Maven Hates His Theme Song, Eliminating Undertaker From The Royal Rumble, Steroids, Tough Enough

Maven Huffman (@MavenKHuffman) is a professional wrestler known for his time in WWE and for winning Season 1 of Tough Enough. He sits down with Chris Van Vliet for an in-person interview in New York City to talk about the success of his new KZbin channel and getting 100k subscribers in less than 2 months, why he hates his theme song, wrestling Tazz in his debut match, taking shots of Jack Daniels before eliminating The Undertaker at the Royal Rumble in 2002, the vicious chairshot from The Undertaker, his picture-perfect dropkick, why he felt he needed to take steroids in WWE, what his current job is on Wall Street and much more!
👉 MUDWTR: To get 15% off go to mudwtr.com/cvv and use the code CVV15
00:00 Intro
00:26 Not liking his old theme music
02:04 What does the name Maven mean?
02:50 His origin starting on KZbin
09:41 What are his goals with his KZbin channel?
12:04 His ability as a talker
12:58 What is his day job?
13:33 Why he dresses so nicely
15:22 Maintaining a consistent look
18:12 Not rehashing old topics on his channel
18:52 His steroid usage while in WWE
24:40 Traveling with Batista on the road
28:25 Would he ever try acting?
29:26 What is he proud of from the original Tough Enough?
30:43 His first storyline with Torrie Wilson
33:00 Favorite Back To The Future Movie
34:11 What are his WWE regrets
35:23 Being a “Tough Enough” guy
38:42 Public recognition because of his KZbin videos
40:38 Never being eliminated from the 2002 Royal Rumble
44:18 Undertaker being widely respected
44:48 Having a perfect dropkick
45:45 The Longevity of Chris Jericho
47:56 DDP Yoga helping him
49:18 Chris Jericho constantly reinventing himself
50:04 The longterm success of The Miz
52:02 His friendship with D-Von Dudley
52:34 Helping other wrestlers to start new channels?
57:09 How much did The Undertaker’s chairshot hurt
59:58 Maven’s Hardcore title story
1:02:46 3 Things Maven is grateful for
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#wwe #wrestling #wweraw #wwesmackdown #maven

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Check out Maven interviewing me on his channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rojXlKeup6pkjtk Get 15% off MudWtr at mudwtr.com/cvv and use the code CVV15

[@TimLoyalToWifeHaterFreeZoneA]

Love It ChrisVanVliet Bro.

[@DogeLeague]

Chris, invite Elias on and ask him about that night he got booed out of Seattle. I went to that show excited to hear how he was going to bury Seattle and enjoy it. However, as soon as he said what he said, I got pissed and encouraged others to boo with me 😂😂

[@Shaun_3114]

I just realised you don't even have 400k yet. It feels like you should have a million by like a year ago. 😂

[@GryHen-pg9iy]

Ok, I just learned your a browns fan! As a Steelers fan, this interview needs to happen buddy.

[@GryHen-pg9iy]

Is this love from my comment mean this is happening buddy?

[@MavenKHuffman]

Chris, I can’t thank you enough brotha! Can’t wait for part 3

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks again my friend! Really enjoyed this one! And congrats on everything!

[@deanobeany]

​@ChrisVanVliet next interview should be -5° so the theme of interviews getting cooler continues

[@AtlasGaia]

Maven, I don't recall watching you in WWE when I used to watch as a kid but I love your vibe on KZbin, i have watched every single video you have posted or that you are on and damn bro, i can't get enough of listening to you. Wishing you all the best and keep up the great work Mr.Huffman 😊

[@SSJ2Phenom]

I think it might be physically impossible to dislike Maven or Chris. Like, when I first watched Maven on YT I said, "Is that the Tough Enough jobber?" Now I'm like, "This man is a star and I won't forgive you WWE if you don't call this man and give him millions for whatever he wants!"

[@sometimesitbelikedat2529]

We're all huge fans of your videos, Maven! Keep it up! I love how you present all of your videos. Entertaining and unlike any other "shoot" videos on youtube.

[@user-gj7rq9vn5l]

Maven has only been doing youtube for a month and has already earned 100,000 subs and bro deserves every bit of it, he creates content that just makes you want to listen to everything he has to say and he's just a sweet humble guy. Hope him more success on his channel and maybe even have an appearance in a future wwe show.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Absolutely! 👏

[@spfi3111]

I love his (and Chris's!) content so much. The perfect level of shooting but without bitterness from Maven. I do hope WWE will sign him on a Legends contract one day and that he is able to do more mic work like he always wanted to. Thank you for the entertainment, @MavenKHuffman !

[@imwaytogoodlookingtobeyour1188]

Anybody who is well known can get 100 thousand subscribers like nothing.....I'm not hating but it's the truth....a person like you or me it's a lot harder to get those subscribers because nobody knows us

[@rohitchaoji]

​@@imwaytogoodlookingtobeyour1188But we're talking about a guy who was literally there for just 4 years. We're not talking about a long time veteran here. There's definitely more to it because Maven isn't even among the top 20 most popular pro wrestlers. There was something definitely about the guy that made him memorable in a short span while being one of the most plain people in the business.

[@imwaytogoodlookingtobeyour1188]

@rohitchaoji the point is that he was watched by MILLIONS during his 4 year wwe run.....that's still a little bit like fame....but like I said I'm not hating I'm just stating facts

[@zac5855]

My favourite Maven moment (besides the Rumble, obviously) was when his Survivor Series team won that year, and they got to run Raw for a week each. Maven gave himself a world title shot, and 12 year old me was like “yep, that’s exactly what I would do too” 😂

[@mrassassinscreedfan1]

In hindsight he should have joined evolution 😂

[@closethockeyfan5284]

I remember when it was Orton's turn that they had Bischoff say the title couldn't change hands in a battle royal. Well, that didn't last.😂 But moreover, it made Orton look so dumb when he didn't rebut that with asking about the alternatives. Clearly a six-man match would've been legal at least. Even as a preteen I saw through that, made no sense. Just another reason they booked his whole face run to fail.

[@BawlsMahoney]

One of the main things I love about Maven's channel is he's completely honest and open with the juicy details instead of just being ambiguous about everything

[@thedon8939]

"Juicy details" ...I see what you did there.

[@kant5696]

Same, guys talk in code i guess so they dont break bro code in the locker room but maven is honest and open and I honestly dont blame him for any of his decisions he made. Being in your early 20s on tv every week living your dream, temptation can be a mf

[@biancaenera2500]

Nah, he is just a loser who didn't make it and now try to trash the plate he ate from 😂

[@RavenC4-621]

yeah most wrestlers are lying carny piece of crap, even the ones i like

[@Bruh-ys3sx]

I liked that jobber theme

[@LordRaptor]

Just the way Maven talks about wrestling, you can tell he is a huge wrestling fan at heart, that's why his interviews are so fun to listen to and why his KZbin channel took off so quickly.

[@gaskina13]

Huge mark indeed

[@FireAngelChris]

That’s facts

[@pwx9000]

He's very, superupbeat. Wow

[@nilesrodriguez4343]

You can tell Maven learned A LOT from his experience in the business. Dude is still passionate. Even if he wasn't to compete, he'd be a great commentator or analyst. He's very well spoken.

[@mikesinaro]

Maven > Kevin Patrick

[@davecarsley8773]

Yeah. WWE gave him a chance at commentary. It didn't work out.

[@EvanQuinones]

Congrats to Maven for returning to the public eye in such a positive way. He seems like a genuinely good guy and I'm excited for him, his future, and the future of his KZbin channel!

[@storyguy9759]

I could listen to this guy talk for hours. He’s polite, friendly, and just seems fun to interact with.

[@cameronbennett4762]

Two of the nicest, most respectful, and fun to listen to guys in the wrestling space by far

[@jrdougan5046]

Chris, you and Maven have a great chemistry together you guys should create your own show in the future.

[@hersheybarber1424]

Maven's self-awareness and humbleness are second to none.

[@MattiusFincham]

3 things I'm grateful for: * My dude Chris dropping new interviews. * New Maven content. * Chris getting anyone to sing their theme music, lmao. Great upload, Chris!

[@closethockeyfan5284]

Did he have two themes but with the same hook like a lot of guys between early 2000s and mid 2000s? When they sang some words I went through "Memory" by Mercy Drive and it doesn't match any of those lyrics.

[@artdjesus6267]

Who would've thought the lower-midcard guy who never got much time on the mic is one of the best talkers in wrestling. It's funny because the only segments I really remember Maven for is a short feud with Eugene and a comedy segment with him calling out a 300 lbs wrestler (forgot if it was meant to be Viscera or Big Show) only for Kane to show up and destroy him

[@Bruh-ys3sx]

I liked that jobber theme

[@jamiepickard208]

The smile and joy on CVV's face when Maven said he had props was awesome lol.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

😃

[@domiy13]

I love how Maven still remembers he's a working-class guy from a small town at heart. Even when he was in WWE he never forgot that. His fame and success never got to him. That's very rare.

[@stevestefanis8520]

Maven is a smart dude. Can defiantly see the teacher in him with his mannerisms when explaining things. I feel like maven would always give solid advice

[@kyleaustin2448]

I've never seen Chris so organic. Honestly sometimes in interviews he holds a smile a bit too long. But this felt buddy and buddy in a bar. So good.

[@terebinmain]

Someone get Maven to the Wrestling commentary already! He's exactly the voice you want behind the mic of shows.

[@OF4Feet]

Maven Royal Rumble 2024 Let's speak it into existence ☝️ Love his YT channel

[@rainy_guy]

What I love about Maven's KZbin channel is how transparent and honest he is about his experience working for WWE. Hope his channel grows even more in the months to come!

[@HimmskieHimms]

Man what Maven has done with his channel is absolutely fantastic ! Love his content. I’ve been thinking of Shelton Benjamin and Dolph Ziggler having recently been released and both having 20 years in the business, they should definitely make a channel as well. Would love to hear all the stories they have from over the years 🔥

[@TheCreativesSpacePodcast]

I always liked Maven. Glad he has an opportunity to be successful on his own terms. Best wishes to Maven and CVV.

[@NekroGGRE]

I never cared for him as a wrestler as a kid, as a huge Undertaker fan, I even despised him, but Love seeing his videos now, he seems like such a chill dude.

[@juanjvillarreal]

The way you described Maven’s YT channel was perfect. A KZbin video about wrestling. He is killing it on here binged all his vids in a day!

[@Signalfromabove]

charm, charisma, entertaining - The Hoff has in buckloads! loved the brother in WWE and now im glad hes on here

[@hotcakesman]

Maven is so humble and honest. I always loved him in WWE, I wish he had have had a longer run. But he is a breath of fresh air. His Channel rules too!

[@brxdie_dxst]

He’s such a genuine guy I teared up whenever he brought out the pocket watch he has such a kind soul I love hearing him talk abt the business adds a whole new respect and meaning to wrestling for me

[@brandonhorrorfan137]

Maven being so honest is really why people gravitate towards his channel, also I hope WWE offers you some sort of work, with all the free promotion you've given them and your look and your interviews it'd be a no brainer, wish you all the best Chris

[@realsteel7260]

Chris was right, Maven is already at 107k subscribers and counting 🎉 bro would be great on commentary or even a manager!

[@HawaiiFoodAndFun]

Maven's KZbin success has been seriously awe-inspiring. I just know he'll make it on back on screen in some capacity! He would be amazing. It's a hard life and everyone who does it should be commended for their talent and their dedication. I tell people all the time when I itemize expenses as an independent contractor that you dont make as much as people think you do. I'm definitely loving all his videos and cant wait for the next one to drop. I tried to get into the business years ago. (I have a different look being Chinese, Japanese and Hawaiian) UPW (Cena was the Prototype there) accepted me but the 9-11 tragedy stopped the move in 2001. Had a match with Yuji Nagata and another with Dragon Gate. Did a Chikara event with Generico, Fire Ant, Eddie Kingston and others. Teddy Hart moonsaulted on my head. Almost had a match with AJ Styles. My FCW tryout was with AJ Lee and Adam Rose. I got to do a promo in front of the Legendary Dusty Rhodes. I had a smackdown tryout where I helped a run in with Matt Hardy. It was a short run but my regrets are not getting to meet and learn from all of the wrestlers from that time. I was a worker for 10 years (weekender) but never near the exhausting, back breaking point of wrestling on the road constantly. Search "Best Neckbreaker in Wrestling History". Due to this, I have absolutely no injuries or addictions. I've gone through tables, took huge moves (ex. hit a top rope DDT, did I mention Teddy Hart moonsaulted on my head, etc) Much respect to the Pros who sacrifice their body to the Sport. And much love to everyone on their path. I hope you get farther than me. I thought about making a podcast but what would I call it? Jabroni podcast, lol.

[@hdgames5689]

Yeah me too I’m bigger than Brock Lesnar

[@HawaiiFoodAndFun]

@@hdgames5689 much love

[@MrKyGuy]

Maven has been so awesome to watch. I love his behind the scenes videos and just authentic breakdowns. He and Stevie Richards have been really fun to watch grow as a wrestling fan. Hope they do a crossover at some point!

[@captaindeadpool2655]

Maven literally has nearly 300k subs already. Well done Chris. Well done Maven for the great content.

[@jomccollins]

I remember the excitement that I felt watching the first season of Tough Enough. I was a 16-year old junior in high school and I just wanted to see Maven succeed, especially after he delivered his first promo so effortlessly. I’m 38 no and I’m so immensely happy to see Maven’s positive spirit and peaceful demeanor. This interview made me follow his page. Salute to Maven.

[@BossFinale]

Ohhh an hour. Lets go!!!

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Let’s goooo! 🚀

[@johntarver5684]

Chris better look out. Maven gonna have 370k subscribers after this! Congrats on 107k subscribers as of 2pm central time Thursday!

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Maven is going to easily surpass my channel by the end of the year and I can’t wait to see it!

[@xavierwashington5408]

I’ll tell you why Maven and Stevie Richards are growing so fast, it’s bc for some reason the KZbin algorithm gods, liked their content too, I don’t even rm who popped up on my feed first, Maven or Stevie but it was definitely back to back, and they talk about things nobody talks about, Maven talks openly talks about money, and exactly how much he made, even Jim Cornette doesn’t share details that specific, he’ll talk about drugs and then say THE EXACT drugs he and others took, and exactly what they looked liked, like that type of transparency is never seen. And with Stevie Richards an exact break down of basic wrestling moves, and how wrestling is more of a science than ppl think, and he can tell you why a wrestler is actually good, and then break down why that wrestler is good by showing and telling you. Just very entertaining people overall

[@xavierwashington5408]

Sheamus also has a good KZbinr as well, if ur in the gymbro community, then he makes great content, and also has celebrities, so Sheamus definitely knew what was up

[@WrestleTheory]

this one is better than their first interview and that first interview was fire 🔥🔥 great job CVV & Maven

[@thefiggamehunt6946]

I think maven may be one of my fav people in the world to listen to

[@Jade-fg1vq]

Maven is awesome he needs to return

[@SuperBiff89]

That batista story had me crying 😂

[@DuceQuestionMark]

Maven is a hell of a talker. He could come back as a manager of someone who might not be good on the mic and he'd kill it.

[@sunpraiser96]

Maven is awesome his channel skyrocketed and he's already hit 110k it's really great to see him succeed

[@mr-sam-jax]

you two can handle 100 hours of perfect show ! God Bless you 🙏🏽❤️

[@DogstarGaming]

Never saw Maven wrestle, I stopped watching by then, but absolutely love his stories, what a genuine humble guy .

[@waterhot80]

It's crazy how likeable Maven is.

[@dezmill]

Maven is well spoken and a interesting storyteller

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Maven could be a great manager back in the wwe!

[@jugglerj0e]

I love Maven's channel. His energy, his delivery, and his content is Amazing! He's also a very good story teller.

[@matsalvatore9074]

Dude wrestling has great apeakers wow. Maven n Samantha are the only interviews ive seen and both are unbelievable speakers. You're the best interviewer.

[@TrialzGTAS]

Would be cool to see Maven in the Royal Rumble. Love his channel, been there since he had a few thousand only. He infused his talking ability and teaching to glue you in

[@jaidevnani2253]

Thank you bringing us this quality content Chris! Would to love to see more "mid-carders" on the show to hear more about what all goes behing the scenes

[@cameronbennett4762]

Man it’s so rare I listen to an interview front to back without stopping. Love these two guys

[@haroldwise9398]

Maven shows its not how many times you fall but how many times you get up. You are an inspiration to all.

[@guycooke457]

Congratulations to mavan 100k much deserved and hopefully this is just the start keep growing brother

[@robot-hive2022]

Glad Maven brought up Stevie Richards yourube channel. Maven and Stevie have the best wrestling YT channels and CVV is the best wrestling interviewers. Wishing continual success for you guys.

[@Cropsykills]

Best damn interview I've listened to in a while. Maven is awesome!

[@MikeDee412]

How does CVV not have AT LEAST 1 millions subscribers?? Such a great interviewer. Love your videos CVV!

[@ITM95]

Absolutely can’t get enough of Maven! Thank you for the content, CVV🙏🏼

[@richardwest2505]

Clapping for others doesn't not take away from your own success. I've always tried to live this way but never knew there was a quote for it. thank you, Chris, and thank you, Maven. Because Maven you are an inspiration to live that quote.

[@meloncornets3034]

What a great interview. I got into wrestling at the late end of Maven's era. My nostalgia has been fun but I live more for the rewatching and getting more into the history. Getting into the history in tandem with watching the product every week is really great. I love Maven's honesty and his cadence. He really is a great speaker. I could see the two of you working a desk together.

[@iTony90]

I'm really excited for this! Loved maven as a wrestler and his channel is awesome! My 2 favorite wrestling youtubers on one screen 🤘🏻

[@dansalter7594]

You have done some top interviews, think this cracks your top 10 for sure! You and Maven have such good chemistry

[@gottallb1]

Great to see stuff like this. Brings me back to the good old days.

[@haynknight2002]

Man Mavens entrance theme is awesome though. I have it on my workout playlist too!

[@RelativelyAttractiveMan]

Was never a mavin fan back in the day, but now it's a different story. I wish he would've let his true personality shine in the ring. Loving his new channel haven't missed a video yet.

[@uzi978]

I really enjoy his videos, especially how honest and forthcoming he is. The steroid one was extremely eye-opening, but informative. The fact that he wasn't the biggest star doesn't matter, he was there in the middle of the Attitude era, and he was quite over for a while. And for those who actually watched him on Tough Enough, it was super cool seeing him succeed in the WWF. Glad to see him happy and making content, keep going!

[@jimritter5146]

amazing interview!! Maven's channel has been absolutely incredible.

[@FireAngelChris]

Love listening to these two interview

[@Leftfield310]

1 of the best interviews. Felt like I was a fly on the wall while 2 friends are just shootin the perverbial shıþ. Maven seems like such a good human being

[@thepistolguy859]

Maven definitely seems confident in front of a camera and that's a talent

[@rohitchaoji]

I think he got plenty of practice in his post-WWE career since he worked as a TV presenter. Obviously not a big time presenter but it's a skill he most likely picked up over the years.

[@rohitchaoji]

Hey CVV, you're the master at this game and have interviewed so many of the people who I've wondered "well I wonder what he/she's up to these days" about. I'd love to see an interview with Chris Nowinski if you can manage to get him on. I don't know how busy of a life he leads, though, with all the work he's doing in traumatic brain injury.

[@sixupsidedown]

Great interview!

[@HAVOK586]

I saw that steroids video the other day and then proceeded to watch every other video on Maven's channel in one sitting. Love the guy now.

[@Moonandthestars]

Maven has such a warm disposition. Love his dynamic with Chris. It’s nice and very interesting to get insider information on what wrestling is actually like.

[@bencromwell707]

Another Great Interview Chris As Always

[@udsmusic_official]

Dude, seing Maven starting his *KZbin Channel* and here again with you Chris, it's a site for sore eyes. Thanks for this Chris! 🤘

[@vivalaskelton]

Always a legend for the time stamps Chris, thank you 🙏

[@pedroflovera]

Great interview. Maven is creating very good and very original content.

[@kolipoli4952]

It's a pleasure listening to maven speak, and also with the best wrestling podcaster out there

[@Bleismo]

Thank you Chris for getting Maven on the interview. He is such a great dude, he deserved better in WWE and can’t wait to hear more stories from him. 😀👊🏽

[@PSOnoni]

One of the few videos where I wish I can go beyond just liking it. Great interview

[@Bizturis]

Great interview!!!! Thank you

[@AlphaRO3910]

the friendliest conversation ever it's great

[@ZackaryArmstrong]

Maven, I’ve been a huge wrestling fan for 20+ years, but not too knowledgeable of your experiences whether big or small. Please post about the Rumble, big moments, etc. It would be new info to alot of us! Enjoy both of your content and so glad to get to know you better on the platform Maven!

[@treqrs]

I was too young to have watched Maven when he was in the ring but now his videos are the most exciting notification

[@AaronAaron-tv2lr]

Great interview Chris. Two of the most interesting people in the land of pro wrestling youtube channels on one show. Most excellent!

[@tootyrnt5533]

It’s crazy how we went from Batista being sad no one wanted his autograph to him now being extremely successful in Hollywood.

[@rubensilva708]

As a Portuguese, it's funny to hear you guys discussing accents. For me, it's just a slit change of voice tone that we non-native speakers notice. Great show @ChrisVanVliet!

[@TheMetalAllfather]

i love Maven's heel story about the guy having to be held back in his hometown lol all I can think about is how awesome his heel work is.

[@johngillard3]

Really enjoyed this interview. Maven is definitely a entertaining guy!

[@codyclace9285]

It’s honestly a crime that Chris doesn’t have way more subscribers. Interviewers typically don’t have personality. Chris is overflowing with it. Keep it up brother

[@codyclace9285]

⁠​⁠@@chrisvan_vliet-Your reply literally made my morning. Thanks for putting in the time on the little things. So happy Wrestletalk introduced me to you many years ago. Sorry but I’m a tad bit star struck 😅

[@kfcbrahmin]

Maven sure knows how to make people pay attention! He’s killing it!!

[@mamaharumi]

Man, I really wish Maven would have come back to wwe. He's got such a good look and personality.

[@superajsfighting]

Maven is a legend! Thank you for all you do, Chris!

[@Enriki810]

I'm so glad that Chris put that seed in his head man. Honestly from tough enough maven was always one of my favorite wrestlers as a kid simply because of his journey. I always thought hey I can do that too. So glad that he blew up on KZbin guy deserved much better in WWE but glad he's getting his on KZbin.

[@miggys7]

I’m glad I watched from the very first episode. He didn’t even have 10k followers. Crazy how fast the channel grew. Maven keeps it real and that’s what makes it great

[@mediaamzv2410]

I loved maven still into wrestling, got friends who are into it. Love that maven, has made a youtube channel. I was young, when maven debuted, i was 11.

[@LouTake]

Maven is an awesome personality for media. Thanks Chris! You rock also!!!

[@11679MRT]

I stopped watching wrestling in '00. I never saw Maven wrestle - however, his videoa are so good that he's made me a fan. I really appreciate the openness and honesty about his time in the WWE.