WWE News: The Miz reveals reason for Talking Smack promo on Daniel Bryan
What's the story?
In a Photo Shoot Interview he recently did with WWE, The Miz gave fans an insight into his emotions when he let loose on WWE SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan in a heated, off-the-script promo during an episode of Talking Smack back in August of 2016.
In case you didn't know...
Talking Smack was a show started by WWE after the brand split and draft took place in July of 2016.
It aired on the WWE Network each week once SmackDown ended, where SmackDown Superstars were interviewed by the duo of Renee Young and Daniel Bryan.
It was well received, as it was seen as an opportunity for Superstars to talk without a script, as they were not micromanaged on Talking Smack like they were for SmackDown.
The Miz was Intercontinental Champion when the infamous segment occurred between him and Bryan on the August 23rd, 2016 edition of Talking Smack (two days after the Summerslam PPV of that year).
The pair traded jibes toward one another, with Bryan calling out The Miz for his wrestling style, and labelling him a 'coward'.
However, The Miz legitimately got very angry with Bryan's remarks, and unleashed a verbal tirade on him, even mocking the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion for not being able to wrestle with WWE anymore.
Bryan walked off seemingly very upset, and therefore the WWE Universe quickly figured out that what had transpired was not supposed to happen.
Unfortunately, in July of 2017, WWE decided to stop the popular show on a weekly basis (with a large backlash from fans), and only now have Talking Smack after SmackDown PPVs.
The heart of the matter
The Miz divulged that WWE's creative plans for him on the 23rd of August SmackDown Live had made him extremely angry, as he was only going to be barely featured on the episode, which as the Interconential Champion, was a massive insult in his eyes (h/t to RingSideNews.com for the transcript).
''I unleashed a lot because Creative had nothing for me that day, and I went, ‘What?’ They were like ‘Yeah, you’re not on the show tonight.’ What do you mean I’m not on the show? I’m the Intercontinental Champion. They were like, ‘Yeah, but we’re introducing new titles, we’re introducing the new Tag Team Titles and the new SmackDown Women’s Title, and so, we don’t have room for the Intercontinental Championship.’ I was like ‘Wait a second, you’re introducing new titles, but what about the rich history of this title? The title that you guys just keep throwing back, and throwing back, and throwing back. Burying it, burying it, and burying it, and I’m sick [of it].’ I was so aggravated,'' .
Hence, that is why the former World Champion wanted to be on Talking Smack that night to unload 'havoc on everyone and everything'.
So, when Daniel Bryan slated an already emotional Miz (and Maryse) one time too many during their interview, the A-Lister could not hold back.
He proceeded shouted at the top of his lungs to the SD Live GM, whilst also proclaiming the greatness of the IC Title and how he was not getting the respect a Champ should.
The Miz explains in this interview with WWE that despite his comments directed at Bryan being personal, he was just showing his frustration to 'everyone'.
“There were a lot of emotions going on here. This wasn’t just to Daniel; this was like, to everyone. ''
What's next?
The Miz, who is now a RAW Superstar since switching brands in the Superstar Shake-up back in April, has been off WWE TV over the past few weeks filming the Marine 6: Close Quarters.
Daniel Bryan continues to tease about a return to a WWE ring eventually. If not in WWE though, Bryan is sure to wrestle again somewhere else once his current contract with the company runs out next August.
Author's take
The reaction to Bryan and The Miz going at it on the mic from fans was huge.
It had accidentally created a buzz around Talking Smack. However, as more moments like this would happen again on future editions of TS, the buzz was a justified one.
Most importantly, The Miz brought more attention to the Intercontinental Title than WWE creative had done in years.
Although it was an awkward back-and-forth between Miz and Bryan, I believe it only brought good results.