The Miz Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 18, 2024
The Miz Then
Michael Gregory Mizanin, widely known as The Miz, was born on October 8, 1980, in Parma, Ohio.
His early life was marked by familial changes, as his parents, Barbara and George Mizanin, divorced when he was young.
Raised alongside a stepfather, Donnie, and step-siblings Jimmy and Tonia, The Miz’s upbringing was influenced by a blend of family dynamics.
Despite these shifts, Mizanin excelled academically and athletically during his time at Normandy High School.
He not only contributed to the school’s yearbook and student government but also demonstrated leadership as the captain of both the basketball and cross-country teams.
Following high school, Mizanin pursued higher education at Miami University, also known as Miami of Ohio.
During his time there, he joined the Theta Chi fraternity and studied at the Richard T. Farmer School of Business.
However, his aspirations soon led him to a different path. In 2001, he made the bold decision to leave college and enter the spotlight through his participation in MTV’s reality series “The Real World.”
This career shift marked the beginning of his journey into the entertainment world, where he would eventually gain fame as a professional wrestler and television personality.
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The Miz Wrestling Career
In 2003, Michael Mizanin, better known as The Miz, embarked on his wrestling career by joining Ultimate Pro Wrestling.
He trained rigorously at Ultimate University, laying the groundwork for his future in the industry.
His significant breakthrough came in 2004 when he competed on the fourth season of “WWE Tough Enough.”
Despite finishing as the runner-up, The Miz’s potential was recognized by WWE, which offered him a developmental contract.
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He was then sent to Deep South Wrestling in Georgia to refine his skills under the guidance of trainer Bill DeMott.
The Miz began to make waves in WWE by teaming up with Matt Cappotelli for a series of dark matches in July 2005.
Their partnership was short-lived due to Cappotelli’s diagnosis of a brain tumor later that year. Following this, The Miz was transferred to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in early 2006.
There, he made his mark with a segment called “Miz TV” on the OVW television show.
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By June 2006, he was featured on “SmackDown!” where he made his in-ring debut by defeating Tatanka. His initial success continued as he remained undefeated for the next three months.
In March 2007, The Miz introduced “Miz TV” as an interview segment on “SmackDown!” which became a staple of his WWE persona.
His career saw another significant shift in June 2007 when he was drafted to the ECW brand, WWE’s Extreme Championship Wrestling division.
The Miz’s achievements soon began to pile up: in November 2007, he and his partner John Morrison won the WWE Tag Team Championship by defeating Montel Vontavious Porter and Matt Hardy.
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Their success extended to online platforms with their web shows, “The Dirt Sheet” and “Word Up.”
The Miz’s rise continued with his victory of the United States Championship in October 2009, and in January 2010, he teamed up with Big Show.
Their partnership led them to become the Unified WWE Tag Team Champions the following month.
This achievement made The Miz the first WWE wrestler to hold three championship titles simultaneously.
Later that year, he won the Money in the Bank ladder match and subsequently claimed the WWE Championship.
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By July 2012, he further cemented his legacy by winning the Intercontinental Championship, thus achieving both Grand Slam Champion and Triple Crown Champion status.
The Miz’s career also included notable moments in charity work, such as his participation in the Mixed Match Challenge tournament in 2018, where he teamed up with Asuka to support Rescue Dogs Rock.
His success continued into 2020 when he and Morrison won the SmackDown Tag Team Championship in February.
They were drafted to Raw in October, marking another chapter in The Miz’s illustrious WWE career.
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The Miz Wrestling Competition
- Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW)
- Deep South Wrestling (DSW)
- Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW)
- WWE SmackDown
- WWE Raw
- WWE ECW
The Miz’s Wife and Children
Michael Mizanin, better known as The Miz, married French-Canadian wrestler Maryse Ouellet on February 20, 2014, in a picturesque ceremony in The Bahamas.
Their union marked a significant milestone in The Miz’s personal life, blending his professional wrestling world with Maryse’s.
The couple’s first child, a daughter named Monroe Sky Mizanin, was born on March 27, 2018.
The birth of Monroe brought immense joy to their lives, and the family soon made a major move to Austin, Texas.
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In their pursuit of a new chapter, they later relocated to Thousand Oaks, California, which became their new home.
On September 20, 2019, The Miz and Maryse welcomed their second daughter, Madison Jade Mizanin.
The arrival of Madison completed their family, enriching their lives with the joys and challenges of raising two young daughters.
The Miz and Maryse’s growing family has become a central part of their lives, balancing their careers with their roles as devoted parents.
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The Miz Now
As of now, Michael Gregory Mizanin, known professionally as The Miz, is 43 years old.
He remains a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling and entertainment.
Currently signed to WWE, he performs on the Raw brand under his well-established ring name, The Miz.
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His role in WWE continues to showcase his versatility and charisma, making him a key player in the company’s programming.
In addition to his wrestling career, The Miz has expanded his presence in the entertainment industry.
In 2020, he took on a new role as the host of the reality game show “Cannonball,” which aired on USA Network.
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This show marked his second hosting gig on the network, following his previous success on WWE’s various media platforms.
His involvement in “Cannonball” highlights his broad appeal and ability to connect with audiences beyond the wrestling ring, solidifying his status as a multifaceted entertainer.
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The Miz Net Worth
The Miz, an American professional wrestler and television personality, has achieved considerable financial success with a net worth of $14 million, reflecting his successful career in WWE and his ventures in television and entertainment.
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FAQs
The Miz has been in WWE since 2006, making it about 18 years.
The Miz gained fame through his participation in MTV’s “The Real World” and later through his wrestling career on WWE, where he became known for his charisma and in-ring success.
The Miz has two daughters: Monroe Sky (born March 27, 2018) and Madison Jade (born September 20, 2019).
The Miz earns his wealth through his WWE career, including his wrestling matches, television appearances, and hosting gigs, as well as through various endorsements and media projects.
Currently, The Miz is performing on WWE’s Raw brand and hosting the reality game show “Cannonball.”
Yes, The Miz and Maryse are still together. They have been married since February 20, 2014.
The Miz has notably transformed his physique over the years, though exact figures on weight loss vary; he has consistently maintained a fit and muscular build.
Yes, The Miz is married to Maryse Ouellet, a French-Canadian wrestler.