If you are a wrestling fan, you have probably stumbled upon: “Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling” on Youtube. This was created by screenwriter, director, producer and WWE fan: Max Landis. It is essentially a video explaining the complexity of Triple H’s character over the years.
Max has created part 2 based on the career of the Miz. It is not an official part 2 since it isn’t in video form, but he manages to tell a great story in the form of tweets. Enjoy the story and the complexity of the Miz’s character:
Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling:
Miz v Roman is a piece of a longstanding narrative of an antihero striking out against “Chosen Ones.” (thread) pic.twitter.com/WZ46GVffg8— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
The Miz’s introduction to the world of pro-wrestling came with him doing an impression of The Rock on Real World. He was a fan, first. pic.twitter.com/Eamaq6XVUM
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
The brilliant intro to his wrestlemania main event tracks his progress through the company from fan to champion.https://t.co/fpqXe2G2a9
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
But let’s take a closer look at the feud that led to that Wrestlemania; where Miz felt he was overshadowed by the presence of the Rock. pic.twitter.com/UR2yx7CoKd
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Miz has always expressed feelings of being overlooked despite his various successes. Here’s him impersonating The Rock again: pic.twitter.com/7RTUVA8gdC
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
And indeed, his amazing main event championship victory over “chosen one” John Cena was overshadowed completely by The Rock’s involvement. pic.twitter.com/IK1PoORuAq
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
He retained the title in the main event of Wrestlemania. Yet he still wasn’t “the guy.” No one respected him. This traumatized him. pic.twitter.com/Qq47l8Zyju
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
When I say this “traumatized” him, I hope you’ll understand I’m not “projecting.” You can see it in this promo:https://t.co/NniiXyV3cd pic.twitter.com/WrQUg6vxRy
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
The Miz’s already fragile psyche and self worth were permanently damaged by his dream come true being brushed aside…For this: pic.twitter.com/Kq1sGI8V5G
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
A war between two chosen ones, two “real” main eventers, not “flukes” like the Miz. A war where John Cena came up short. pic.twitter.com/0ELkl0ysb8
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
A year later, with the championship online, again, the Chosen Ones fought, the “big time players.” The “real” superstars. pic.twitter.com/A2SZck3o78
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
This time, Cena got the win. But it wasn’t just a victory at Wrestlemania, see, something more important happened here. This happened: pic.twitter.com/xpHcqywJR0
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
The Rock showed Cena respect. He raised his hand. He passed the torch.
Meanwhile, a storm was brewing elsewhere in the WWE. pic.twitter.com/SCFjRVhPsv
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
The SHIELD established themselves quickly as new “top guys,” plowing through most of the roster, even earning Cena’s respect. pic.twitter.com/zBryEO80CW
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
It was only a matter of time before Roman Reigns, the heavy gun of the SHIELD (and cousin of The Rock) went solo. Note this image: pic.twitter.com/XBzrB5ree2
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
A skirmish between Roman and Miz, who had found self-worth and pride in the Intercontinental Championship, memorably ended like this: pic.twitter.com/03x6huCWg1
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Inevitably, as time passed and Roman rose, Cena came for Roman the way The Rock had come for Cena. The old guard challenging the new. pic.twitter.com/gnpUHqdPdg
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Here is the crux and vitally important moment:
Miz inserted himself into this conflict. He saw two “chosen ones” stealing his show again. pic.twitter.com/ozGgGS1ACe— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
All the subtext and meta-narrative in this brilliant promo. Miz is furious; “how many moments do you two get?”https://t.co/M7WpxGPX1c pic.twitter.com/83MIXohGO4
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Roman was another “Chosen One.” Like the Rock. Like Cena. Look at this image. Same set of people. Same pose. Respect. The torch. pic.twitter.com/5KmOB26D0h
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
So Roman fought Cena. pic.twitter.com/JxXbVR7V1O
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
And it ended like this: pic.twitter.com/EK2MypEvSJ
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Miz, interviewing Roman the next night, could barely contain his disgust and hatred.
Where was his respect? Where was his raised hand? pic.twitter.com/Vzxz5j6ZZN
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Miz fought Roman. And Roman won.
But the night ended like this: pic.twitter.com/9BvO096vkR
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Miz is a vicious, unstable, violent, insecure and brutal character. He’s always targeted those he feels are getting what HE deserves. pic.twitter.com/ya0G3yZNzN
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
He’s also the most consistent character in WWE, now that HHH is mostly retired. But he has a crucial difference from HHH: he’s an antihero pic.twitter.com/9vYrpXmsew
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Everything Miz has, we have WATCHED him earn. He was never “the chosen one.” He fought for EVERY INCH. pic.twitter.com/8a7tMPDsA8
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
And when I saw we’ve WATCHED him earn EVERYTHING he has, I do actually mean EVERYTHING. pic.twitter.com/S6sXdPBpeW
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Give it up for @mikethemiz. He’s an A+ character, and one of the longest running, most dynamic and layered antiheroes on TV. pic.twitter.com/QwfZrrqEIX
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Messing with Roman probably won’t end well for him but when another Chosen One takes down this underdog, I know just the face I’ll make. pic.twitter.com/xYulSbfjwJ
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
This whole thread is just a tiny aspect of Miz’s “Chosen one” anxiety. I could go on and on. It’s a very real aspect of the character. pic.twitter.com/Rt1oJErhGm
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
But for now, I’ll just say:
Miz is awesome.— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
If you have never seen ‘Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling’ part 1., watch it here:
Let us know what you think in the comment section below. c
