The Miz Reflects on Two Decades in WWE, and the Ever-Present fear of Release
Published: 2026/01/16 19:54:15
For over 20 years, The Miz has been a consistent presence in WWE, evolving from a reality television contestant to a multi-time champion and one of the company’s most recognizable stars. Despite his longevity and accomplishments, the 45-year-old admits to a persistent anxiety: the fear of being released during the frequent roster cuts that have become commonplace in the professional wrestling industry.
The Constant Worry of Roster Cuts
In a recent interview on Insight wiht Chris Van Vliet, The Miz candidly discussed the emotional toll these cuts take, even on established performers like himself. “Yeah,” he responded when asked if he worries about his job security when colleagues are let go. “Honestly, every time. Every time there’s a release, I’m like, ‘oh no, is it me?’”
This anxiety isn’t unfounded. The professional wrestling landscape has become increasingly volatile, with WWE (and its competitor, AEW) periodically streamlining their rosters for financial or creative reasons. These cuts frequently enough impact long-term performers, creating a sense of insecurity even for those seemingly secure in their positions. The recent release of Dolph Ziggler in September 2023,a close friend and frequent rival of the Miz,served as a stark reminder of this reality.
The Loss of a Core Group
Ziggler’s departure hit The Miz particularly hard, as it marked the end of a close-knit group of friends within the WWE locker room. “That was a tough one for me, to see him go,” Miz explained. “As it was kind of like the last of my really core group of friends, right? I mean, I have friends, obviously, in the locker room. But that was my core group of friends.”
The Miz and ziggler shared a significant professional history, including a memorable rivalry over the Intercontinental Championship. He reflected on Ziggler’s contribution to his own success, stating, “Him putting his career up and me the IC title…That whole IC title reign, he was a big part of elevating that title as well. And during that time for [elevating] me.” The loss of such a collaborative and supportive relationship underscores the personal impact of WWE’s roster decisions.
Confidence Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the ever-present worry, The Miz maintains a strong sense of self-belief and confidence in his value to WWE. He acknowledged that his assessment might come across as arrogant, but firmly stated, “For me, this is going to sound very cocky and arrogant. I know how valuable I am. I know how good I am, and whether the audience sees it or not, I know people know. If you’ve wrestled me,you know.”
This confidence is rooted in two decades of experience, a proven track record of success, and a willingness to adapt and evolve within the ever-changing world of professional wrestling. The Miz has consistently reinvented himself, transitioning from a villainous reality star to a charismatic babyface and back again, demonstrating a versatility that few performers possess. He recognizes his contributions to the company and believes he still has much to offer.
Looking Ahead: Miz vs. Orton
The Miz’s immediate focus is on his upcoming match against Randy Orton, set to take place on WWE SmackDown in London this Friday. As reported by Wrestle Observer Newsletter, the winner of this contest will advance to a fatal four-way match at saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24, with the ultimate goal of challenging Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.
This high-stakes match presents a significant prospect for The Miz to further solidify his position within WWE and prove, once again, his enduring value to the company.Whether he can overcome the challenge posed by Orton remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: The Miz will continue to compete with the same passion and determination that have defined his remarkable career.
