Latest news with #Appolo
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Longtime WWE Superstar Is Taking A Leave Of Absence
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Close To Signing Several Free Agents: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE is reportedly making significant moves to sign new international talent following its UK Tryouts earlier this year. Recent news points to Spanish wrestler Zozaya, French standout Aigle Blanc, and Italian-Canadian Mike D. Vecchio as being on the verge of joining the company, with a WWE official named James Amner said to be involved in the contract process. On May 20, 2025, Cultaholic first reported that Aigle Blanc and Mike D. Vecchio were likely on their way to sign with WWE. Fightful Select later confirmed this, adding that both wrestlers and Zozaya are indeed close to being signed. An update also indicated Zozaya is now expected to put pen to paper with WWE in September 2025, officially. It has been previously reported that new talents from these European tryouts are generally anticipated to begin their WWE journey around September of this year, possibly starting with the NXT brand. Sources indicate that James Amner is believed to be overseeing the WWE contract negotiations for this trio of European talents. Amner is known in the wrestling industry for his experience in artist and event management and has been involved with UK-based promotion PROGRESS Wrestling, where he took on a leadership role in 2020 aiming to create a safe and improved environment for talent and fans. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Aigle Blanc, a masked high-flyer from France born in 1999, has made a name for himself across the European independent scene since his 2014 debut, particularly in Germany's Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw), where he is a former wXw World Tag Team Champion. He has also competed for All Japan Pro Wrestling, and was ranked in the PWI 500 in 2024. 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 Mike D. Vecchio, also known by his real name Michael Richard Blais, is an experienced Canadian wrestler with Italian heritage who has been a prominent figure in the European wrestling scene for many years, including significant work in Germany, Belgium, and across the UK. In addition to these three names, reports suggest that at least one more talent from the tryouts is expected to sign with WWE. However, as of now, there has been no specific word on any UK-based wrestlers being among this immediate group of reported signees. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
