Maven recently took to his YouTube page to discuss a variety of topics, including why he didn’t speak up about his creative plans while he was working in WWE. He said,
“You had to be in the right place to speak your mind and I never was. If they wanted me to do something that I didn’t think I could pull off, I would speak my mind. If they maybe wanted me to do a move that I didn’t think I could do safely for myself or my competitor, then I would definitely speak my mind, but if I thought my character, if I thought just what I was doing for the night wasn’t best for me, I wasn’t saying a word.”
He continued, “Now. That was me. Take a John Cena. take a Randy Orton. were they speaking their mind? Absolutely, they most definitely were. When you’re one of the top guys in the company, you earned your position and you earned the right because they’re making money off you, but most of all, you’re making money for yourself, I wish I would have got to that place just never did.”
Barry Darsow was a recent guest on the “Wrestling Shoot Interviews” podcast to discuss legit tough tough guys in wrestling, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On the most legit tough guys in the business: “There was a few of ’em. Kevin Kelly, Nailz, was a tough guy, Haku… Those two guys are what I have in mind. [But] you couldn’t ask for two more gentlemen and gentle giants than those two guys.”
On Nailz’ infamous WWE exit: “I never talked to Kevin about it. But he got screwed on a payoff from what I heard. I heard [Big Boss Man] made a ton of money, and Kevin got a check for almost nothing. And that’s what it was all about. Could’ve been some other things, too, that built up to that.”
On his relationship with Nailz: “When you’re friends with him, he would do anything for you. He sells trailers, buys them, sells them… He doesn’t go out and do many wrestling things at all. He just doesn’t want to be around the business.”
Maven, a former WWE wrestler, recently opened up about why he didn’t speak up about his creative plans during his time with the company. In a video on his YouTube page, Maven explained that he never felt like he was in the right place to voice his opinions.
According to Maven, if he was asked to do something that he didn’t think he could pull off or if he believed a move would be unsafe for himself or his opponent, he would speak up. However, when it came to his character or the direction of his storyline for the night, he chose to stay silent.
Maven compared his approach to that of top WWE stars like John Cena and Randy Orton, who he believes had earned the right to speak their minds. He acknowledged that these wrestlers were making money for themselves and the company, which gave them more leverage in creative decisions.
Reflecting on his career, Maven expressed regret that he never reached a point where he felt comfortable speaking up. He wished he had gained the confidence and status to have a greater say in his character development and storylines.
In another wrestling-related podcast, Barry Darsow, also known as Demolition Smash, discussed tough guys in the industry. Darsow mentioned Kevin Kelly and Nailz as two individuals who stood out as legit tough guys. He described them as both tough and respectful individuals.
When asked about Nailz’s infamous WWE exit, Darsow admitted that he never spoke to Kevin about it but heard that Nailz had been shortchanged on a payoff. He speculated that Big Boss Man might have received a significant sum while Nailz received very little. Darsow suggested that this financial dispute may have contributed to Nailz’s departure from the company.
Darsow also shared insights into his relationship with Nailz, stating that when they were friends, Nailz would do anything for him. However, he noted that Nailz has distanced himself from the wrestling business and now focuses on selling trailers.
These interviews provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the wrestling industry. Maven’s experience highlights the challenges faced by wrestlers who may not have the same level of influence as top stars. Meanwhile, Darsow’s comments shed light on the personal and financial aspects that can impact a wrestler’s career.