The Miz’s initial breakthrough in WWE involved a successful tag team with John Morrison, but he recently disclosed that he was originally slated to team with a different former WWE talent. This earlier plan surfaced during his time in WWE’s developmental territories Deep South Wrestling and Ohio Valley Wrestling, before ascending to the main roster.
Prior to becoming a two-time Grand Slam Champion, The Miz was intended to join forces with Matt Cappotelli, the winner of Tough Enough III, in a new tag team. They had even started shooting promotional vignettes and were preparing for their debut. The team was set to be called The Reality Check, envisioned as disruptive contenders within WWE’s tag division.
The Connection and Chemistry Between The Miz and Matt Cappotelli
Discussing this on the podcast Insight with Chris Van Vliet, The Miz reflected on the immediate chemistry between him and Cappotelli once they began teaming, describing the partnership as “electric.” Their dynamic had promising potential, with plans for WWE to promote them heavily as an exciting new team. Unfortunately, those ambitions were halted by Cappotelli suffering an ankle injury, which ultimately prevented their debut together.
“Matt Capotelli came down to Deep South, and we never met, never talked. And once we tagged, it was electric. It was awesome. I was like, ‘Oh my god, like there’s chemistry here.’ And this guy is so good, so nice and fun. We were going to get called up. I remember we were going to get vignettes and I was writing vignettes. … We were going to be The Reality Check, just causing chaos amongst everyone, the entire tag division,” The Miz said.
Matt Cappotelli’s Health Challenges and Impact on His Wrestling Career
Tragically, Matt Cappotelli’s in-ring career was cut short when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which forced him to retire from professional wrestling. He passed away in 2018 from a separate form of brain cancer, different from the tumor removed in 2006. These health struggles brought a sudden end to potential opportunities that might have involved him partnering with The Miz on WWE’s main stage.
The Miz Reflects on Matt Cappotelli’s Talent and Legacy
The Miz paid tribute to Cappotelli during his interview with Chris Van Vliet, expressing admiration for his skill and personality. He believes that had health issues not intervened, Cappotelli would have become a major star within WWE, highlighting his smooth wrestling style and natural appeal to fans.
“(Matt) got a tumor in his head and could no longer wrestle anymore. So that tag team went away, and it was sad, man, because he’s such talent. I mean if you talk about a person that would have definitely gotten over in this industry, it is Matt Capotelli. He was so good and just smooth and like fun to watch,” Miz said.
The Miz’s Subsequent Success in WWE Tag Teams
Although the partnership with Matt Cappotelli never came to fruition, The Miz eventually found tag team success alongside John Morrison, who also won Tough Enough III. Together, they captured WWE tag team gold, solidifying The Miz’s status as a prominent figure in WWE’s tag team division.
Significance of the Unfulfilled Partnership and Its Possible Impact on WWE
The story of The Miz’s scrapped tag team with Matt Cappotelli highlights the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling careers, where injuries and health crises can drastically alter trajectories. Their planned team, The Reality Check, had the potential to make a significant mark on WWE’s tag division, offering a fresh dynamic that might have reshaped the landscape. The Miz’s reflection on this missed opportunity underscores the deep respect he holds for Cappotelli’s talent and the impact that was lost due to unforeseen circumstances. Moving forward, The Miz’s experience illustrates how promising partnerships can be affected by factors outside of the ring, reinforcing the fragility and unpredictability inherent in the sport.
