Former WWE Superstar Maven Huffman has publicly addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding The Undertaker’s podcast, Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Huffman offered his perspective on the drastic changes to the show, the departure of co-host Matt Lyda, and the hostile reaction from fans toward The Undertaker’s wife, Michelle McCool.
The drama stems from a series of changes that began earlier this year. In March 2025, Six Feet Under abruptly halted production. When it returned in June under the WWE banner, original co-host Matt Lyda—who had been instrumental in the show’s launch and daily operations—was absent. He was replaced by Michelle McCool, a move that coincided with McCool’s induction into the 2025 WWE Hall of Fame and her replacing Mickie James on the WWE reality show LFG.
Fans criticized the changes, accusing the production of nepotism and claiming the show had lost its authentic, “anything goes” vibe in favor of a sanitized corporate product. The situation escalated when The Undertaker and McCool addressed the backlash directly on the show, with The Undertaker stating that “99.5% of the guys” in the locker room would agree with his decisions and telling unhappy fans they could “line up single file… and kiss my ass.”
Huffman, who maintains a friendship with both The Undertaker and McCool, provided a nuanced take on the situation. He began by acknowledging the pivotal role Matt Lyda played in the podcast’s initial success.
“Matt was the heel, the bad guy of the show,” Huffman explained. “Matt was the easy target to a Taker who everyone loved… Matt was a driving force to help keep that show rolling. And he was one of those things that you truly don’t miss until it’s gone.”
Huffman addressed the speculation regarding why Lyda was removed, suggesting that while the specific details remain between Lyda and The Undertaker, the exclusion was likely a corporate decision following the WWE acquisition of the podcast. However, he emphasized that the transition was mishandled, noting that Lyda was “hurt” by the sudden exclusion after dedicating years to the project.
“I don’t think [Matt] was angry, I think he was hurt,” Huffman said. “Hurt that after 30 years in a business, [Undertaker] felt as though the fans turned on him overnight. To me, this was an emotional reaction… from the Deadman.”
Regarding the accusations of nepotism directed at Michelle McCool, Huffman admitted that the optics were challenging but defended McCool’s qualifications. He argued that dismissing her involvement solely as nepotism undermines her extensive career and contributions to the industry.
“Claiming it’s 100% nepotism undermines her talents and accomplishments within women’s wrestling,” Huffman stated. “Michelle helped bridge the gap from the ‘Bra and Panties’ era to where women’s wrestling is today.”
However, Huffman conceded that the hostile response from the couple to their fanbase was a significant misstep that fueled the “disconnect” between the hosts and the audience. He theorized that The Undertaker’s angry retort was a result of feeling betrayed by a fanbase he had entertained for three decades.
“After 30 years of giving everything, he might have felt like he had more goodwill built up with the fan base,” Huffman said. “Not saying he didn’t, just saying that might be how he views it.”
Ultimately, Huffman defended The Undertaker’s autonomy. He asserted that after a legendary career involving immense physical sacrifice, Mark Calaway has earned the prerogative to manage his post-wrestling career—and his podcast—however he sees fit, even if that means including his wife.
“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,” Huffman concluded. “And if he wants to have his wife on the couch with him… he’s earned that right too.”
The controversy comes as WWE recently launched a new YouTube channel dedicated to The Undertaker, introducing a new “Watch Along” format for Six Feet Under. Huffman encouraged dissatisfied fans to give the new format a chance, noting that the content landscape is constantly evolving.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Maven Huffman with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can watch the full video on Maven Huffman’s YouTube channel.
