The Miz has revealed that his main event path could have taken a very different turn, disclosing that he was originally slated to win the WWE Championship tournament in the summer of 2011.
The title had been vacated after CM Punk defeated John Cena at Money in the Bank and left the company with the belt, creating a vacancy on Raw. WWE filled the void with a tournament, which Rey Mysterio won—only to lose the championship to Cena later that same night. According to The Miz, the initial script had him walking out as champion instead.
Speaking on a recent podcast, he recalled the booking pivot that changed the outcome. “I went up against Rey Mysterio. I was going to beat Rey Mysterio and then beat John Cena, so I would be the champion,” he said. The decision shifted when creative opted for a different presentation. “They switched it because usually we like babyface vs. heel. Bad guy vs. good guy… I was the bad guy, but then, it was two huge monumental babyfaces that are Rey Mysterio and John Cena. Let them go at it. There was a moment there where I would have been a (two-time) champion.”
Although that second reign never came in 2011, The Miz has since carved out a long-standing role as one of WWE’s most reliable veterans. After a hiatus earlier this year to film the reboot of American Gladiators, he returned to television in July. His impact remains evident, from capturing the Raw Tag Team Championships with R-Truth at WrestleMania XL to teaming with Carmelo Hayes.
Today, The Miz often works to spotlight emerging talent, lending credibility to younger stars while maintaining his own presence. It is a role that has defined the latest chapter of a career built on consistency and adaptability.