Drake Maverick

James Michael Curtin is an English retired professional wrestler and current creative writer for WWE's Raw brand. Born on January 30, 1983, in Birmingham, he built a reputation over two decades by successfully reinventing his persona from the high-flying Rockstar Spud to the eccentric Drake Maverick. His career spans the British independent circuit, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, and World Wrestling Entertainment, where he became known for his ability to blend comedy with athletic performance.

Currently, Curtin works behind the scenes shaping storylines for Monday Night Raw while occasionally making special appearances as Rockstar Spud. He remains active in the wrestling community, leveraging his experience as both a performer and a writer to contribute to the company's creative direction. His unique path from a working-class upbringing in the West Midlands to a global wrestling star highlights his adaptability and resilience in a competitive industry. [edit]

James Michael Curtin grew up in a working-class family in Birmingham, West Midlands, where he developed a deep fascination with professional wrestling at a young age. Inspired by his father, who taught him the value of perseverance through difficult times, Curtin began training in local gyms before stepping into the ring in October 2001 under the ring name Rockstar Spud. His early years were spent honing his craft on the British independent scene, competing in promotions such as IPW:UK, 1PW, Revolution Pro Wrestling, and Xtreme Wrestling Alliance.

During this period, Spud established himself as a agile competitor despite his smaller stature, capturing multiple titles including the IPW:UK Openweight Championship and the XWA Heavyweight Championship. His breakthrough moment arrived in 2012 when he won the inaugural season of TNA's British Boot Camp competition. This victory earned him a contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, marking his first major step onto the global stage and setting the foundation for his future success in international promotions. [edit]

Curtin signed with WWE in late 2017, adopting the persona of Drake Maverick. He initially served as the General Manager of 205 Live, bringing an eccentric energy to the cruiserweight brand. In 2019, he returned to in-ring action and achieved viral fame by becoming an eight-time WWE 24/7 Champion. One of his most memorable moments occurred during his real-life wedding ceremony on SmackDown, where he lost the title to R-Truth just moments after winning it.

Following budget cuts in April 2020, WWE released Curtin, but he quickly rebounded by reaching the finals of the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament later that year. His performance impressed management, leading to a re-signing in June 2020. After brief stints in NXT and another release in 2021, he was brought back in February 2022 specifically for a role in the creative department. As of 2026, he continues to work as a writer for Raw while maintaining a connection to the independent circuit, including announced appearances on PROGRESS Wrestling's Odyssey Tour. [edit]

Drake Maverick cultivated a public image defined by humor, eccentricity, and a willingness to embrace absurdity. Known for his distinctive voice and catchphrases, he blended high-energy athleticism with comedic timing to create a lovable yet slightly unhinged character. His content tone remained lighthearted and engaging, focusing on entertaining audiences through both in-ring action and backstage segments. As Rockstar Spud, he was celebrated for his authenticity and connection to the UK indie scene, while Drake Maverick showcased a charismatic unpredictability that kept fans guessing. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Drake Maverick. While he does not hold a published placement in the Global Fame Rankings, his status within the wrestling community remains significant among dedicated fans. The fanbase lacks a formal unified name like those found in pop culture, though supporters often refer to themselves simply as 'Mavericks' or 'Spud fans'. These fans are highly engaged, particularly celebrating his unique ability to turn chaotic moments into viral marketing successes. Notable fan projects include discussions surrounding his 24/7 Championship reigns and the legendary wedding incident, which remain topics of frequent conversation on wrestling forums and social media platforms. [edit]

One of the most bizarre moments in modern wrestling history involved Curtin claiming his three-year-old son, Maxel Hardy, had won the 24/7 Championship via Twitter immediately after losing the belt at his own wedding. This led to a series of comedic segments where the toddler was treated as a legitimate champion. Curtin is also a self-taught writer whose background in the indie scene heavily influenced his approach to storytelling within WWE. Despite his small frame, he is renowned for his incredible durability and ability to take heavy bumps without sustaining serious injury. He is a huge fan of the Beatles and often incorporates musical references into his character work. [edit]

James Curtin comes from a working-class family in Birmingham and credits his father with teaching him the importance of perseverance. He is married to a private individual whose name has not been widely publicized, though their relationship gained significant attention due to a storyline involving their live wedding on WWE television. The couple has a son named Maxel Hardy, born around 2016, who briefly became part of the wrestling narrative when his father claimed he held the 24/7 Championship. The family maintains a relatively low profile compared to the spectacle of their public appearances, keeping their personal life separate from their professional lives. [edit]

R-Truth, Triple H, Killian Dain, Hijo Fantasma[edit]

James Curtin's romantic life has remained largely out of the public eye until his marriage to a private individual. Reports indicate no prior engagements or high-profile relationships before his union, which took place in a unique setting on WWE programming. On June 21, 2019, during a broadcast of SmackDown, Curtin married his wife in a live ceremony that became part of a larger storyline involving the 24/7 Championship. The event was interrupted when R-Truth won the title from Curtin, adding a layer of chaos to the celebration.

The couple has a son named Maxel Hardy, born around 2016, who was featured in a viral segment where Curtin claimed the toddler held the championship belt. As of 2026, there are no reports of divorce, separation, or new partnerships. The couple continues to maintain a low profile, keeping their personal life distinct from the spectacle of their public appearances in the wrestling world. [edit]

The iFANN Editorial Team estimates James Curtin's net worth at approximately $1.2 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his transition from a full-time performer to a behind-the-scenes writer, combining past earnings with current salary expectations. His primary income source is his role as a creative writer for WWE's Raw brand, where he earns an estimated annual salary between $150,000 and $250,000. Previous contracts with WWE and TNA, along with merchandise sales featuring his various personas, have contributed significantly to his accumulated wealth.

Real estate holdings in Birmingham and potential investments made during his peak touring years further bolster his financial standing. Unlike many performers who launch extensive business ventures outside of wrestling, Curtin has focused his resources on his long-term employment within the company. The estate value has remained stable, supported by consistent royalty payments from his catalog of matches and continued engagement with the fanbase through social media and occasional appearances. [edit]

James Curtin has won numerous championships throughout his career, most notably the WWE 24/7 Championship eight times and the TNA X Division Championship twice. His accolades also include victories in the British independent scene, holding titles such as the IPW:UK Openweight Championship and the XWA Heavyweight Championship. He won the inaugural British Boot Camp competition in 2012, which launched his international career. [edit]