Maven is okay with not being seen as a wrestler.
Maven was on cloud nine when he became the first person to win Tough Enough in 2001. The former WWE star was given plenty of opportunities to shine throughout his four year stint; he was the man who eliminated The Undertaker in a memorable Royal Rumble moment, he almost beat Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship, and Maven got to wrestle for the Hardcore title at WrestleMania 18.
There were plenty of ups and downs throughout Maven’s career, but he’s had a solid one overall. Maven was eventually released in 2005 and though here’s made sporadic appearances on the indie scene, he’s been semi-retired as a professional wrestler.
Maven resurfaced in the public eye back in late 2023 when he started his Youtube channel discussing topics regarding WWE and his time there. He’s grown in popularity since, with over seven hundred thousand followers.
Life has changed for Maven and he’s perfectly fine with not being a wrestler anymore.
“No. In a grocery store a few months back, and normally somebody comes up to me [and says], ‘You’re that guy who won Tough Enough.’ Yeah, yeah. I had somebody come up to me and say, ‘You’re that guy that talks about wrestling and answers questions on YouTube, aren’t you?’ And I was like, I suppose I am. But I’m fine with that. I’m okay with ageing. I’m okay with I just can’t do what I used to do, and I’m okay with advancing into just the next parts of my life. I’ve watched these guys now. They’re so much more athletic than I was, and obviously am now. Yeah, I’m perfectly fine with not being a wrestler anymore,” he said on Insight with Chris Van Vliet.
However, he wouldn’t mind lacing up the boots one more time if WWE asked.
“I mean, if the situation was right, of course. And last night, taking 70 bumps proved that physically, I could at least get through it. I don’t think if somebody said, Hey, we got a three-year storyline, I don’t know if I could do that, but I definitely would keep it open. As far as in this business, you know, never say never.”
Check out the full interview where Maven talks about how he started his Youtube channel, whether he still has his Tough Enough trophy, and if he’s taken heat for any of his videos.