Former WWE star Maven Huffman recently revealed a challenging early experience in his professional wrestling career, specifically regarding his interactions with veteran performer Raven. While Huffman has previously discussed difficult opponents like Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy, his issues with Raven stemmed from a different source: being repeatedly used as a learning tool during his initial run of house shows.
Speaking on his podcast, Huffman explained that his first “loop” of untelevised events saw him consistently facing Raven. “They put me on the road for my first ever loop of house shows – or untelevised events – and my opponent for that entire weekend would be Raven,” Huffman stated. He wrestled Raven for three consecutive nights, a situation he found particularly daunting given Raven’s status as a respected figure in the industry.
Huffman acknowledged Raven’s experience and skill, but felt the veteran wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about facing a newcomer. “There’s no way he’s excited when he saw my name next to his on the run sheet, but Raven thought ahead and he thought: I’m gonna teach this kid this weekend,” Huffman said. The core of the issue, according to Huffman, was Raven’s in-ring style at the time. Raven frequently called matches on the fly, improvising rather than meticulously planning them backstage. This approach left Huffman, a young and inexperienced performer, feeling unprepared, and overwhelmed.
“At this time, I didn’t know how to wrestle any match, but if I was comfortable wrestling one type of match, it was one that was pre-called,” Huffman admitted. He felt most secure when matches were pre-determined and rehearsed, a stark contrast to Raven’s improvisational style. Huffman described the situation as a significant learning curve, forcing him to adapt quickly in front of a live audience. The experience highlighted the gap between his limited skillset and the demands of professional wrestling.
The revelation offers a glimpse into the dynamics between established stars and rising talent in the world of professional wrestling. Raven, known for his innovative and often unconventional approach to the sport, seemingly took a proactive role in mentoring Huffman, albeit in a way that proved challenging for the newcomer. The situation underscores the importance of both in-ring skill and the ability to adapt to different working styles, particularly for those early in their careers.
Huffman’s comments aren’t necessarily a criticism of Raven’s intentions, but rather a reflection on his own unpreparedness at the time. He recognized Raven’s attempt to provide a real-world education, even if it wasn’t the most comfortable experience. The story highlights the often-unseen pressures and learning experiences faced by wrestlers attempting to break into the industry.
While Huffman’s career with WWE ultimately ended with his release – a topic he’s discussed openly, admitting he didn’t fully dedicate himself to the necessary training and development – this particular experience with Raven appears to have been a formative one. He has previously spoken about being warned by WWE staff, including Fit Finlay and Dean Malenko, to prioritize in-ring training and development, but at the time, he admitted to prioritizing other activities over honing his craft. He later acknowledged that he deserved to be fired for his lack of commitment.
The anecdote provides a unique perspective on the wrestling business, illustrating the contrast between a seasoned veteran like Raven and a rookie like Huffman. It’s a story of mentorship, albeit a demanding one, and the challenges of navigating the complex world of professional wrestling. Huffman’s willingness to share these experiences offers valuable insight into the realities of the industry and the pressures faced by those striving for success.
The situation also speaks to the different approaches to in-ring psychology and match construction. Raven’s preference for calling matches on the fly contrasted sharply with Huffman’s comfort level with pre-planned sequences. This difference in style created a challenging dynamic, forcing Huffman to quickly adapt and learn on the job. It’s a reminder that success in professional wrestling requires not only physical prowess but also the ability to think creatively and respond effectively to unexpected situations.
