WWE removed special privilege from Randy Orton and others after title loss, wrestler says
Randy Orton has won 14 World Titles since capturing his first WWE World Heavyweight Championship in 2004. In a recent YouTube video, Maven Huffman disclosed details about how the company treated world champions.
Maven worked for WWE between 2001 and 2005, after winning the Tough Enough reality show. Although the 48-year-old held the Hardcore Championship three times, he never won a world title.
On his Maven Huffman YouTube channel, Maven revealed WWE always booked first-class flights for their world champions. However, the privileges were taken away after someone lost the gold, he said, referencing Randy Orton winning his first world title:
"When The Legend Killer, Randy Orton, won his very first world title in 2004, he and I happened to be riding at the same time," Maven said. "Now, he never asked for it. He was actually told, 'You're our champion now. You're the face of the company,' and they wanted their world champions to appear important." [2:03 – 2:20]
Aside from his Tough Enough triumph, Maven is best remembered for feuding with The Undertaker. He eliminated The Deadman from the 2002 Royal Rumble Match before defeating him for the Hardcore Championship.
Maven on WWE's treatment of other champions
The World Heavyweight and WWE Championships were recognized as the most important titles in the company during Maven's four-year run.
He added that holders of secondary titles, such as the Intercontinental Championship, were not given special perks:
"Now, unfortunately, for us Hardcore Champions, or Intercontinental, tag, any other championship, this perk didn't extend to," Maven continued. "The only championship this pertained to was your world champion, and the moment they lost that world championship, this was a perk that was taken away just as quickly." [2:20 – 2:40]
Maven recently confirmed he was open to wrestling again, but two things would have to happen for him to seriously consider an offer.
Do you think World Champions should always travel in first class? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Please credit Maven Huffman and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.
