WWE Star The Miz to Host ‘American Gladiators’ Reboot: Inside His Biggest Role Yet
As if WWE Superstar, Michael “The Miz” Mizanin, wasn’t already a big enough part of popular culture, The Real World The world heavyweight wrestling champion is set to face another American institution as he prepares to host the event American Gladiators reboot. IM&F caught up with The Miz, to find out why he’s more excited than ever about his career in sports entertainment, and to reveal which Gladiators event he’s most looking forward to.
How Miz Balances WWE, Hosting, and Media Appearances
Getting the Miz to sit down isn’t easy. A few days ago he attended The Masters in Augusta, he made a quick stop at his home in Las Vegas, before visiting San Jose on Friday Night SmackDown, and as he talked to M&F, he recently arrived in Los Angeles to shoot the content of American Gladiators, “being the host of the show that I really loved growing up as a child,” he shared. This praise for American Gladiators it’s not just promotional art. “I went to a live show at the Gund Arena, then, in Cleveland, OH, and I just couldn’t forget it,” he explained. The lovable star has a busy life, but does she still find the world of showbiz “cute” after 25 years in the limelight? “So now, staying with you here, because Muscles And Fitness, and talking about American Gladiators, WrestleMania 42, and all the things I do, yeah! To answer your question, it’s good to be the Miz! “
As if his in-house work and hosting duties weren’t enough, WWE hired The Miz to officiate the weddings of five passionate couples during WrestleMania week. So, on top of his already crazy schedule, Miz tells M&F that he’s now considering whether to wear a suit, his wrestling gear, or maybe he’ll be Elvis’ “best impersonator” on the line, as he helps the couple tie the knot.
Miz’s Favorite Event: Why The Atlasspheres Are Back
Prime Video is the place to catch pulsating reboots American Gladiators-the ultimate battle between larger-than-life athletes and plucky contestants began back in 1989 and led to a worldwide showdown. In the US, the last season aired in 2008 on NBC, leaving fans to wait nearly two decades for this latest revival. And, while The Miz will be bringing his hosting duties to the show, the former WWE Champion will still be watching the action as an excited fan.
“I loved the Atlasspheres when I was a kid,” Miz said. In this event, the Gladiators’ contestants enter between some very heavy metal spheres, the aim is for the contestants to avoid colliding with the Gladiator’s Atlasphere and instead reach designated scoring areas. “I think the reason I liked it so much is because it reminded me of a hamster wheel. A human wheel, at least,” he joked. However, the contestants will have no furry friends on the field.
Meet the New American Gladiators Cast
The new generation of American Gladiators will include characters such as “Eagle” (Jason Peele), who comes from a powerlifting background, “Crush” (Dani Speegle) who is a six-time CrossFit Games champion who won season 2 of the Titan Games. Then there’s a crop of bone-crunching wrestlers including “Iron” (Jesse Godderz), “Fang” (Michael Wardlow), and “Storm” (Kailey Latimer).
As Miz confirms that the Atlaspheres will be back for the new season of American Gladiators, he also gives a little bit of theater. “Not only will you see Atlasspheres, you’ll also see new takes on Atlasspheres, as the season progresses,” he shares. “As I’ve said many times, we’re taking what was old and cool and fun, what made the show so popular and so great, we’re taking that and bringing it now. The Gladiators are bigger, faster, stronger than ever.”
With $100,000 up for grabs, and the title of American Gladiator Champion, the show returns with 10 episodes starting April 17 on Prime Video.
WrestleMania 42 will take place on April 18 and 19 from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and will air live on ESPN in the United States, and Netflix worldwide.
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