How's Simon Dean doing BTW? I've not heard anything about what he does now. Hope he's well. Edit: I always forget he was Nova. It always takes someone to remind me then I'll forget again by the next day. 😂
Hello, Maven. Have you thought about doing a video covering the night you were Raw GM? I remember watching that, back in November of ‘04, and thought that you did a great job and had a really good night (I also thought it would have been a great opportunity for you to join Evolution).
@@Shaun_3114 He is originally from my hometown in New Jersey, but mutual friends of ours have said he's now living in Louisville, Kentucky, working outside the wrestling business and being a family man these days.
>First to receive an F5 >First televised opponent for CM Punk >Those two are the last Wrestlemania opponents of the Undertaker before the streak was over >That Royal Rumble dropkick elimination to the Undertaker Maven is the connection of everything 🤯
@@MavenKHuffman Hahaha, funnily enough you were kind enough to exchange messages with me a few times on Instagram before now and you even gave me a follow back for asking about the ‘numb nuts’ line to Triple H 🤣 Love the videos man, wishing you all the continued success in the world! 🙌🏻
Man, WWE needs to hire you back as a creative consultant at some capacity. You’re a natural at speaking and making these videos. Would be cool to see. Cmon Vince or whoever runs WWE these days.
It’s cool seeing all this planning going into even a basic throwaway match on Heat, yet alone consecutive weeks on RAW, SD, and PPV’s. Keep forgetting Punk has been around WWE for that long.
@@starchaser8656 Oh I fully agree with you there, and I wasn't meaning it like that. I was just saying I mean if other channels can make content on Punks return then Maven should definitely do the same. Plus I loved hearing this story from Maven himself because you wouldn't get this kinda experience with anyone other than NOVA who was Mavens tag partner in this match.
You know what blows my mind about this channel? Some of the titles sound really crazy and some of the thumbnails look like regular UA-cam clickbait but the videos are actually super informative for anyone that’s ever been curious about the business of professional wrestling AND fun to watch! Keep up the good work Maven!
Yeah, the thumbnails really kind of turned me off but I decided to watch it anyway and Maven's stories are so insightful and nuanced in contrast to the thumbnails
Some people just have the ability to see when a wrestler has "IT", like Paul Heyman saw it in Punk to. I have seen it in a few people to. Back when Drew McIntyre debuted as the Chosen One, I was like this guy has it, can't explain it, but he is the entire package.
Simon Dean is an underrated character. He was so funny and had great comedic timing. Thanks for sharing this story Maven, you're truly a great storyteller and an important part of history in pro wrestling. Oh and for Mike, BWO for Life!
The more you speak, the more I wish you could’ve been there longer. I’m 25 and as a kid I couldn’t watch wrestling as much as I do now, but I wish I could’ve and watched more of you.
I was a HUGE ECW fan and absolutely loved Nova! One of my all time favorite wrestlers. Thanks for sharing this story and continuing to spread the word about his genius in the business!
This channel is great because of Mavens trustworthiness. He doesn't try to knock others down to prop himself up. He owns his faults and gives great insight from his perspective. One of the best UA-cam channels I've come across in a while.
This kind of stuff is amazing. I can see this channel becoming huge. The wrestling community is huge and they live this kind of stuff. Keep it up maven
Maven gets better every video. As a former successful WWE wrestler, he obviously provides more insight than any wrestling UA-camr ever can. He also doesn't have to give all of this content to us and never owed any wrestling fans anything. However, he gives wrestling fans so much more than we could ever imagine with his insight and stories of his career and whatever went on behind the scenes. Thank you Maven!
I'm not sure it was that Punk had heat. He was enhancement talent but he was known enhancement talent with a niche. The wwe guys facing enhancement talent would get a tiny boost from beating enhancement talent but a slightly bigger one from beating someone that's a real name. Punk was a local boy that did local indies. A heel gets more of a crowd reaction from beating a minor "face" enhancement talent than a no name enhancement talent.
@@kthkingNo Maven is talking about Punk having negative heat. That word isn't even used in a positive way by people in the business unless it's in terms of a heel getting heat with the crowd (which is what they're supposed to do obviously). That's why he said management wanted the pinfall to be on Punk, they were already put off by him for whatever reason (indie guys like him and of his size weren't really respected in WWE at that time), and putting the pinfall on a guy in that situation is basically a sure-fire way to kill their career before it even starts. A lot of people don't realize that in the wrestling world, yes your talent makes you go a long way, but for the people who really make it to the top of the business, they've been helped in multitudes of ways by multitudes of people. This is one example of how something small can have a massive impact on perception.
@@CH-vt1ejhes definitely talking about negative heat. There were rumors coming out at this time about certain people, HHH and Michaels namely, that weren't fond of the buzz Punk had built on the indies.
Punk came from Season 1 of RING OF HONOR. Many ppl forget that ROH was RF networks spirtual successor to ECW after it had been bought out. Punk, Samoa Joe, Aj Styles were the first generation of this new remnant of indies. When Punk had left ROH it was like when a College QB star leaves for the NFL. While Punk was on Sunday Night heat, he was also one of the hottest indies talents. This is why they wanted Punk to be pinned, it was symoblism same way wcw and ecw would be buried by wwe originals. By the Simon (ECW) protecting Punk, he was protecting ECW's descendant ROH. Thats why Heyman also stepped in to protect PUNK. ECW guys saw what happened to their guys being buried they didn't want the same thing to happen to the new ROH kids. Of Season 1 of ROH 2002, AJ styles and Samoa Joe left to TNA as it was seen as the alternative to WWE Punk was the only one from the big 3 that tried his luck in WWE and ended up going far. Season 2 of ROH 2004 saw guys like Daniel Bryan step in to fill the shoes of punk after he had left. Season 8 ROH 2010 saw Tyler Black (seth rollins) being compared to Punk. Thats why Rollins and Punk have history.
There’s just something about seeing athletes break down what’s doing on on the field (or in this case ring). I don’t see it all that often from wrestling so this was a treat
During my hardest, most painful, struggling and trying times I can ALWAYS count on Maven to drop a gem that restores my faith in living! This had me HOOKED. I lost all hope, my life is a damn mess but just now you helped give me another chance at living again with the lessons you teach from your experience in this tough business and managing life around your dream. You help give me a purpose bro! This was very interesting and made me think about a few things. Great job Simon Dean and Maven, Punk owes you one but he thanked you a lot for the match
Hey Maven, love your videos. I think a great idea would be to make a video entirely about your wrestlemania 18 experience. I'd like to hear more about that. Have a great day.
Great timing with posting this after CM Punk made his return to the WWE recently! I love hearing all the details of the match, and without even knowing CM Punk would make it big in the future, it was quite a bold move to go against management but thankfully it all worked out and none of you got heat for it. You've posted a lot of great videos here, Maven, and imo you've been an underrated wrestler. I also feel you'd make a great commentator or producer, because your knowledge and experience could help a lot of wrestlers on the current roster!
I think we can all agree that controvercies aside, CM Punk will go down in history as one of the best wrestlers of all time. Dude has done it all in multiple eras, multiple companies, and paved the way for so many independent wrestlers. And the crazy thing is we might be in for his greatest run yet now that he's back in WWE.
The fact that Punk is back even if it will be brief is quite amazing. He is already mid 40s so like not that old but old for wrestler. Also his exit wasn't the most beautiful. AS FAR AS I KNOW
You wrestled during one of my favorite times in wrestling, the Ruthless Aggression era, and its so cool to hear your stories and rewatch some of these nostalgic clips. When I first started watching your videos, I was pleasantly surprised at how well spoken and engaging you are. I think you would be great on commentary if you were ever brought back into the WWE.
Man there are so many people I would love to see you talk to on your channel. A conversation with Taz or Nova or Steven Richards would be so intriguing to me
It’s wild thinking back that one day Maven of all people would be my favorite wrestler UA-camr and a close overall favorite UA-camr. He was born for this. Naturally a great story teller. Million sub UA-camr in the making.
Say what you want about Phil Brooks, CM Punk is a great wrestler and storyteller in the ring. Nobody in their mid to late 40s is going to be what they were in their early 30s, but he definitely knows how to get the desired reaction from the crowd that he's looking for, whether he's on the mic or in the ring. And that's what wrestling is. Working the audience, both in the arena and at home. Getting viewers to care about 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 guys working in the ring in a predetermined situation that 90% of them know is a work. CM Punk as a wrestler has been able to do that as well as anyone in the business right now. It doesn't matter how athletic or how good you are at doing moves if you don't make people care about what you're doing. Great video.
Man i honestly was never a maven fan the wrestler but maven the human being and storyteller and man of knowledge in the business i absolutely love. Thank you for your insights on what goes on behind the curtains as well as details on what allows wrestlers to flourish or mistakes that could be learned from.
Wow wow wow. #Lowkey between Stevie Richards, you Maven, and Simon Dean all being in your respective positions going into the machinations of this particular match, who’s to say we wouldn’t get to experience CM Punk from that very point onward? Mad bittersweet for your release later that year in the ascension of Punk being signed, but I #lowkey ultimately chalk it up to “#Chineke never making a mistake!” 🔥🔥🔥🙌🏿🙌🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿💯 #ThankYouMaven
I was standing outside of the nassau coliseum with my fairly large friend at the time. Simon Dean drove by with Victoria in the car and stopped, rolled down the window and shouted “this guys gotta go on my system”. Since then my friend dropped 100 lbs. who says the Simon Dean character was a failed gimmick!
I remember being like 17 and I had grown up a fan of WWF and WCW. I didn't know what a "smark" was yet. A friend of mine and his other friend kept telling me that someone named CM Punk had just been signed by WWE. I said "who is that?" and they told me he's from Ring of Honor. I said "what is that?" They said he was the greatest wrestler in the world. I said "is he as good as John Cena?" They looked at me like I was dumb. That's the day I learned what a smark is
funny thing about your story is how low the bar that was set at the time #1 Cena was and is trash #2 Punk is in no way or form and by ANY means or ANY standards the "best in the world"
Really killing it with this channel. I’m a life long Nash fan so I am a fan but of his cast, and Steven Richard’s UA-cam is great, but you’ve definitely taken over as my favorite wrestling UA-cam channel.
This has become my favorite channel. WWE is really missing out not having Maven using his talent in the company. The guy just has something that makes you interested in whatever he's talking about
Its so great to see you prospering. I wish you wouldve won the IC title. You also would've been perfect for WWE between 2008-2011, against guys like John Morrison, Sheltom Benjamin (again), etc. Still have the best dropkick in the business!
I remember around 2005 when Punk was the King of the Indy's. He had a huge following online, and whilst people loved him, some didn't think he was WWE main event material.
Punks promo skills are what made him and his hunger and charisma..Not his physical appearance..His ability to take care of his opponents with caution Is special..His durability and bad attitude caught up with him…We shall see what he can do now at 45 on TRT..Maven I love the passion you put into sharing with us. Thank you OG.
though makes me sad that a lot of guys that is his size, never made it because of that. Bruh they had blood rey mysterio but i guess he was an exception.
Maven when you were in WWE i was between the ages of 6 to 10, and back then i didnt pay much attention to the mid card and the work you guys put in. Now i thank you and wrestlers like you because i see now the hard work you put in and i appreciate the videos now because it gives you a chanve to put a spotlight on what i was watching every week back then but not really knowing the behind the scenes and match structures. Thank you. Keep doing what you do man
I would love to hear your take on the training styles of different wrestlers/trainers from Tough Enough and how it differed from other training you got after Tough Enough, etc.
Exactly, they all played their part in helping to build him. He may have never got his chances without those guys especially with the way the office and the locker room was back then. Fast forward to 2006 and Punk goes to RVD and calls a locker room meeting saying that the meeting isn't about Rob but he just wanted to let him know and RVD is confused as hell thinking when did everything change so quickly to where Punk became locker room leader for WWECW lol
Hi Maven! You’re one of my heroes. You inspired me to get back on my feet after heart surgery. I had a hole in my heart. It’s part titanium now and I’m not giving up. Thanks for showing me how to overcome odds and keep going. Much respect all the way from Manila. You rock!
Maven is super underrated. One of those wrestlers you appreciate more as an adult. Wish his career had lasted longer :/ WWE should be using him for commentary and background content.
Great story and good to see, with all the aggro that seems to be in wrestling just now, a positive story showing that guys can still look out for their fellow workers.
Mav, both Brock Lesnar and Punk's introduction in WWE happened through you. You are a lucky charm to new wrestlers! BTW, please keep up the great work in YT!
That was real cool to protect Punk like that. Your content is dope. P.S. I'm still salty I missed you eliminating Taker in that Rumble when it happened live. 😢😆
Props to Maven for giving his honest experience with CM Punk and not dragging his name through the mud just for clicks.This shows maven's & simon deans confidence Thanks Simon dean for helping Punk best in the world
Maven you should go back to WWE as a manager or maybe even the General Manager ASAP!! I think you would be great on those spots. Come on bro, we are patiently waiting!!!
I saw CM Punk many times before he was in WWE. Him being from Chicago, he appeared regularly at independent events in my area. He was a regular with IWA Mid South. At one show, he arrived late, coming in the back door during a match. Spyder Nate Webb was in the ring at the time. Seeing CM Punk trying to bring all his gear in, Nate rolled out of the ring to help him with his gear, going back and rolling into the ring once to break the count.
Thank you to Mike Bucci, aka Simon Dean, for helping me with this video. What other matches or moments do you want to see me react to?
this is awesome! love the content you have been making!
How's Simon Dean doing BTW? I've not heard anything about what he does now. Hope he's well.
Edit: I always forget he was Nova. It always takes someone to remind me then I'll forget again by the next day. 😂
Hello, Maven. Have you thought about doing a video covering the night you were Raw GM?
I remember watching that, back in November of ‘04, and thought that you did a great job and had a really good night (I also thought it would have been a great opportunity for you to join Evolution).
Did you do your World Heavyweight Championship match? That was quite an interesting cluster.
@@Shaun_3114 He is originally from my hometown in New Jersey, but mutual friends of ours have said he's now living in Louisville, Kentucky, working outside the wrestling business and being a family man these days.
Dang, first to get the F5 and first to wrestle CM Punk in WWE? Man I wish they kept maven around much longer.
Last man to walk out of a wrestlemania as hardcore champ too
They would have if he only went to that ring befor shows
I don't think the above facts warrant keeping someone employed 😂
First Tough Enough winner. How appropriate haha. Great video.
Lol so
Whoever is helping Maven run his youtube channel is a genius.
The best wrestling Chanel right now. Cuts to the chase no yapping straight to the point and gives us insight
Lol fr, they know CM Punk is trending so this drops
@@TimDaGoofis trending everyday they know is name make Click like everbody else
@@TimDaGoofyou made it sound like it's clickbait or something, of course he's gonna be talked about, and this guy goes straight to the point
For real he knows how to capitalize on hot topics.
>First to receive an F5
>First televised opponent for CM Punk
>Those two are the last Wrestlemania opponents of the Undertaker before the streak was over
>That Royal Rumble dropkick elimination to the Undertaker
Maven is the connection of everything 🤯
He is the be-all and end-all of this business
You make Maven sound like ‘He Who Remains’
The 7 degrees of Maven
Maven should have broken the streak.
@@Chichimee Yeah, WWE went down the drain after they let him go... him and J.R.
Huge props to Simon. Brilliant way to protect both parties.
i never inagined he would be such a veteran
@@abdurrahim7539I remember him as Nova in ECW.
@@BigBishop609 i knew him too but never knew they both were same guy
Maven putting over the SIMON SYSTEM IN 2023?
I love me some 2004-2005 smackdown
Simpson isn’t feeling it tho I’ll bet.
Great to see the Best in the World talking about CM Punk.
Hahaha…… don’t know you… have no clue who you are….. but DAMMIT I ALREADY KNOW I LIKE YA!
@@MavenKHuffman Hahaha, funnily enough you were kind enough to exchange messages with me a few times on Instagram before now and you even gave me a follow back for asking about the ‘numb nuts’ line to Triple H 🤣 Love the videos man, wishing you all the continued success in the world! 🙌🏻
@@MavenKHuffman I been watching wwe since 2003 (4yr old) and I don’t remember u as others but I watch ur videos all the time keep it up!
If you ever get the chance to go back you’ll be bigger than before you the peoples champ
This man can talk a cat off a fish wagon! Engaging, Captivating, charismatic and just plain talented! Maven to WWE again!
LOLOL… I’m stealing that sayin!!! Never heard it, and I LOVE IT!
@@MavenKHuffmanmaven could sell ice to eskimos
Facts, cause Maven wasn't my favorite(No offense Maven) but now 2videos a day since I found channel couple days ago, Salute💯Respects💯 Maven
😂😂😂
For real though Maven, it would be incredible to see you in WWE again. Really hope it happens.@@MavenKHuffman
Man, WWE needs to hire you back as a creative consultant at some capacity. You’re a natural at speaking and making these videos. Would be cool to see. Cmon Vince or whoever runs WWE these days.
not only that, but he has a great mind for creating and delivering content that people want to see. He's got his finger on the pulse as they say
Nick Khan and Triple H run it now
@@don8244tony*
I think pre show paneslist and backstage guy in the Byron role for NXT would be good spots for him.
We need to tweet triple H about this and get it going 🤔🤔
It’s cool seeing all this planning going into even a basic throwaway match on Heat, yet alone consecutive weeks on RAW, SD, and PPV’s. Keep forgetting Punk has been around WWE for that long.
he said velocity
@@erikaw7767- In this video, Maven said "Sunday Night Heat" at around 0:07 seconds.
Holy crap. I used to watch you guys. SMF for life with champion Ronald McDonald!
@@erikaw7767that set is definitely the heat set. They used the raw is war set. Velocity used the smackdown fist set.
Oh wow, you're the guy who created SMF. I used to watch that back in 2007 and entertained me a lot. Thanks for all the jokes.
CM Punk returns
Maven: Today we feast
I mean why not right? lmfao. Might as well capitalize on his return to WWE and make some content out of it like everyone else on youtube has been xD
Plus the other wrestler reminded him of this match, maven didn't even remember this being CM punks first match lol
@@soulessshadow5356 Maven's firsthand experience is way better than the other 50/50 dirtsheet channels
@@starchaser8656 Oh I fully agree with you there, and I wasn't meaning it like that. I was just saying I mean if other channels can make content on Punks return then Maven should definitely do the same. Plus I loved hearing this story from Maven himself because you wouldn't get this kinda experience with anyone other than NOVA who was Mavens tag partner in this match.
Guys, it was a joke
You know what blows my mind about this channel? Some of the titles sound really crazy and some of the thumbnails look like regular UA-cam clickbait but the videos are actually super informative for anyone that’s ever been curious about the business of professional wrestling AND fun to watch! Keep up the good work Maven!
Clickbaity thumbnails...with actual content to provide, thats the good stuff
Yeah, the thumbnails really kind of turned me off but I decided to watch it anyway and Maven's stories are so insightful and nuanced in contrast to the thumbnails
I think the sad thing is that the UA-cam algorithm prefers those kinds of thumbnails so UA-camrs kinda have to do them to get more exposure.
Never knew Simon Dean was such a good dude. Props to him on seeing something on Punk and now the rest is history.
He’s always been. Wwe did him so dirty
I had no idea he was such a veteran of the business
@@Dennis-hd4go Maybe you'd remember him as Hollywood Nova from the BWO?
Guy was a fucking move innovator as SuperNova
Some people just have the ability to see when a wrestler has "IT", like Paul Heyman saw it in Punk to. I have seen it in a few people to. Back when Drew McIntyre debuted as the Chosen One, I was like this guy has it, can't explain it, but he is the entire package.
Simon Dean is an underrated character. He was so funny and had great comedic timing. Thanks for sharing this story Maven, you're truly a great storyteller and an important part of history in pro wrestling. Oh and for Mike, BWO for Life!
Simon Dean was a funny character
All these former wrestlers keeping in touch with each other is wholesome to see.
It's a brotherhood/sisterhood.
Maven understands the game!!! I still want to see Maven as a WWE Commentator!
Yeah me too maven would be brilliant
But he doesn't like travel right? Even if he becomes commentator, he has to travel a lot.
@@charlieoocharlie9466not if he commentated NXT. They stay in the same place except for their PLEs
@@robdurfee6861where
@@robdurfee6861this is a great idea, i eould love to see Maven commentate NXT. he has a perfect voice and manner of speaking for it.
The more you speak, the more I wish you could’ve been there longer. I’m 25 and as a kid I couldn’t watch wrestling as much as I do now, but I wish I could’ve and watched more of you.
Peacock is your friend my man. Got all the old stuff on there
Maven will always be a part of wwe lore.
We love you Maven. Thank you for being you.
I was a HUGE ECW fan and absolutely loved Nova! One of my all time favorite wrestlers. Thanks for sharing this story and continuing to spread the word about his genius in the business!
Can we just take a moment to appreciate that awesome drop kick 0:04 🔥🔥🔥
That's because even Maven himself had said if I could do one thing, it was dropkick... and yes, yes it is awesome.
This channel is great because of Mavens trustworthiness. He doesn't try to knock others down to prop himself up. He owns his faults and gives great insight from his perspective. One of the best UA-cam channels I've come across in a while.
This kind of stuff is amazing. I can see this channel becoming huge. The wrestling community is huge and they live this kind of stuff. Keep it up maven
I’m so glad this UA-cam channel exists.
So am i.
Maven gets better every video. As a former successful WWE wrestler, he obviously provides more insight than any wrestling UA-camr ever can. He also doesn't have to give all of this content to us and never owed any wrestling fans anything. However, he gives wrestling fans so much more than we could ever imagine with his insight and stories of his career and whatever went on behind the scenes. Thank you Maven!
I want to see a surprise Maven entrance in the 2024 Royal Rumble 🔥 Now or never! Let’s go HHH book it!
💯🔥💪🏾
would be hype af holy shit
It’s insane how Punk had heat before he was even signed 🤣 they were trying to bury a free agent, crazy.
I'm not sure it was that Punk had heat.
He was enhancement talent but he was known enhancement talent with a niche.
The wwe guys facing enhancement talent would get a tiny boost from beating enhancement talent but a slightly bigger one from beating someone that's a real name.
Punk was a local boy that did local indies. A heel gets more of a crowd reaction from beating a minor "face" enhancement talent than a no name enhancement talent.
@@kthkingNo Maven is talking about Punk having negative heat. That word isn't even used in a positive way by people in the business unless it's in terms of a heel getting heat with the crowd (which is what they're supposed to do obviously). That's why he said management wanted the pinfall to be on Punk, they were already put off by him for whatever reason (indie guys like him and of his size weren't really respected in WWE at that time), and putting the pinfall on a guy in that situation is basically a sure-fire way to kill their career before it even starts. A lot of people don't realize that in the wrestling world, yes your talent makes you go a long way, but for the people who really make it to the top of the business, they've been helped in multitudes of ways by multitudes of people. This is one example of how something small can have a massive impact on perception.
@@kthking incorrect. Heat does not mean what you think it means.
@@CH-vt1ejhes definitely talking about negative heat. There were rumors coming out at this time about certain people, HHH and Michaels namely, that weren't fond of the buzz Punk had built on the indies.
@@The-Crypt Ah, cool, stand corrected then.
Vince Hated Punk from the Beginning and he would have buried him had it not been for Paul Heyman who protected him
Vince have every reason to. Years later proved him right
He’s easy to hate. Dude is just an arrogant dork
Paul got fired before punk pipebomb as well make sense why they waited for punk contract to expire
Punk came from Season 1 of RING OF HONOR. Many ppl forget that ROH was RF networks spirtual successor to ECW after it had been bought out.
Punk, Samoa Joe, Aj Styles were the first generation of this new remnant of indies. When Punk had left ROH it was like when a College QB star leaves for the NFL.
While Punk was on Sunday Night heat, he was also one of the hottest indies talents. This is why they wanted Punk to be pinned, it was symoblism same way wcw and ecw would be buried by wwe originals.
By the Simon (ECW) protecting Punk, he was protecting ECW's descendant ROH. Thats why Heyman also stepped in to protect PUNK. ECW guys saw what happened to their guys being buried they didn't want the same thing to happen to the new ROH kids.
Of Season 1 of ROH 2002, AJ styles and Samoa Joe left to TNA as it was seen as the alternative to WWE
Punk was the only one from the big 3 that tried his luck in WWE and ended up going far.
Season 2 of ROH 2004 saw guys like Daniel Bryan step in to fill the shoes of punk after he had left.
Season 8 ROH 2010 saw Tyler Black (seth rollins) being compared to Punk.
Thats why Rollins and Punk have history.
@@robmartin5448 Man, this is a great explanation.
Having a really crap day and you always seem to have a new vid to bring my spirits up. Thanks Maven. ❤️
🙏🏽 very happy I can help!
Your videos are something special, You have this way of talking about wwe without all the excess baggage it just seems clear
There’s just something about seeing athletes break down what’s doing on on the field (or in this case ring). I don’t see it all that often from wrestling so this was a treat
4:59 😅 love the cheekyness
During my hardest, most painful, struggling and trying times I can ALWAYS count on Maven to drop a gem that restores my faith in living! This had me HOOKED. I lost all hope, my life is a damn mess but just now you helped give me another chance at living again with the lessons you teach from your experience in this tough business and managing life around your dream. You help give me a purpose bro! This was very interesting and made me think about a few things. Great job Simon Dean and Maven, Punk owes you one but he thanked you a lot for the match
No obstacle can overcome your will, you will get through it all, life needs to be tough, good luck!
I still get pumped heating Punks intro music. Makes me think of the days I grew up watching wrestling.
Hey Maven, love your videos. I think a great idea would be to make a video entirely about your wrestlemania 18 experience. I'd like to hear more about that. Have a great day.
Great timing with posting this after CM Punk made his return to the WWE recently! I love hearing all the details of the match, and without even knowing CM Punk would make it big in the future, it was quite a bold move to go against management but thankfully it all worked out and none of you got heat for it. You've posted a lot of great videos here, Maven, and imo you've been an underrated wrestler. I also feel you'd make a great commentator or producer, because your knowledge and experience could help a lot of wrestlers on the current roster!
I think we can all agree that controvercies aside, CM Punk will go down in history as one of the best wrestlers of all time. Dude has done it all in multiple eras, multiple companies, and paved the way for so many independent wrestlers. And the crazy thing is we might be in for his greatest run yet now that he's back in WWE.
The fact that Punk is back even if it will be brief is quite amazing. He is already mid 40s so like not that old but old for wrestler. Also his exit wasn't the most beautiful. AS FAR AS I KNOW
He signed a multi-year deal 🤙
Old for wrestler? These guys are allergic to retirement 😂
Im ready to see Rey having knee surgeries for 20 more years 😅
No, his exit was really ugly but that wasn't his fault back then
Punk isn't considered that old mind you, Sting 67, Jericho 52, Edge 50, Christian 49, Lashley 47, Lesnar 46.
@@TheMrAlgohsting dove off the rafters at forbidden door lol. What a beast!!!
You wrestled during one of my favorite times in wrestling, the Ruthless Aggression era, and its so cool to hear your stories and rewatch some of these nostalgic clips. When I first started watching your videos, I was pleasantly surprised at how well spoken and engaging you are. I think you would be great on commentary if you were ever brought back into the WWE.
Man there are so many people I would love to see you talk to on your channel. A conversation with Taz or Nova or Steven Richards would be so intriguing to me
It’s wild thinking back that one day Maven of all people would be my favorite wrestler UA-camr and a close overall favorite UA-camr. He was born for this. Naturally a great story teller. Million sub UA-camr in the making.
Hahaha Maven went from saying Simon Dean to Super Nova midway through the video 🤣 still an amazing video Mav!
It's hard because he was quite well known for both gimmicks, he was Super Nova in ECW and Simon Dead in WWE
Thanks for another great video! This is easily one of the best channels on this platform.
Say what you want about Phil Brooks, CM Punk is a great wrestler and storyteller in the ring. Nobody in their mid to late 40s is going to be what they were in their early 30s, but he definitely knows how to get the desired reaction from the crowd that he's looking for, whether he's on the mic or in the ring. And that's what wrestling is. Working the audience, both in the arena and at home. Getting viewers to care about 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 guys working in the ring in a predetermined situation that 90% of them know is a work. CM Punk as a wrestler has been able to do that as well as anyone in the business right now. It doesn't matter how athletic or how good you are at doing moves if you don't make people care about what you're doing. Great video.
Man i honestly was never a maven fan the wrestler but maven the human being and storyteller and man of knowledge in the business i absolutely love. Thank you for your insights on what goes on behind the curtains as well as details on what allows wrestlers to flourish or mistakes that could be learned from.
Another great video my friend
I'm not sure whats with the creative decision to have that second camera filming you looking into the first one but I really liked it keep it up!
Maven Thank you for making everyone better around you.
Damn I always thought his first match was against Val Venis on Heat. This is awesome Maven congrats. Mav and Simon were a fun short tag team
I was thinking the same
Great anecdote, and a possible sliding doors moment. Could it have been the 'Summer of Simpson'?!
Wow wow wow. #Lowkey between Stevie Richards, you Maven, and Simon Dean all being in your respective positions going into the machinations of this particular match, who’s to say we wouldn’t get to experience CM Punk from that very point onward? Mad bittersweet for your release later that year in the ascension of Punk being signed, but I #lowkey ultimately chalk it up to “#Chineke never making a mistake!” 🔥🔥🔥🙌🏿🙌🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿💯 #ThankYouMaven
Man this channel is great. You’re very well spoken and it’s good to hear some fresh stories.
Great video it'd be interesting if someone would show this to Punk and get his opinion on it.
That drop kick from Maven to punk was perfect ...Great match 👏
I was standing outside of the nassau coliseum with my fairly large friend at the time. Simon Dean drove by with Victoria in the car and stopped, rolled down the window and shouted “this guys gotta go on my system”. Since then my friend dropped 100 lbs. who says the Simon Dean character was a failed gimmick!
LOOOOOOOOOL
Keep putting these videos out. My brother and I will keep watching!
Maven is on fire with his content. May he only go upwards from here on out.
this man knows the algorithm
I remember being like 17 and I had grown up a fan of WWF and WCW. I didn't know what a "smark" was yet. A friend of mine and his other friend kept telling me that someone named CM Punk had just been signed by WWE. I said "who is that?" and they told me he's from Ring of Honor. I said "what is that?" They said he was the greatest wrestler in the world. I said "is he as good as John Cena?" They looked at me like I was dumb. That's the day I learned what a smark is
funny thing about your story is how low the bar that was set at the time
#1 Cena was and is trash
#2 Punk is in no way or form and by ANY means or ANY standards the "best in the world"
Nothing wrong with cena yes the. Punk is good but you are right he is not the best in the world
Wow. That's a great story and props to Simon for protecting both sides!
Protect this man at all costs!
Awesome story. Would love to see more of these breakdowns on your other matches
I’ve been watching all wrestling since like 1989. And Punk is my favorite I’ve ever seen. 🤷🏻♂️
His “roll” 7:14 ☠️ absolutely yeeted himself out the ring 😂
This is great! Thanks Maven
Best wrestling channel on atm
What’s up Maven, just here to remind you that your are awesome and I love all your content and I’m glad things are going good for ya
Really killing it with this channel. I’m a life long Nash fan so I am a fan but of his cast, and Steven Richard’s UA-cam is great, but you’ve definitely taken over as my favorite wrestling UA-cam channel.
I’m a fan of BOTH of those channels as well!
Maven wrestling CM Punk and getting F5’d first before Soulja Boy shows how legendary he is
This has become my favorite channel. WWE is really missing out not having Maven using his talent in the company. The guy just has something that makes you interested in whatever he's talking about
Its so great to see you prospering. I wish you wouldve won the IC title. You also would've been perfect for WWE between 2008-2011, against guys like John Morrison, Sheltom Benjamin (again), etc.
Still have the best dropkick in the business!
Love hearing this story but I can’t help but keep looking at those pillows on the couch. This are amazing!
6:03 He also did that in his return, pounding his fist before the "Clobbering Time"... he really is a great worker
In the pre-Peacock days of the WWE Network, I would've loved a type of insight/interview or whatever kind of show hosted by Maven! So authentic!
I remember around 2005 when Punk was the King of the Indy's. He had a huge following online, and whilst people loved him, some didn't think he was WWE main event material.
Your videos are amazing, thanks Maven.❤
CM Punk wouldn't be where he is today if it wasn't for Maven.
That is awesome. Elevating a future superstar while making it look like it was an improvised on the fly moment
Punks promo skills are what made him and his hunger and charisma..Not his physical appearance..His ability to take care of his opponents with caution Is special..His durability and bad attitude caught up with him…We shall see what he can do now at 45 on TRT..Maven I love the passion you put into sharing with us. Thank you OG.
though makes me sad that a lot of guys that is his size, never made it because of that. Bruh they had blood rey mysterio but i guess he was an exception.
Maven when you were in WWE i was between the ages of 6 to 10, and back then i didnt pay much attention to the mid card and the work you guys put in. Now i thank you and wrestlers like you because i see now the hard work you put in and i appreciate the videos now because it gives you a chanve to put a spotlight on what i was watching every week back then but not really knowing the behind the scenes and match structures. Thank you. Keep doing what you do man
I would love to hear your take on the training styles of different wrestlers/trainers from Tough Enough and how it differed from other training you got after Tough Enough, etc.
The fact that cm punk is back in wwe is Wilded
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Bruv,
You Talking positively about Punk Backstage,
Great stuff
First Stevie Night Heat/Nova, then Heyman, man Punk has really been helped a ton by ex-ECW guys... Without them, who knows where he would be...
Exactly, they all played their part in helping to build him. He may have never got his chances without those guys especially with the way the office and the locker room was back then. Fast forward to 2006 and Punk goes to RVD and calls a locker room meeting saying that the meeting isn't about Rob but he just wanted to let him know and RVD is confused as hell thinking when did everything change so quickly to where Punk became locker room leader for WWECW lol
My man knows to capitalize on the hype without bait click too 💪 you awesome Mav
Coachman says, “My main man Maven” That’s a wrestling name right there!
I love your warm energy bro, thank you for making Punk ;-)
Maven is basically Soulja Boi????
Hi Maven! You’re one of my heroes. You inspired me to get back on my feet after heart surgery. I had a hole in my heart. It’s part titanium now and I’m not giving up. Thanks for showing me how to overcome odds and keep going. Much respect all the way from Manila. You rock!
Maven is super underrated. One of those wrestlers you appreciate more as an adult. Wish his career had lasted longer :/
WWE should be using him for commentary and background content.
God, these kinds of stories remind me of why I love professional wrestling. Thanks for sharing, Maven, you earned one more subscriber! ❤
Great story and good to see, with all the aggro that seems to be in wrestling just now, a positive story showing that guys can still look out for their fellow workers.
Underrated pro wrestling 🔥
Mav, both Brock Lesnar and Punk's introduction in WWE happened through you. You are a lucky charm to new wrestlers! BTW, please keep up the great work in YT!
CM Punk’s teammate looks like a mini Test
Quiz?
That was real cool to protect Punk like that.
Your content is dope.
P.S. I'm still salty I missed you eliminating Taker in that Rumble when it happened live. 😢😆
You’re only two years older than him…Maven comeback confirmed for rematch? Haha. Thanks for sharing this! 🙏
Props to Maven for giving his honest experience with CM Punk and not dragging his name through the mud just for clicks.This shows maven's & simon deans confidence
Thanks Simon dean for helping Punk best in the world
Right now WWE management wants to fine Maven but cannot lol
Strike whilst the iron is hot. Go on Maven. Great video
Maven you should go back to WWE as a manager or maybe even the General Manager ASAP!! I think you would be great on those spots. Come on bro, we are patiently waiting!!!
I saw CM Punk many times before he was in WWE. Him being from Chicago, he appeared regularly at independent events in my area. He was a regular with IWA Mid South.
At one show, he arrived late, coming in the back door during a match. Spyder Nate Webb was in the ring at the time. Seeing CM Punk trying to bring all his gear in, Nate rolled out of the ring to help him with his gear, going back and rolling into the ring once to break the count.