Best known for his technical skills and persona in the ring, Michael Gregory Mizanin, widely known as The Miz, has always been a sight to behold in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Leaving a bit to be desired when he first hit the ring, Miz’s unique success story has remained instrumental in his rise to fame. Over time, the professional wrestler has been able to acquire an array of fans who are willing to root for him all through his professional endeavours.

The Miz garnered his first notable fan base as a reality TV star following his appearance in the tenth season of MTV’s The Real World and its spinoff series, Real World/Road Rules Challenge. However, his biggest accomplishment remains his victory at the Money in the Bank challenge, as well as his first and only WWE Championship in 2010. Unsurprisingly, the professional wrestler has had people prying into his life outside the ring, with many wondering if his WWE persona is an insight to who he is in real life.

A Look At His Life Before He Became Famous As The Miz

The American wrestler was born on October 8, 1980, in Parma, Ohio. He was raised by his mother Barbara Pappas as his parents are divorced. Mike’s father’s name is George Mizanin and the wrestler has two half-siblings named Jimmy and Tonia from his mother’s second marriage.

Growing up as an athletic child, The Miz was involved in various sporting activities, including basketball, karate, and baseball. He even received a black belt for his karate skills. Mike was a student at Ohio-based Normandy High School and after graduation, he enrolled in the Miami University to pursue a degree in Business, but he left halfway to be part of a reality television show, The Real World.

He also took part in the show’s multiple spinoff series like the Real World/Road Rules Challenge and was able to win its season 5 challenge, Battle of the Seasons.

During his college year, The Miz was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. It is said that his first job before going to Miami University for his degree was as a cook at his father’s sandwich shop known as Mr. Hero.

He Began His Pro Wrestling Career With UPW In 2003

Mizani took a seven-year-long break from the Real World/Road Rules Challenge to build a career in wrestling. First, he joined and got himself trained at the Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) and made his ring debut in 2003 with his ring name as The Miz. The following year, he joined WWE’s show Tough Enough and even though he lost to mixed martial artist Daniel Puder, his participation on the show was a huge stepping stone for his big break in WWE.

After a much-required training at Deep South Wrestling (DSW) and Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), he finally got a call to host a TV wrestling program called Smackdown. On July 23, 2012, The Miz received his very first Intercontinental Championship after contesting at the 1000th episode of Raw.

He has since then received more awards for his wrestling endeavours. His awards include WWE United States Championship (2 times), World Tag Team Championship, Fifth Grand Slam Champion, and the Slammy Awards, to mention a few.