Former WWE Tough Enough winner Maven has boldly expressed his concerns about the current state of WWE under TKO’s leadership, especially regarding the soaring costs for fans and the shift in creative philosophy. During a recent interview on TMZ Inside The Ring, Maven criticized WWE’s new business model which, according to him, neglects the loyal fanbase and strays from the gritty, fan-first ethos that Vince McMahon once championed.
The Fan Experience: From Vince’s Era to Today’s Pricing Crisis
One of Maven’s main points of frustration is the staggering price for premium fan experiences, such as the reported $38,000 WrestleMania package. He argued that this level of pricing effectively prices out the very fans who have supported WWE across generations. Maven stated that this shift angers him because it disregards the wrestling community the company was built on.
“It’s disheartening to see wrestling becoming less accessible to the fans who poured their passion and dollars into it for decades,” Maven said. “Vince always understood fans because he was one himself. TKO seems obsessed with revenues over relationships.”
According to sources close to WWE, this sentiment resonates backstage, where there is growing worry that the commercialization under TKO risks alienating the core audience that built WWE’s foundation[1][4].
Vince McMahon: A Fan-Driven Visionary vs. TKO’s Corporate Approach
Maven credited Vince McMahon with two critical attributes missing from today’s leadership: being a true fan and an exceptional businessman. He explained that Vince’s deep roots in wrestling cultivated a product passionate about storytelling and crowd reaction.
“Vince was tough but fair; he demanded wrestlers pay attention to the crowd, adapt, and bring that raw edge,” Maven recalled. “He’d chew you out if things weren’t working because he cared about the wrestling experience, not just the bottom line.”
Maven added he is fully aware of Vince’s controversial legacy and does not advocate for his return but emphasized the unique understanding Vince had for the product and its fans. In contrast, Maven feels TKO has prioritized polish and spectacle over authenticity and grit.
“Wrestling today feels more like a highly produced stage show or a dance, rather than a fight. It’s polished to the point where the blood, sweat, and tears have been replaced by choreographed sequences meant to stun rather than move the crowd,” Maven lamented[1][2][4].
The Creative Disconnect: Lost in Production
Maven’s critique extends beyond pricing into WWE’s creative direction under TKO. He described the modern product as overly glossy, with elaborate entrances and cinematic segments that dilute wrestling’s raw intensity and crowd-driven momentum.
“When I watch it now with non-fans, they say it looks like a dance, not combat,” Maven shared. “I know the performers work hard, but the product prioritizes spectacle over story and emotion.”
This view is echoed by wrestling purists who argue that WWE’s polished presentation under TKO diminishes the visceral connection between wrestlers and the audience. A WWE insider noted:
“The essence of wrestling used to be immediate crowd reactions and adapting on the fly. Now, it feels rehearsal-driven to the point where the spontaneity is gone. Fans miss the unpredictability.”
While WWE continues to showcase world-class athletes and compelling storylines, Maven worries that the glossiness distances the product from the grassroots wrestling culture Vince nurtured[1][4].
Backstage Buzz: Concerns on Corporate Priorities
Sources within WWE reveal mixed feelings about how TKO’s priorities are reshaping the company. A backstage source shared:
“TKO’s approach is more business-centric. They chase big deals and brand partnerships, pushing pricing higher and more commercialization. Vince ran a business, yes — but he was first and foremost a wrestling fan. That balance seems lost.”
There is also concern that the growing cost barrier conflicts with WWE’s public claims of wanting to grow its fanbase, especially with younger viewers.[1]
What This Means for WWE’s Future
Maven’s outspoken stance reflects a broader debate over WWE’s direction under TKO. The tension between lucrative corporate strategies and preserving wrestling’s soul remains unresolved. The challenge for WWE moving forward is to reconcile commercial success with fan accessibility and authentic storytelling—qualities Vince McMahon championed but Maven fears are slipping away.
Do you think WWE should bring back a fan-first philosophy like Vince McMahon’s era, or is the new TKO way the future of wrestling? Share your thoughts in the comments below.