After competing on the reality series Tough Enough in 2005, The Miz began his WWE journey at the developmental territory Deep South Wrestling, where he trained under Bill DeMott and Al Snow. More than ten years later, The Miz has spoken about the intense and demanding nature of his training, acknowledging its toughness while crediting it for equipping him with the skills necessary for a wrestling career. The controversy surrounding DeMott, who was dismissed from WWE due to allegations including bullying and unsafe practices, casts a shadow over that period.
Appreciation for Training Despite Controversy
Addressing the criticism faced by his trainers, The Miz expressed gratitude for their guidance.
“I know some people have gotten flak, some trainers – like Bill – have gotten flak; I’m happy that I was trained by Bill,”
he said on
Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway.
He added that both DeMott and Snow imparted essential knowledge that helped him reach his current standing in the wrestling world.
Mark Calaway on the Nature of Past Wrestling Training
Mark Calaway, known as The Undertaker, offered insight into the era’s typical training methods, suggesting that the harsh approach was not unique to DeMott and Snow but a characteristic of past wrestling generations.
“Whether right or wrong, they’re trying to weed out the weak; because you can’t come up here and be weak,”
Calaway explained. He noted that while the process has evolved, the demanding nature instilled resilience essential for the wrestling profession.
Acknowledging the Lingering Impact of Harsh Conditioning
Calaway reflected on the necessity of the hardships faced during training, recognizing the struggle but questioning whether the extremity was absolutely required.
“Does it need to be the extreme that I went through or [The Miz] went through? No; absolutely not, but there is – there’s that sense of true struggle,”
he concluded, highlighting the formative role such challenges played in shaping them for the difficult road ahead.
Significance of the Tough WWE Training Era
The Miz’s recollections and Calaway’s perspective shed light on a contentious chapter in WWE’s developmental history. The intensity of training under Bill DeMott and Al Snow, while criticized, contributed to preparing emerging wrestlers for the demanding nature of the industry. Understanding this period offers context for ongoing discussions about wrestler welfare and the evolution of training practices in WWE and beyond.
