When former WWE Tough Enough winner Maven crossed a line with WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam, he didn’t just send a text or make a phone call. Instead, he grabbed his camera crew and drove straight to RVD’s front door to make things right face-to-face.
The Comment That Started It All
During a recent podcast appearance, Maven made what he now considers one of his biggest verbal missteps. He labeled the ECW legend as wrestling’s “smelliest” competitor, even going as far as comparing him to New York City itself. The moment those words left his mouth, Maven knew he’d stepped in it.
Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, the former Hardcore Champion didn’t try to hide from his mistake:
“A while back I said something I regretted instantly — smelliest wrestler. Oh man, RVD, like New York City itself. Right now I’m on my way to Rob Van Dam’s to make amends, and you guys are coming with me.”
Taking Accountability the Hard Way
Rather than let the situation fester online, Maven decided to handle this controversy the old-school way. He packed up his filming equipment and made the trek to RVD’s residence, determined to clear the air in person.
Upon arrival, Maven approached Katie Forbes first, showing respect for both her and RVD before even stepping inside. His approach was humble and direct, acknowledging the impact of his words without making excuses.
“Hey, I came. I owe you and Rob an apology. Is it okay if I come in? Hey listen, I know you guys heard what I said on that podcast. I can tell you all day long I didn’t mean it — I didn’t — but I know how it sounded. Can you please accept my apology?”
Man-to-Man Resolution
When Maven finally sat down with RVD, the conversation revealed exactly what many suspected. The whole situation stemmed from a misunderstood question and Maven’s attempt at humor that completely backfired.
“Mr. Monday Night” showed why he’s remained one of wrestling’s most respected figures, handling the situation with his characteristic laid-back demeanor. RVD admitted he wasn’t even entirely sure he’d taken the comment the wrong way, which opened the door for honest dialogue.
“RVD: Did I take something wrong?
Maven: I took the question wrong. I was trying to go in, brother. I was trying to go in this direction right here with the question.
RVD: That’s what I suspected it was, 100%.”
The Unexpected Baby Powder Callback
Leave it to these two wrestling veterans to turn a tense apology into a trip down memory lane. RVD couldn’t resist bringing up the deodorant angle, which led to Maven explaining his memories of RVD’s unique backstage routine involving baby powder.
The conversation took a humorous turn as Maven clarified his observations from their shared locker room days. His explanation about noticing RVD’s post-baby powder deodorant application showed just how much wrestlers notice about each other’s habits behind the scenes.
“Remember you used to take baby powder — baby powder — and contrary to popular belief, I wasn’t staring at your c*** and I wasn’t finishing after you would do the baby powder. I know you put the deodorant on afterward, so I was thinking maybe you were just on to something with the baby powder that I wasn’t privy to.”
A Lesson in Professional Respect
This entire episode demonstrates something increasingly rare in today’s social media-driven world: genuine accountability. Maven could have easily let this blow over or addressed it through a simple online statement. Instead, he chose the harder path of personal reconciliation.
RVD’s gracious response also highlights why he’s maintained such positive relationships throughout his decades-long career. Rather than holding grudges or escalating drama, he approached the situation with understanding and forgiveness.
In an era where wrestling personalities often fuel controversy for clicks and engagement, seeing two industry veterans handle conflict with maturity and respect feels refreshingly authentic. What other backstage wrestling habits do you think would surprise fans if they knew about them?
