Hi, I'm Awesome!

Me & the Miz in Cape Girardeau (Jan. 2010)

I think few would argue that the Miz is the breakout star of 2010.  At least that's how I feel about him.  He's come a long way in the few years he's been with the WWE.  A contestant on Tough Enough, host of Smackdown, ECW "chick magnet", tag team champion (playing second fiddle to John Morrison at the time), U.S. Champion, Mr. Money in the Bank.  The Miz certainly has evolved.

As you can see in the picture, I had the chance to meet the Miz earlier this year.  I must say it was one of the coolest experiences I've had.  When I found out the WWE was coming back to Cape Girardeau, (a city about an hour from the station I work for, and a part of our viewing area) I inquired about any wrestlers being available for interviews.  Every other time the WWE has been in town, they've said there was no one available to talk to the media.  So I was stoked when the rep from the Show Me Center informed me that the Miz was going to be doing interviews that Friday afternoon.

I made the hour drive from southern Illinois to southeast Missouri, the city I knew well from my days in college.  I was nervous about meeting the Miz.  I had never really interview a current WWE superstar before, so I wasn't sure what to expect.  Plus, what if he was like his on camera persona (a class A douche bag, but I mean that in a good way.  It's his character.)

Much to my surprise, the Miz was very cool.  You might even say awesome.  We talked for a few minutes before the interview, he told me about his hectic schedule that day.  He'd landed in St. Louis early that morning, made the two hour drive to Cape and was waiting to start the media rounds.  I was up first, then he was heading to the local radio stations to promote the show that night.  Then on top of that he had to wrestle on the card.  Once the show was over, it was back on the road and repeat the process.  He had to be exhausted.  I can't imagine that kind of schedule.  I'll never forget how nice he was.  Here's a look at the story I did with the Miz on WSIL.

This was about two weeks after his infamous JBL promo on RAW.  We talked about that and he opened up about being treated like a second class citizen in the locker.  He said it made him stronger.  I believe him.

I've always thought the most successful characters in wrestling are the ones who are allowed to inject some of their own personality into the gimmick. Stone Cold, the Rock, and John Cena immediately come to mind.  I like how the Miz has used his early struggles in the locker room and with the "WWE Universe" to become the superstar he is today.

It's only a matter of time before he becomes the champ and proves a lot of people wrong.  I was one of them.  When he first arrived in the E, I had little expectations for him.  When he and Morrison split, I did think he would be the "Jannetty" of the duo.  Not to say Morrison won't be successful, but I see big things in the Miz's immediate future.  If he stays healthy, he'll be a major player and a leader in the locker room. 

No pressure, Miz.  But I agree, you are awesome.