During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, WWE veteran The Miz shared the story behind his sudden on-air segment with WWE Hall of Famer Snoop Dogg at WrestleMania 39. The event took place at SoFi Stadium, where The Miz was serving as a host alongside Snoop Dogg. The situation quickly took a serious turn when Shane McMahon returned to the ring and unexpectedly injured himself.
“WrestleMania. SoFi Stadium. I’m the host. Snoop Dogg is hosting with me. Shane McMahon comes back,”
The Miz explained.
Handling a Real Injury During a Live Event
The crowd’s excitement intensified as Shane McMahon challenged The Miz to an impromptu match, even though The Miz was wearing a $10,000 suit. The two started wrestling until Shane attempted a leapfrog move but tragically tore both of his quadriceps muscles upon landing. The injury was genuine and severe, yet the performers had to maintain the show’s flow for the live audience.
The Miz described the tense moments immediately after the injury:
“The crowd is going nuts. They are loving it. Shane McMahon challenges me to a match in my suit, $10,000 it cost me. I’m one for a challenge. ‘Alright, let’s go.’ We get into this match and he does a leap frog where he jumps and I go under him. He lands, tears both of his quads. For real. It’s no joke. It’s a real injury. We have to be professional and make it seem like it’s part of the show. I know, when he goes down, the camera is going to be on me. We don’t like showing real injuries. The red light is on me. I have to basically relay to our referee what to do to the truck so they know what to do next. I’m trying to talk [through gritted teeth] because I know the camera is on me. I’m telling the referee, ‘Hey, play someone’s music. I don’t care whose music. Have Snoop Dogg hit me with a Snoop Dogg elbow.’”
Snoop Dogg’s Crucial Role in Saving the Moment
With Shane McMahon injured and being assisted out of the ring, The Miz needed an unexpected way to keep fans engaged. That’s when Snoop Dogg stepped up and improvised to help cover the mishap. The Miz recalled how Snoop’s involvement unfolded live on air.
“All of a sudden, I turn around, and Snoop Dogg sucker punches me. ‘That’s even better. That works.’ He starts cutting a promo. I’m not hearing what he’s saying because they are trying to move Shane out of the ring. I’m like, ‘I can’t take just one punch. I’ve been doing this for too long and I know I have to lay down for the Snoop Dogg elbow.’ I’m like, ‘Give me another one.’ Snoop Dogg isn’t a pro wrestler, right? He doesn’t do this for a living, but he is a consummate pro. If there is a celebrity that I would trust to do something like that who has no prior training, it is Snoop. When he punched me, it was a good punch. Solid punch. It looked great because it was in there. Knocked me down. Does the Snoop Dogg elbow. Cover me, 1, 2, 3. He’s not even in the match. He just covered and the referee counted to three. That moment has stood the test of time. People still talk to me about Snoop Dogg,”
The Miz said.
The Lasting Impact of the Incident
This impromptu moment involving The Miz and Snoop Dogg not only managed to salvage a complicated live broadcast but also became a memorable highlight frequently discussed by wrestling fans and analysts. It showcased the professionalism required to adapt instantly to unforeseen circumstances during a high-profile event like WrestleMania. The story underlines how crucial quick thinking and trusted partners are in live entertainment, especially when serious injuries occur unexpectedly.
As WrestleMania continues to be a landmark event for WWE, moments like these emphasize the unpredictable nature of live wrestling and the dedication of performers like The Miz and collaborators like Snoop Dogg in preserving the entertainment experience for millions worldwide.
