While a majority of fans seem to enjoy professional wrestling, there are others who focus on the tribalism between WWE and AEW, declaring one side is much better than the other.
This is often seen with fans taking shots at the likes of WWE Head of Creative Triple H and AEW CEO Tony Khan.
More Pro Wrestling: The Rock Breaks Silence On Reason For Physical Transformation
However, one former WWE Superstar doesn’t believe the criticism is warranted and even complimented the CEO for his work behind the scenes.
During a recent appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, Maven spoke about a time he visited AEW backstage, noting Khan’s positive energy.
“AEW seemed like a good place to work, great vibes, and Tony Kahn seemed like the best boss to work for. He gets a lot of critics talking about him online,” Maven said.
“AEW seemed like a good place to work, great vibes, and Tony Kahn seemed like the best boss to work for. He gets a lot of critics talking about him online…
I sat and I watched Tony for 30 minutes and every wrestler that came out of that ring, he got up from his producing… pic.twitter.com/IwP6pq5dMT
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 8, 2025
“I sat and I watched Tony for 30 minutes and every wrestler that came out of that ring, he got up from his producing chair, took his headphones off, made sure every one of them was healthy and happy with the the match that they had just had.”
“You can tell when someone cares as opposed to when someone’s going through the motions.”
Maven also had compliments for Triple H, noting his “intelligent mind” for professional wrestling.
More Pro Wrestling: WWE Legend Says Freak Injury Derailed John Cena Retirement Tour Match
Maven began his pro wrestling career in 2001 as a contestant on the WWE reality television show “Tough Enough.” He would go on to win the competition, earning a spot on the roster.
After training in the Heartland Wrestling Association, Maven would go on to have memorable rivalries with the likes of Tazz, Shelton Benjamin, Triple H, and The Undertaker. In fact, one of Maven’s most iconic moments came when he eliminated Undertaker during the 2002 Royal Rumble with a drop kick.
Maven was released from WWE in 2005 and soon found himself in TNA, where he would wrestle in 2006 and 2007.
During his pro wrestling career, Maven took home the WWF Hardcore Championship and was named Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Rookie of the Year in 2002.
Now, Maven is most well-known for his YouTube channel where he dissects and explains details of the wrestling industry.
More Pro Wrestling: Bryan Danielson Calls Out WWE Counter Programming AEW
For more WWE, AEW, and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Read the full article here
