During my time as a WWE wrestler, I had the privilege of being part of both the SmackDown roster and the Raw roster. What were the differences backstage between both brands, and which show paid better? Learn that and more in this video.
The Irony of Maven’s career is that he probably wouldve had a legit shot in today’s WWE. There was just way too much talent at the time hall of famers were literally all over the card
True, I think the fact WWE doesn’t really show much behind the scenes makes this channel even better. I want to see the whole behind the scenes of how a show is put together. I want to see how they do rehearsals, walkthroughs, locker room prep, etc.
I like how maven can genuinely talk and tell his stories to us. Completely engaging and easy to listen too. Then the video ends when waiting and wanting to hear more.
I stopped watching wrestling in like 03-04 so I never watched Maven. I don’t watch it currently. I have no reason to care. But for some reason I have been watching all his videos 😂😂😂
The funniest one was sticking his hand down his pants then proceeded to strong arm and intimidate a new guy who just got hired in the wwe into shaking his hand
@@Marthisdil16 years ago. They asked if he wanted to try make a return as a wrestler in 2007. When he was still young and they meant as a worker. Plus he had only been fired from WWE a few years by then. That's completely different than asking him to return today when he's 16 years older in a speaking role.
Maven is the absolute GOAT wrestling youtuber right now. He's really letting us take a peek behind the scenes with amazing storytelling ability and editing that is absolutely on point (especially in the more recent videos). Greetings from a European fan who doesn't get to see much live WWE action and wanted to know what it's like for wrestlers!
This is exactly the type of content I'd want to see from a former WWE/F Competitor, and you're the only one doing it , Maven! Thanks for the content brother!
We need a video of Maven watching the current product of boxing Raw and SmackDown (or just WWE in general) and giving his honest opinions about it. I think it would be great.
Each video I'm astonished at his ability to be such a good RU-vidr. He could probably show others how it's done. The Conrad model doesn't work. All those podcasts, and most of them barely get any views. This is how it's done.
Every one of those shows start off decent, because the person is excited to tell their story. But when it reaches contractually obligated episode #204, The Brooklyn Brawler's 1994, or whatever, you can tell the talent is just miserable and nobody wants to be there. Conrad is the biggest fucking carny, dude can't even fit in a single plane seat he's grifting so hard.
@@GrantH Exactly. They're basically just a platform for him to advertise his mortgage business lol. Maven actually cares about the quality of content and he plays to the algorithm. He's in the RU-vid game for keeps.
The Conrad model works if done the right way. Jim Cornette, professional sounding audio, we aren’t looking at a fat, greasy, old James E and we don’t even have to think of what that weirdo Brian Last looks like, *and* both people actually have personalities that aren’t boring. Also Jim will never run out of wrestling stories meanwhile most of Conrad’s guests don’t even remember their middle name.
I’ve attended both Smackdown and Raw shows, as well as house shows, and yes, the environment is way different. I attended Smackdown back when there was also ECW and Superstars, all of which were taped on the same night, and included a few dark matches. So it was interesting to see the set changes, and even the refs/officials who helped change the sets. You could easily be there for 5-6 hours if you wanted to see all the shows.Raw on the other hand, definitely gives you that live on tv feeling when you are there. Even in the audience, you can tell how much on point they are with timing. You could even tell when they were going to commercial, because they were not wasting any tv lights for those breaks, and the wrestlers would slow down their action during the breaks as well.
Wow Maven, you totally deserve to be racking up all the views you're getting! I actually stopped watching wrestling within the past year (first started watching in '99), but your content and presentation style is so damn engaging it's like I never did stop after all. You're a breath of fresh air for wrestling storytelling.
Questions…who would you wrestle today? Which promotion you like to be in today AEW, WWE, new Japan, etc? How would you book yourself realistically either back then or today? How was your first WM experience??
Question: Are storylines written week-to-week or does it start with an end in mind? I'm thinking of the Ministry of Darkness timeline and all the twists and turns in it. Big fan of your channel.
The best way is to write it for long term, but to review it weekly to take in consideration of fan response, injuries, new ideas, etc. It seems like too often it's written long term without allowing anything to change it or written short term without any long term direction. Seems like there's no middle ground.
I would think they have story boards and hopefully well thought out plan. For a weekly show I do t really see a benefit in writing weekly sounds more counter productive in my opinion
Both. But back in the 90s early 2000s it wasn’t like a soap opera. There were a few long running stories usually to promote a pay per view but it was just non stop action and chaos like in the attitude era. As time went on there’s a lot more dialog, writing, long term stories now compared to then.
I would like hear an answer from someone like Maven on this too. But from watching the RU-vid series ‘Reliving the War’ it seems like they do a bit of both. They see how the crowd reacts to certain things, but also stubbornly force storylines that they really want to see through.
Maven, the effort you put in your videos always puts a smile on my face. Just the little details like the different colored lights used for the respective brands is such a beauitiful touch! We all love your videos man!
These videos have been awesome, I've always wondered how things were run backstage, this is amazing insight for all the fans, keep up the great work guys! You all are killing it! Much appreciated.
Maven, it would be awesome to see you back in WWE, even for a limited time. Would love to see you as a heel in some way. You're super humble and still have a lot to offer. Love your videos.
@@ryanortiz8836 SmackDown! had a very brief period where they tried to push it more as the new show, but then it became the dumping ground after the invasion and brand split.
Honestly, I preferred watching Smackdown. Maybe it's because as a kid back then, I couldn't watch raw but i could watch Smackdown. Also, The Undertaker is my favorite.
Another fascinating and compelling video of pure insight from our articulate host, Mr Huffman. I'd love to see a future video about how house shows went, the crowd receptions, amusing moments, and stories in general about life on the road with the other wrestlers!
Best channel for the inside scoops for the WWE on how it was in that era Just love the transparity. Best host I've ever seen on RU-vid today. Have a bless day Maven looking forward to your next video.
Damn Maven.... I remember watching you on your (televised) WWF debut. I remember randomly coming across your channel when you had, like 10K subs. So awesome to hear about what you've done in between and how things worked back then (pre-uber Internet era). Even better to see you making quality YT vids and rising up in the subs. Much deserved with all of the hard work you've done and continue to do. Cheers Maven.
Gotta admit it, when I got back into wrestling in early 2003 after a hiatus since the end of 2000, I had no clue who Maven was, and I don’t remember him at all to be honest. However this guy is one amazing RU-vidr and storyteller, it’s such a shame that as he admits, he didn’t put more effort in in the ring, and that if he had he could have showcased the charisma and wit that he has as a wrestler that wasn’t still riding the tough enough coattails. Very likeable fella and great videos. Well done Maven!
@CitizenAmuro yeah I know he was in wwf when I started watching again, but like I said, I don’t remember him. Most likely occasional short matches on raw or smack down and no major storylines to remember. Not a knock on him. Same way I don’t remember much of dean malenkos wwf run, his debut was memorable, but he was forgettable very soon after
@CitizenAmuro absolutely, he’s been a breath of fresh air when it comes to wrestling on RU-vid. It’s a shame they didn’t use his verbal skills more when he was there as he would have excelled as a heel. I’ve seen a bit of him as a heel with Simon dean which was good
Maven was one of my favorites because it was awesome seeing tough enough, and then his career unfold. It's like the underdog, finally making it. Awesome seeing anyone achieve their dream or goal. Maven will always be an honest hardworking wrestler that truly represents the outcome of endurance and hardwork. Thank you So much Maven.⚘️
You should do an episode about big bumps! Talk about what your's were like, how to prepare for them. Like do wrestlers practice spots before they happen? What was your biggest bump? LOVE THE CHANNEL DUDE! I havent even watched wrestling in over 20 years haha.
Maven is doing really well here and would be a wonderful addition with documentaries and backstage, behind the scenes producing just all of that quite knowledgeable and entertaining.
@@LoganHunter82it's a shame that Vince seems to want to tank smackdown everytime it's doing better than raw. That's why both shows should stay separate
@@alaskanwhiskeyend of the day its a matter if opinion. I personally stopped watching it during 2008 I believe. The games went down hill since smack vs raw 2008 when they changed the controls. The current line up I can't get behind, they just ruined all of the titles.
Maven videos are so engaging from beginning to end... i just have to watch till the end every time As a wrestling fan am learning so much on this channel ...thank you Maven Lots of love from Nigeria 🇳🇬 ❤ Can't wait for the next video to drop 😊
I remember the good old days of getting the results for smackdown before it aired and still watching like I didn’t already know what was going to happen
Sounds great but I highly doubt they would make a showcase for him since he maintained the mid card position. However I think he could be a narrator for a showcase. He's a good talker and has a good voice.
@@rn6312 On Smackdown back then you had Taker, Lesnar, Big Show and the Smackdown Six (Edge/Angle/Mysterio/Benoit/Los Guerreros). On Raw you had Triple H.... and whatever former WCW star he was burying at the time. Not much of a contest when it comes to interesting story lines.
I wrestled for ten years myself, and I appreciated having you on TV showing it's ok to be green... With that said, I'm dying of CTE and early onset dementia from wrestling and all of the unprotected shots! I hope to God you got away without injuries like that, brother!
You guys need to chill with the CTE stuff. It's still fake. I can see injurys but let's not pretend your getting repeated blows to the head. That's football, boxing, etc. Hell even Nascar has more concessions.
Maven. you are the ONLY channel I have the bell notification on for because can't wait to hear and see what your doing. You are such a great guy. Much love brother.
These videos are awesome, I’m 46 now and I have LOVED wrestling since I was 6 or 7 years old. This is the stuff that fascinates me, about the business. Thanks for the awesome videos Maven.
Your channel is great. I remember watching you on Tough Enough years ago. Hearing your insight on your time there is entertaining every time you post a video. I hope you never run out of stories. Keep up the good work.
TnA tappings were fun to go to, because I got to see those things Maven described for Smackdown. Some of the best stuff was seeing some of the wrestlers sitting in the rafters watching the matches. The Dudley Boyz would always add extra antics when their match was done but it wouldn't end up on television. Thanks Maven for bringing back good memories 👍
Interesting to hear what he said about Randy. Most other accounts have people describing him as an absolute nightmare when he was at the top of the card. I'm guessing maybe Randy changed over time (bearing in mind Maven had left by the time Randy became World Champ).
OMG! I completely forgot that Smackdown was WWE's version of today's AEW Rampage (well, better than that), because it wasn't the LIVE flagship show. I love this channel. Maven is building a winner with this content.
As a child I wasn't a fan of Mavin, but as a grown up watching your RU-vid videos I have the same emotional response to you like I do to LA knight or any current top star... I guess redemption has come Mavin, we love you. Keep up the great work.
I was an attitude/agression era kid. Watched from the late 90s through mid 2000s but have fallen off since. I remember watching Tough enough and seeing you come up. These videos unlock so many core memories for me.
I just like hearing Maven talk about wrestling😂 Dude has a gift of making it seem like he's talking directly to a person, and not an audience. I believe Maven, because he is a fan like me, a fan like us. Keep it going Maven!
You are the coolest storyteller, Maven. I didn’t know anything about you until your recent RU-vid channel. I am glad Ive come across with this gem of a channel. Nothing but huge respect for you.
I’ve really enjoyed watching Maven’s short videos, I look at professional wrestling in a totally different way. These men and women are good storytellers, actors, athletes, and wrestling. They put all this together for a great show! Thanks Maven
Love your channel brother. Thanks for sharing all of your stories….. The good and the bad. You’re a genuinely good dude and I wish you great joy and success
The presentation of this channel is top notch and you have a voice for this stuff. Would you be able to do a video where you compare stuff like this to today?
Love your videos Maven! It would be really cool to hear about the international tours - what they were like and how they worked. Keep up the great content!
You’re killing it Maven! Impeccable my good sir. What a perfect fit: Maven & RU-vid. Great timing, great production and just the right amount of cheese. Question & answer format is what I mean by cheese. Well done.
Maven I gotta be honest you’re really doing great with your channel. Already you have people interested in your content because it’s your experience. Hope everything goes great for you in the future. Let’s get him to 1 million subs.
Mate I'm not being patronizing when I say I'm so proud of how well your channel is doing!! Next to Stevie Richards and Cornette you are the best wrestling content on RU-vid. Love you Mav, keep the videos coming mate 😊
SmackDown! at the time was just as good as Raw and they were distinctively different brands: Raw was like WCW in its prime: a live show which had more experienced/established/physically imposing wrestlers in the main event like HHH, Goldberg, Scott Steiner and The Rock. They even had the old style WCW belt. SmackDown! on the other hand was a bit like the WWF when it had to create new stars: it was taped and focused more on younger talent and/or established talent who were quite new to main evening (Brock/Eddie/Edge/Benoit/JBL). The Undertaker was an exception. Ratings were only better for Raw because it was always prioritised by Vince.
Smack down was the show on broadcast tv at the time too. I feel like they had to produce a show that held the audience a little better because of the exposure to so many casual fans.
Agreed - absolutely loved Smackdown 2002-2003 in particular. I personally bought right into the "pick a brand" thing they were selling and became a Smackdown fan, hated Raw and everything haha. They got me hook line and sinker
@@Simonskilamb It’s what Vince wanted; competition in wrestling but really he was only in competition with himself. He deliberately pitted Paul Hayman and Eric Bischoff as rival GMs due to their egos and history too! It would’ve been so good if Vince got a TV deal for WCW after he bought the company. You would’ve seen this on a bigger scale.
@@SRPC21 Vince should have never been allowed to buy WCW. Monopoly laws. I mean imagine being a star on WCW where they flew 1st class and rented limos, 5 star hotels, then Vince owns it and you're riding 4 deep in a Dodge Stratus and staying at the Holiday inn. Well if stacey Kiebler was in my car I would be fine.
He is like the Richard Jefferson (NBA)of the WWE. Let’s us know how things are behind the scenes in their respective fields. Thank you for telling us your experiences, Maven! 🤝
Hey Mav, just gotta say and I’m sure you have many fans, BUT, goddam mate, never thought much past the undertaker rumble spot and the Stone Cold Simon Dean spot, but seriously binging your vids now and see you in a totally different way. Keep up the excellent work please sir. You have tapped into a fresh look into your old industry and I’m looking to do similar in my current industry. Thanks a bunch
I missed when Raw and smackdown had I their own ppv outside of the major ppv. It allows for storylines to build and survivor series had a greater meaning because it was for the pride of your show.
I liked both shows equally as a kid, but nowadays I prefer SmackDown if I'm watching WWE. I even prefer SmackDown when watching the older episodes of WWE. I think SmackDown always had the better matches and more interesting stories. I think when RAW switched to a 3-hour format that's when the quality started dipping. RAW's gotten much better these days, but the 3-hour format in my opinion still effects the quality of RAW. In my opinion 2-Hour's is the sweet spot for weekly wrestling shows.
This dude is milking his WWE experience and I'm here for it. Sure, anyone could've done it but no one had the brain to do it the way Maven does it. I've watched every video and there's so much you learn of how the business works. Cheers to you Maven! Hopefully you're able to go back to WWE as a presenter, an on-screen personality or even a producer.
I have said this before: I don’t subscribe to many. But Mav has my support. He is absolutely killing it! He is a natural! Pace your content and see you at 500k and beyond!
