By James Caldwell, PWTorch.com assistant editor

MVP says the WWE audience wanted to cheer him, which is what led to his recent babyface turn and the end of his losing streak storyline on Smackdown.

"The fans made the decision to see that in a new light, I suppose," MVP told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette to promote this weekend's WWE house show. "Perceptions change. It's what happens when fans recognize your talent."

After the WWE Draft in April, MVP told IGN.com that he doesn't care which brand he's on because he feels the brand will be elevated by his presence, but he would prefer a chance to be on the Raw brand.

"Everybody feels like Raw is the premiere show but I've always felt the premiere show is whatever show I'm on," MVP said. "The way I look at it is - if I do go to Raw, I have a new cast of characters to play with."

WWE hasn't finalized plans for which brand each wrestler will be placed on, but MVP is already eyeing top stars he would like to work with on Raw.

"I haven't had an opportunity yet to work with the legendary Shawn Michaels. ... John Cena is another guy I'd like to lock horns with," MVP said. "JBL is another one too. When Batista comes back I wouldn't mind locking horns with him again."

Caldwell's Analysis: Related to the "babyface turn," there may have been a growing number of "cool heel" cheers for MVP when he defended Triple H's honor a few months ago and ended his losing streak to unofficially begin the babyface turn. But, WWE has put as much effort into turning him babyface as they have building up the Intercontinental Title. ECW TV last night was a prime example of MVP receiving a lukewarm reception because the majority of fans don't see a reason to cheer him as a legit babyface. It's on WWE to make this turn more substantial rather than just trying to tell the audience why they should all of sudden cheer him. Wrestlers need to be clearly defined one way or the other. Lukewarm is the worst position of all.

FYI: WWE has a Smackdown brand house show in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday night. If you attend the live event, be sure to send in a report to pwtorch@gmail.com

Links: IGN.com interview with MVP.

We suggest these recent related articles...

WWE NEWS: Superstars SPOILERS - Results from Chicago Raw

WWE NETWORK: Monday, Oct. 12 Schedule - Raw pre-show, Sting DVD preview

WWE NEWS: Lana & Rusev reportedly engaged - follow the interesting 2015 timeline