The Miz credits Vince McMahon for iconic RAW segment
The Miz is one of the most decorated performers in WWE history. The A-lister has been involved in several iconic moments over the years. He opened up about one such moment that Vince McMahon allegedly pushed for despite the eight-time Intercontinental Champion being hesitant to go with it.
The 43-year-old defended the WWE Championship against John Cena at WrestleMania 27. In the buildup to their highly anticipated match, The Awesome One impersonated The Rock, 'Mania's host that year, on an episode of Monday Night RAW. Despite this, The People's Champion attacked The Cenation Leader, helping the champion retain the title.
In the A&E WWE Legends: Biography series, The Miz opened up about the backstage story behind the segment. He revealed the conversation he had with former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon after the latter asked him to impersonate The Great One. He mentioned telling Mr. McMahon that he was not confident about the idea.
"I remember walking into Monday Night Raw, and Vince [McMahon] says, ‘Today you are going to dress like The Rock. And everybody is going to believe you are The Rock.’ And I go, ‘I’m not a 6’5”, 265 pound Samoan. There is no way anyone is going to believe this guy is The Rock.’ And he goes, ‘They’ll believe.’ And I go, ‘Vince, this isn’t going to work. I am going to be a laughingstock. Nobody is going to believe I am The Rock,'" he said.
The former Money in the Bank winner added that he reluctantly agreed as Vince believed it would work:
"'They’ll believe, damn it.’ ‘Okay, yes, sir.’ ‘You are going to put a bald cap on, you are going to put the sunglasses on. You’re going to cut your sleeves, and you’re going to walk out there like The Rock. We’re going to blast his music, and everybody is going to believe it.’ So, I said, ‘Oh my God. This is going to be terrible. This is going to be horrible.’”
The Miz reveals his reaction to the response he got from the crowd
Despite The Miz's initial doubts, it turned out to be one of the most memorable and iconic moments of his WWE career.
Continuing to speak about the segment, The Miz revealed how he was feeling just before going out to The Rock's music. While talking about the crowd's reaction, the two-time United States Champion mentioned that the fans got excited about his match with John Cena after the segment.
"And so, I am standing there and feeling stupid. And The Rock’s music hits, and this place erupts like I’ve never heard it erupt before. I am about to walk out. Vince stands up and goes, ‘Wait.’ And I’m like [startled] and hears the crowd go up, up, and up, and he hears them go to a pinnacle. And as soon as they are about to drop down, he goes, ‘Now.’ I walk out like The Rock can only walk out. Then I start hearing the crowd realize it’s me. And I’m like, ‘This is working?’ This was the first time that the audience said, ‘Wow, I want to see The Miz versus John Cena,'" he added. [H/T WrestleZone]
After recently losing the World Tag Team Championship to The Judgment Day, The Miz will host the upcoming SummerSlam Premium Live Event.