The Miz hosts American Gladiators reboot with AEW stars, including Wardlow and Kamille, as he temporarily steps away from WWE duties. The show’s return marks a new chapter for the competition series, with several notable wrestling figures joining the cast and production underway in London, while The Miz’s future WWE plans remain uncertain.
The Miz Leads the American Gladiators’ Television Revival
The Miz, known for his time as a WWE superstar and for his charismatic presence on “SmackDown,” has taken a hiatus from on-screen wrestling to front the highly anticipated American Gladiators reboot. Scheduled to begin airing soon, this project is being filmed in London and is set to revive the celebrated competition show, which has not aired since 2008. WWE Creative orchestrated The Miz’s temporary exit from television, signaling the significance of this new off-ring venture for the former World Champion.
The cast announcement reveals an impressive lineup, merging talent from various wrestling backgrounds. Wardlow, who previously held the AEW TNT Championship, and Kamille, a former NWA World Women’s Champion, have both signed on as key members of the new Gladiators team. Their inclusion highlights a cross-promotional appeal, as they transition from wrestling rings to the high-stakes physical challenges of American Gladiators.
Additional Wrestlers Expand the Cast Roster
The refreshed show will also feature Rick Boogs, another familiar name who has retired from in-ring action following his WWE release over a year ago. Jessie Godderz and Jessica Roden are among the other personalities enriching the lineup, although further casting announcements are still pending. The diverse mix of talent sets the stage for a dynamic and physically demanding competition.
“Every Gladiator in this lineup embodies what it means to be a modern warrior; relentless, inspiring, and ready for the challenge of a lifetime. They are real-life superheroes,”
—Barry Poznick, GM of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media, and Big Fish Entertainment
The involvement of these wrestlers is expected to bring new energy to the show, drawing in wrestling fans while maintaining the core appeal of athletic showdowns. The reboot, hosted by The Miz, will be available on Amazon Prime, further broadening its reach to a global audience. According to a comment from WrestlePurists, Rick Boogs, Wardlow, and Kamille are confirmed as competing Gladiators, reinforcing the program’s strong wrestling connections.
Current Status for The Miz and WWE Storylines
As The Miz focuses on the American Gladiators reboot, his absence from WWE television remains unaddressed, with no clear timeline for his return. WWE Creative’s decision to write him off “SmackDown” leaves fans anticipating what his storyline might be when he does reappear. Meanwhile, Carmelo Hayes, who transitioned from NXT to SmackDown during the WWE Draft in April 2024, continues to make gains in his own career as a heel and recently received significant praise from The Miz.
“I think Carmelo is an absolutely incredible talent. And I’m trying to get him to where I feel like he can be in the WWE as a main event. We’re working hard towards that. It’s tough to do anything. It’s tough to go from SmackDown to RAW and RAW to SmackDown. But if you are a true superstar and you have an ability like no other, then you will succeed in WWE. And I think Carmelo Hayes has that brain and bandwidth to do that,”
—The Miz, interview with The Sporting News
During The Miz’s absence, Carmelo Hayes is set to compete in the opening round of the King of the Ring tournament against Randy Orton, Aleister Black, and LA Knight, with championship opportunities at SummerSlam on the horizon. Hayes’ progress will be closely watched as he aims for further career milestones.
Impact of the Reboot and What to Expect Next
The American Gladiators reboot, led by The Miz, with the addition of AEW star Wardlow, Kamille, Rick Boogs, Jessie Godderz, and Jessica Roden, promises a blend of high-adrenaline competition and strong wrestling influence. The show’s return on Amazon Prime positions it to capture both nostalgic fans and new viewers interested in action sports and wrestling personalities. With filming underway and the cast now partially revealed, the show is poised to shape the television landscape and potentially expand the reach of its featured stars across wrestling and entertainment. WWE audiences continue to speculate about The Miz’s storyline, while following Carmelo Hayes’s ascent during this period of transition.
