A notable WWE performer, known as The Miz, shared how Vince McMahon pushed him to improve following a significant loss to John Cena. This event took place at The Great American Bash in 2009, where Cena decisively defeated The Miz, prompting Vince McMahon to urge the younger star to adopt a more serious approach in the ring.
Vince McMahon’s Direct Feedback Shapes The Miz’s Career
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, The Miz recounted how Vince McMahon personally confronted him after his defeat by Cena, criticizing his overly playful wrestling style. McMahon insisted that being “too goofy” would not draw fans, emphasizing the importance of commanding attention and filling seats at events.
“Nobody really knows this, but Vince [McMahon] was on me. When I lost to John Cena at The Great American Bash, and I just got mopped the floor with, Vince on me. ‘You need to be start taking this seriously. You can’t be such a goof. You’re too goofy! Goofy doesn’t sell. I want to put a**es to seats [in McMahon’s voice].’And so I’m like, ‘Yes, sir.’ So, after every match, he would literally be like, ‘You need to do this better. You need to do this better. You need to do this better.’ I’ve seen him do this with many talents, but then, he was taking an interest in me,” The Miz recalled.
The Miz said he took the criticism seriously and began making adjustments to his in-ring persona and performance after every match, which eventually helped him gain Vince McMahon’s respect and increased attention on the main roster.
From Criticism to Championship: The Miz’s Rise Against John Cena
Two years after that turning point, The Miz returned to face John Cena at WrestleMania 27 as the defending WWE Champion. That night proved pivotal, as The Miz successfully retained his title in a hard-fought match, marking a milestone in his WWE career. Their rivalry extended through several events, culminating with Cena defeating Miz in a high-stakes I Quit match.
More than a decade later, The Miz and Cena reignited their feud during a WrestleMania season, with additional drama involving The Miz’s wife Maryse and Cena’s former fiancée Nikki Bella, adding personal stakes to their storylines.
The Miz’s Evolving Role Within WWE
Beginning with his clash against John Cena at The Bash in 2009, The Miz steadily matured into a versatile and reliable WWE talent. He developed into one of the few performers capable of adapting to any spot on the card—be it mid-card, upper mid-card, or main event—earning himself status as a 21-time champion and a consistent figure in WWE programming.
Impact and Future Implications of The Miz’s Development
The Miz’s journey reflects the importance of perseverance and adaptability in WWE’s demanding environment, particularly when mentoring from figures like Vince McMahon is direct and exacting. His transformation from a criticized rookie to a top-tier performer demonstrates how critical feedback can foster growth and shape wrestling careers. Considering their ongoing rivalry and evolving personal narratives, fans may expect more compelling encounters between The Miz and John Cena in future WWE events, continuing to add drama and excitement to the roster.
