Longtime WWE Superstar Is Taking A Leave Of Absence
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WWE Superstar The Miz, a constant presence on Friday Night SmackDown in recent months, is reportedly set for a hiatus to film the reboot of the iconic competition series, "American Gladiators." According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this hosting role will take "The A-Lister" away from WWE television for a period.
This reboot is set to feature a new lineup of elite athletes, including bodybuilders, former college athletes, and CrossFit winners, who will test their skills in classic games like "Gauntlet," "Hang Tough," and "The Eliminator," along with new challenges.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
This upcoming filming schedule provides context for recent on-screen friction between The Miz and his new tag team partner, Carmelo Hayes. After forming a partnership on SmackDown.
Recent segments have seen Hayes even telling The A-Lister he doesn't need The Miz's help and can do things on his own. This storyline dissension appears to be the creative path to write The Miz off WWE programming temporarily while he fulfills his hosting duties in London.
Appolo crews and Titus battle in the ring during the WWE show at Zenith Arena on may 09, 2017 in Lille north France. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUEN
Appolo crews and Titus battle in the ring during the WWE show at Zenith Arena on may 09, 2017 in Lille north France. / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUEN
The Miz is no stranger to roles outside of the WWE ring. Over the years, he has built an impressive resume as a television personality, most notably starring in his own successful reality show, "Miz & Mrs." on the USA Network alongside his wife, Maryse.
He also has hosting experience from shows like "Cannonball" and has made numerous appearances on other reality shows and talk shows, making him a natural fit for the charismatic host role required for American Gladiators. This new gig adds another significant credit to his entertainment career.
This news also comes amidst recent fan speculation about The Miz's long-term WWE status, which was fueled by changes to his social media bio. While those changes remain unexplained, this television project provides a clear, non-contractual reason for his upcoming absence from WWE.
With filming for American Gladiators set to get underway, it remains to be seen when The Miz will make his return to a WWE ring. Miz has literally done everything that there is to do in WWE and he appears to have years left in the role of doing anything WWE asks him to do.
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