WWE fans have been buzzing for months over the seismic changes to The Undertaker’s podcast, and now, former Superstar Maven Huffman has entered the conversation. In a candid video posted to his YouTube channel, Maven offered an insider’s perspective on the controversy swirling around “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway”—from the abrupt exit of co-host Matt Lyda to the divisive addition of Michelle McCool and the heated response from fans and The Undertaker himself.
A Sudden Shift: Lyda’s Departure and WWE’s Corporate Influence
The drama began in early 2025, when “Six Feet Under” suddenly paused production. When the podcast resurfaced under the WWE umbrella that June, longtime co-host and show architect Matt Lyda was conspicuously absent, replaced by Michelle McCool—The Undertaker’s wife and a freshly minted WWE Hall of Famer. This shift didn’t go unnoticed by the show’s loyal following, many of whom considered Lyda the “yin to Taker’s yang,” providing a dynamic that was central to the podcast’s original, unfiltered charm[1][2].
Maven, who has maintained close relationships with both Mark Calaway (The Undertaker) and McCool, acknowledged Lyda’s vital role in the podcast’s early success. “Matt was the heel, the bad guy of the show,” Maven said. “He was the easy target to a Taker who everyone loved… Matt was a driving force in keeping that show rolling. And he was one of those things you truly don’t miss until he’s gone.”[1]
Behind the Curtain: Why Was Lyda Let Go?
While specifics of Lyda’s exit remain private between him and The Undertaker, Maven suggested the decision was likely influenced by WWE’s acquisition of the podcast. According to backstage chatter, the transition to WWE’s production standards often comes with sweeping changes, both on and off the air[1][4]. Maven noted that Lyda’s departure was handled poorly, leaving Lyda “hurt” after years of dedication to the project. “I don’t think [Matt] was angry, I think he was hurt,” Maven reflected. “Hurt that after 30 years in the business, [Undertaker] felt as though the fans turned on him overnight. To me, this was an emotional reaction… from the Deadman.”[1]
A WWE insider commented, “The move to WWE’s platform meant more oversight and a desire to align the show’s tone with corporate expectations. Unfortunately, that often means the original creative team gets sidelined or replaced.”
Nepotism Accusations: Is McCool’s Role Justified?
The introduction of Michelle McCool as co-host—shortly after her WWE Hall of Fame induction and her replacement of Mickie James on the reality show “LFG”—sparked a wave of fan backlash. Critics accused the show of nepotism, claiming McCool’s presence was more about her marriage to The Undertaker than her own credentials[1][2][4]. Social media erupted with comments ranging from disappointment to outright hostility. Some fans went so far as to suggest that McCool was “killing the vibe” of what had been a gritty, behind-the-scenes podcast.
Maven, however, offered a nuanced rebuttal. He argued that dismissing McCool’s co-hosting gig as “100% nepotism” was unfair and disregarded her significant impact on women’s wrestling. “Claiming it’s 100% nepotism undermines her talents and accomplishments within women’s wrestling,” Maven said. “Michelle helped bridge the gap from the ‘Bra and Panties’ era to where women’s wrestling is today.”[1]
Still, the optics were hard to ignore. “It kind of felt like seeing history repeat itself when Michelle took over Matt’s spot,” a former production staffer told us, referencing McCool’s earlier replacement of Mickie James on another WWE project[4].
Fan Backlash: The Undertaker’s Fiery Response
The controversy reached a boiling point when The Undertaker and McCool addressed the criticism head-on during an episode of the revamped podcast. The Undertaker, typically known for his stoic demeanor, lashed out at dissenting fans: “99.5% of the guys in the locker room would agree with my decisions,” he declared, before telling unhappy listeners they could “line up single file… and kiss my ass.”[1]
Maven believes this uncharacteristic outburst was rooted in a deep sense of betrayal. “After 30 years of giving everything, he might have felt like he had more goodwill built up with the fan base,” Maven explained. “Not saying he didn’t, just saying that might be how he views it.”[1]
Backstage sources echoed this sentiment. “Mark [Calaway] is used to being respected and even revered by the WWE Universe. To face such intense criticism, especially after so many years of service, hit him hard,” said a WWE insider familiar with the situation.
The Broader Picture: WWE’s Changing Content Landscape
The podcast’s relaunch wasn’t the only change. WWE also introduced a new YouTube channel for The Undertaker, featuring a “Watch Along” format that further distanced the product from its original, freewheeling style[1]. Many longtime listeners felt the show had become sanitized—a casualty of WWE’s family-friendly corporate strategy.
Fans have voiced concern that the new format, while slick and professionally produced, lacks the authentic, “anything goes” feel that made “Six Feet Under” a must-listen in the first place. As one veteran fan put it, “We want to hear Taker’s road stories with his old rivals, not corporate-approved banter and recycled talking points.”[2]
Maven’s Verdict: Respect the Deadman’s Choices—But Learn From the Missteps
Despite the turbulence, Maven ultimately defended The Undertaker’s right to run his post-wrestling ventures as he sees fit. “If he wants to sit back in a BarcaLounger and watch college football all day and not have a podcast at all, he’s earned that right,” Maven concluded. “And if he wants to have his wife on the couch with him… he’s earned that right too.”[1]
Still, Maven cautioned that the disconnect between the show’s hosts and their audience cannot be ignored. He urged both sides to approach the controversy with empathy and patience, suggesting that the evolving WWE content landscape is an opportunity for experimentation and growth.
“Give the new format a chance,” Maven encouraged. “Content is always evolving, and sometimes it just takes a while for things to find their rhythm again.”[1]
Looking Forward: Will “Six Feet Under” Regain Its Edge?
As “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway” continues to navigate its corporate transformation, the future remains uncertain. What is clear is that the changes have struck a nerve—not just with fans, but with those who helped build the show from the ground up.
A source close to Matt Lyda told us, “There’s no bad blood between Matt and Mark. They’ve been friends too long for that. But there’s definitely a sense of loss—for both the show’s original spirit and for the fans who felt heard and represented by that old dynamic.”[2][4]
Whether The Undertaker and McCool can win back the WWE Universe remains to be seen. But if there’s one lesson to be learned from this saga, it’s that even legends must adapt—or risk losing the audience they worked so hard to earn.