Maven Reveals How Long It Took Him For Lose His Heat Over Coming Into WWE Via Tough Enough

Maven has always been open about how much heat he had coming into WWE as a Tough Enough winner, and he recently talked about how long it took for him to get past that. Maven won the inaugural season of the show alongside Nidia in 2021. There was open hostility toward the series’ competitors as not having paid their dues. It even manifested during the show at times.

Appearing on Ken Anderson’s Mic Check, Maven spoke about the reaction backstage to his coming in. He also noted that he managed to lose it after facing Bob Holly on house show loops. You can check out highlights below:

On the Reaction When He Came In From Tough Enough:

“Probably exactly how [Anderson] you felt. A lot of guys were upset with how I got there. And I can fully understand. There’s a cutting of your teeth process that wrestlers go through to get… It’s life. And you know, they’re thinking, ‘You didn’t you know do the rides four hours to wrestle for $20, to then ride eight in a car. But they’re right; they’re accurate.

“Only thing I can say to that is, I didn’t invent the damn show. And I think most guys — [Anderson] proved it, would have taken the opportunity, if presented the opportunity.”

On How Long It Took To Get Past That:

“You know how heat works. You have the heat until someone else comes and claims your throne. Once other people with more heat came in, guys forgot about me. And I will say, I was raised by a father who taught me to keep your mouth shut and keep your ears open. So I listened. I did what I was told, and I offered zero push back.

“Once I wrestled Bob Holly on about three to four weeks of house shows? And never said a word other than, ‘how was it?’ I think people started, ‘Okay. I may not like how he got here? But he’s not a bad guy.’ And then obviously the spot with Taker. Again, that did more for me than anything.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Mic Check with Mr Anderson with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.