Former WWE Star Open to in-Ring Return

By Andrew Ravens‎

Contributing Sports Writer

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Maven began his professional wrestling career by winning the inaugural season of WWE’s Tough Enough in 2001. He immediately made a splash early in his career, winning the WWF Hardcore Championship from The Undertaker. Despite achieving these early career highlights, Maven struggled to fully develop his in-ring skills to meet the company’s high expectations.

Over the next few years, his pushes slowed down dramatically. He eventually settled into several low-profile feuds before his eventual departure. Maven was ultimately released by WWE on July 5, 2005, which ended his initial run with the company.

After his release, he had some short stints with TNA and the independent circuit. However, the wrestler mostly stepped away from full-time professional wrestling by 2007. He made a brief return in 2015 and wrestled a few more matches in the indies before officially retiring.

The ex-WWE star has since found tremendous success in the content creation business as a popular YouTuber. He was recently asked about the idea of an in-ring return, nearly 20 years after his initial exit from WWE. Maven stated that he is still very much open to the idea of lacing up his boots again.

Speaking on Mic Check with Mr. Anderson, Maven revealed that he would definitely listen to any company willing to hire him. He noted that physical limitations might be an issue now compared to his youth.

Maven said: “I mean, I’ve learned in this business, never say never.” He continued, “So, I would obviously. Yes, I would listen to any phone call.”

He gave a humorous update on his current physical state. “My drop kick’s more of a naval kick these days, but age wins.”

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The former Hardcore Champion then spoke about the regrettable truth of being young in the professional wrestling industry. “Yeah. Like money, age wins. But the wrestling business is something that, unfortunately, like life, you learn how to do when it’s too late.” He feels that youth truly is wasted on the young performers who do not yet grasp the industry fully.

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He emotionally added: “You know, it’s like, youth truly is wasted on the young.” Maven admitted that he would give anything to take his current wisdom and use it in his younger body.

“Like, and I would give anything to take the mind I have now and go back and put it in younger me’s body.” He still has the ambition to perform and believes he can still wrestle at a high level. “But yeah, I mean, I would shoot, I still watch stuff and think, man, I can do that. Yeah, I can do that,” he confirmed.

Although Maven is clearly interested in getting back into the ring, he has made it clear that he does not want to be involved in lengthy, demanding storylines. He would be most comfortable with occasional, one-off appearances.

Maven’s YouTube channel has found success primarily by sharing behind-the-scenes stories and opinions from his WWE career. His YouTube channel, Maven Huffman, has amassed over 775,000 subscribers as of late 2025. His recent content includes breaking down memorable moments, such as his elimination of The Undertaker at the 2002 Royal Rumble.

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