In an unexpected turn of events, WWE recently released scores of talent, including the entire Maximum Male Models team. As insiders shed more light on the circumstances surrounding these layoffs, interesting details have come to the forefront.
During his Twitch stream, Mace, a key member of the Male Models Team, opened up about WWE’s initial plans for the act. Contrary to prevailing speculations, Vince McMahon, the industry titan, was reportedly all-in for the male model stable. The gimmick had been pitched as McMahon’s next big thing’ and the team had been promised a great future. All this transpired before Vince left the reins of the company in the hands of Hunter – a transition that happened only three weeks after Maximum Male Models debuted, with somewhat untimely consequences.
“Vince had wanted to do a male model act for eight months. He wanted this so bad,” recalls Mace. The team had been promised weekly fashion shows, personal clothing budgets, and rehearsals so intricate that the rest of the crew would often have to clear out for them. Mace elaborated on the surreal nature of some of these rehearsals, one of which saw Vince personally instructing Mace on minor details of his performance.
Mansoor, another teammate, also spoke about McMahon’s hands-on involvement with the team, lending credence to the rumors of a promising future.
Unfortunately, the act swiftly lost momentum after a single televised segment featuring them was shot. A match with the Good Brothers was suddenly cut, and subsequently, TV appearances dwindled. This led to strained relationships within the company and eventually, a loss of purpose for the team. The Maximum Male Models were repeatedly bypassed for TV spots and matches.
A lot of confusion circulated when the team made appearances in the Andre Battle Royal and the battle royal for the IC Title shot, with questions being raised about who approved their participation. The tension resulting from these missteps took a toll, stunting the potential growth of their story within the WWE.
In light of these events, both Mace and Mansoor now face uncertain futures, albeit free of WWE obligations. Despite this setback, the pair remains young, talented, and has the potential to pivot into new roles within or outside pro wrestling.
As this story unfolds, fans and followers of pro wrestling worldwide await the next steps of Mace, Mansoor, and the Maximum Male Models. Amidst a scenario riddled with confusion and unmet promises, their experience serves as a distressing reminder of the unpredictability of the wrestling business. For now, the wrestling world will keep its eyes peeled for their next moves.
