoit's final pay-per-view match. MVP would go on to keep the US Title for 343 days, and is now the fifth longest reigning champion in the entire history of the prestigious championship.

During the interview with Chris Van Vliet, MVP admitted that his favorite match of his career was the one against Benoit at WrestleMania 23. According to the current AEW performer, MVP's performance impressed Stephanie McMahon. When she asked "who knew you could that!?" Benoit proudly stepped up and said "I did".

It's my favorite match because Chris Benoit was my favorite wrestler. I had the chance to wrestle my favorite wrestler at WrestleMania for the United States Championship. After that match at WrestleMania, we got to the back and Stephanie McMahon walks up and she goes: 'Wow, what a match! Who knew you could do that?'. Chris, in his deadpan way, steps up and goes 'I did'! So, that match means the world to me and it is my single favorite match of my career. That match showed everybody that I could go with one of the absolute best in the game.

Major Chris Benoit Vs. MVP Matches

Event	Winner	Stipulation	Length
WrestleMania 23	Chris Benoit	WWE United States Championship Match	9:15
Backlash 2007	Chris Benoit	WWE United States Championship Match	13:10
Judgment Day 2007	MVP	WWE United States Championship Two Out Of Three Falls Match	12:46

MVP On The Benoit Tragedy

MVP recalled spending time in Chris Benoit's house and playing with Chris' son, Daniel. MVP said he was heartbroken and angry when he found out about the tragedy that happened on June 24, 2007. While MVP wasn't trying to excuse Benoit's horrible actions in any way, he did find some understanding when he learned about CTE:

My friend that I knew, that took care of me and was so good to me didn't do that. The CTE that destroyed his brain caused him to do that.

Check out the full interview with Chris Van Vliet here:

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