On a recent edition of the “Insight” podcast, former WWE Superstar Maven discussed his first WWE run, his match at WrestleMania 18, a potential WWE return, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On a possible WWE return: “I can honestly say because people ask me, I haven’t gotten one call. If I get the call, I’m obviously going to listen to any opportunity that comes my way. I don’t care what the opportunity is, I’m going to listen to it. But I haven’t heard anything from [WWE], I don’t know. Would I love to go back, because in one of my videos, I talked about how in 2020 I went and had an interview with them to do just that. And it just didn’t pan out because of COVID. I would love to have that opportunity again, but I’m also 47. If it doesn’t happen, I’m not going to sit and twiddle my thumbs and hope. I’m gonna keep moving. I learned a long time ago life, there are a couple of key things about life. And that is you got to keep moving no matter if it’s good or bad. Keep plugging, keep moving, put one foot in front of the other, and just keep charging. If I sit and wait for a call from WWE that might not come, then I’m opening myself up to let myself down. And I refuse to do that. Because if you would have told me a year ago, that you’re going to be a YouTuber, I would have laughed in your face. But look where we’re at now. So if it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, then other things will present itself.”
On how he felt he sabotaged his first WWE run: “I was just young. During my time my first run in WWE I was young. I was more interested in all the things that wrestling gave me rather than all the things I could give wrestling, if that makes sense. I was more interested in what me and Randy were doing after the shows. I was more interested in the people, what can you do for me? Not how can I make the show better? The show was an afterthought. I’ll go out and wrestle my match, but what am I doing afterwards? Or how much money am I going to make in this? And I just went to I went about it with the completely wrong mindset. I didn’t try to get better, if I could go back and slap young me I would have been like yeah, get better. Look at these guys that you emulate. You obviously have the talent to be here. Now. just put a little bit more into it and actually see what you could pull out of yourself.”
On his match at WrestleMania 18: “Oh my God, the long ramp. That was the longest ramp. Also, what The Rock said to me beforehand. I was nervous and it’s probably about an hour before I go out. I used to think it before every match, I used to literally stand in the back and have that feeling in the pit of my stomach and be like I hate this. Why did you pick this as a career? I don’t want to do this anymore. Because I was so nervous. But then the moment my music hit and I went through the curtain, it all went away instantly. But this was WrestleMania, so I’m obviously terrified. And Rocky sees me and he comes he’s like and just like the epitome of cool. But he’s like ‘Mave!’ I’m like, Yes, he’s gonna give me the secret. He’s gonna give me the special sauce. And as deadpan as you can imagine he goes ‘Mave, no one’s expecting much out of you just do the best you can.’ And he turns around and I’m like, what? And he turned and he turned and you know, that smile. And he gave me a wink. But that was the levity that was needed at that. Yeah, like, just listen dude, we’re out here to entertain go out there and have fun.”
Former WWE Superstar Maven recently appeared on the “Insight” podcast to discuss various aspects of his wrestling career. He touched upon his first WWE run, his match at WrestleMania 18, the possibility of a WWE return, and more.
When asked about a potential WWE comeback, Maven revealed that he hasn’t received any calls from the company. However, he expressed his willingness to listen to any opportunity that comes his way. Despite his desire to return, he acknowledged that he is now 47 years old and understands that it may not happen. Maven emphasized the importance of not waiting for a call and instead continuing to move forward in life. He shared that he had an interview with WWE in 2020, but it didn’t materialize due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maven concluded by stating that if a WWE return happens, it happens, but he won’t let himself be disappointed if it doesn’t.
Reflecting on his first WWE run, Maven admitted that he sabotaged it due to his young age and misplaced priorities. He was more focused on the perks and benefits of being a wrestler rather than on improving himself and contributing to the show. Maven regretted not putting in more effort and learning from experienced wrestlers. He acknowledged that he had the talent but failed to fully utilize it.
Maven also shared his experience of participating in WrestleMania 18. He recalled feeling nervous before the match and questioning his career choice. However, as soon as his music hit and he walked through the curtain, all his anxiety disappeared. Maven mentioned the long ramp at WrestleMania 18 and revealed an interesting interaction with The Rock backstage. The Rock, known for his cool demeanor, approached Maven and told him that no one was expecting much from him. Although initially taken aback, Maven realized that The Rock’s comment was meant to lighten the mood and remind him to have fun and entertain the audience.
Maven’s appearance on the “Insight” podcast provided fans with insights into his wrestling journey, including his aspirations for a WWE return, his self-reflection on his first run, and his memorable experience at WrestleMania 18. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future in wrestling, Maven remains optimistic and focused on his current endeavors.