News

Why Ex-WWE Star Can’t Watch Wrestling Anymore

By Monika Thapa • Published Sep 09, 2025 07:16 EDT
wwe logo over maven

Maven, best known as the winner of WWE’s first Tough Enough competition in 2001, officially confirmed his retirement from professional wrestling in September 2025 after a career that saw exciting mid-card runs and notable feats, including eliminating The Undertaker from the 2002 Royal Rumble.

After his WWE release in July 2005, Maven struggled with his sudden exit, feeling bitter and disconnected from the wrestling industry for several years. He later admitted he couldn’t keep up with the athletic standards of newer wrestlers and was comfortable moving on to new life goals as he aged.

Several brief independent appearances followed, but physical issues like herniated discs, and satisfaction with his new YouTube channel and finance career all persuaded him against a comeback.

Ex-WWE Star Maven Says “It’s Too Hard” For Him To Watch Wrestling

Despite putting his wrestling life behind him, the 48-year-old star has confessed that he still loves wrestling but doesn’t watch it anymore because it’s “too hard” for him. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday, he said:

“It’s too hard,” he said. “It’s just too difficult. It’d be like watching the love of my life, my ex, going on her next date. And telling me, ‘Hey, this is my new boyfriend. He’s great.’ It’s still too difficult.

“I love wrestling. I love it. I love everything about it. I think it’s truly one of the best forms of entertainment going, and I root for its success. I hope all the superstars — I hope the Cody Rhodes’, I hope the Seth’s, I hope The Usos’, I hope the MJF’s, I hope the Adam Page’s — I hope all those guys have careers I never dreamed of.

I just can’t watch it. It’s just, I’m a human being, I get jealous. I watch them and a little bit of me is upset that I still can’t do it. That age, Father Time, has indeed done what Father Time does. And it’s just too tough. Yeah, it’s too hard.” [H/T Wrestling Observer]

Although the former 3-time Hardcore Champion has retired from the ring but he is open to returning to action under the right circumstances, the circumstances being occasional appearances and matches.

I mean, if the situation was right, of course. And last night, taking 70 bumps proved that physically, I could at least get through it. I don’t think if somebody said, Hey, we got a three-year storyline, I don’t know if I could do that, but I definitely would keep it open. As far as in this business, you know, never say never.