Drastic Changes Ignite Fan Backlash
The wrestling world is buzzing after Maven Huffman, former WWE Superstar and Tough Enough winner, publicly addressed the swirling controversy around The Undertaker’s podcast, Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway. Huffman’s candid insights, delivered on his popular YouTube channel, have added a new layer to an already polarizing situation that has fans, insiders, and former collaborators all weighing in[1].
The drama erupted earlier this year when Six Feet Under underwent major changes. After a sudden production halt in March 2025, the show returned under the official WWE umbrella in June—sporting not only a new format, but also a major change in its co-host lineup. Longtime co-host Matt Lyda, whose chemistry with The Undertaker helped launch the podcast to success, was conspicuously absent. In his place: none other than The Undertaker’s wife, WWE Hall of Famer Michelle McCool[1][2].
Fans didn’t hold back. Accusations of nepotism and claims that the show had lost its authentic, “anything goes” spirit quickly spread online. The new, more sanitized, and corporate feel of the podcast left many longtime listeners feeling alienated, with some demanding that McCool step aside so the show could focus on the kind of behind-the-scenes wrestling stories that had once been its hallmark[2][4].
What Really Happened to Matt Lyda?
According to sources close to the situation, Lyda’s exit was not the result of a falling out with The Undertaker. Instead, the decision appears to have been a byproduct of WWE’s acquisition of the podcast. Huffman, who maintains friendships with both The Undertaker and McCool, offered a nuanced take:
“Matt was the heel, the bad guy of the show,” Huffman explained. “He was a driving force you don’t realize you miss until he’s gone. I don’t think he was angry—just hurt, after putting so much into something that changed overnight.”[1]
Lyda himself, speaking in a recent interview, echoed this sentiment, recalling a conversation with The Undertaker: “We said a long time ago, if money ever came between us, we’d shut it all down. This is a podcast, man. There’s nothing business-wise that could come between us. We’re good”[2][3].
Still, there’s no denying that Lyda’s departure stung, both for him personally and for the show’s loyal audience. “Matt was one of those things you truly don’t miss until it’s gone,” Huffman emphasized, acknowledging the unique dynamic Lyda brought to the table[1].
Michelle McCool’s Role: Nepotism or New Direction?
The decision to install Michelle McCool as co-host was met with immediate skepticism. Critics argued that the move smacked of nepotism, especially given McCool’s simultaneous induction into the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame and her replacement of Mickie James on the WWE reality show LFG[1][3][4]. The optics, as Huffman admitted, were “challenging.”
Nevertheless, Huffman came to McCool’s defense, insisting that her wrestling credentials are beyond reproach:
“Claiming it’s 100% nepotism undermines her talents and accomplishments. Michelle helped bridge the gap from the ‘Bra and Panties’ era to where women’s wrestling is today,” he said, referencing her crucial role in elevating women’s wrestling within WWE[1].
Still, some fans remained unconvinced, arguing that McCool’s presence altered the chemistry of the show and distracted from the all-access, road story vibe that had set Six Feet Under apart. As one fan posted, “We want to hear Taker talk with his former rivals about their road trips, stories, etc., and she kills the vibe”[2].
The Undertaker Fires Back at Critics
As the backlash intensified, The Undertaker and McCool took to the air to address their critics directly. In a now-infamous clip, The Undertaker declared that “99.5% of the guys in the locker room would agree with his decisions” and told unhappy fans they could “line up single file… and kiss my ass”[1]. The blunt response only fueled the controversy, with many viewers feeling further alienated by the couple’s apparent hostility.
Huffman didn’t shy away from addressing this misstep. He theorized that The Undertaker’s reaction was rooted in a sense of betrayal after decades of entertaining the WWE Universe:
“After 30 years of giving everything, he might have felt like he had more goodwill built up with the fan base. Not saying he didn’t, just saying that might be how he views it,” Huffman said, adding that the emotional response was understandable, if not advisable[1].
WWE’s Corporate Influence and the Evolution of Six Feet Under
Many observers have pointed to WWE’s takeover of the podcast as the turning point that shifted Six Feet Under from a raw, unfiltered show to a more polished, corporate product. Huffman suggested that the transition was mishandled, and that the abrupt exclusion of Lyda—without a proper sendoff or explanation—left both the co-host and the fans feeling “hurt”[1][3][4].
A WWE insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “When WWE takes over a property, there are always growing pains. The goal is to expand the audience, but sometimes the heart and soul of what made the show special gets lost in the shuffle. There’s definitely a sense among some in the locker room that Lyda was collateral damage in the shift toward a more mainstream, sponsor-friendly format.”
Huffman: “The Deadman Has Earned His Autonomy”
Despite the controversy, Huffman made it clear that, in his eyes, The Undertaker has more than earned the right to steer his post-wrestling career however he chooses:
“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. And if he wants to have his wife on the couch with him… he’s earned that right too,” Huffman concluded[1].
He urged fans to give the new format a chance, reminding them that content evolves and that The Undertaker’s commitment to the business—and the fans—remains unshaken.
A New Era for Six Feet Under
Amid the ongoing debate, WWE recently launched a new YouTube channel dedicated to The Undertaker, introducing a “Watch Along” format for Six Feet Under, which Huffman described as part of the natural evolution of wrestling media[1]. Whether the show will recapture the magic of its earliest episodes remains to be seen.
“Matt was the glue, but change is inevitable in this business,” said a backstage source familiar with the production. “The only question is whether the fans are willing to go along for the ride.”
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Six Feet Under remains a lightning rod for discussion in the wrestling community, and the legacy of The Undertaker—both in and out of the ring—continues to provoke passionate debate.