WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated about the WWE brand extension and more. Here are the highlights.
On the brand split: “We’re competitive about everything,” said The Miz. “The superstars that aren’t high draft picks, I’m sure they’re going to be angry and mad and upset about it. That hurts your ego, and we have big egos as WWE superstars. We perform in front of thousands, and millions at home, and you don’t want to look stupid or like Mr. Irrelevant. You want to be the guy who hoists the company on his back and carries them. Especially now that there is going to be a huge rivalry between Raw and Smackdown Live, we want to have the highest ratings, the highest merch sales, the most people watching the show live, and that’s what we want and aim for.”
On being Intercontinental Champion: “The Intercontinental championship has such rich history,” explained The Miz. “My favorite superstars growing up—Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, Shawn Michaels, ‘Mr. Perfect’ Curt Hennig, Ultimate Warrior—all held the prestigious Intercontinental championship. It’s known as the championship for the workhorse of the company, and that’s probably why I have it – because I am the workhorse of the WWE.”
On having his wife Maryse on the road with him: “I love having my wife with me,” said The Miz. “It’s one thing to be able to talk to your wife on FaceTime or over the phone, but touching her, hugging her, and holding her is a whole other feeling. When you’re able to have your wife in your corner, you kind of want to show off for her. You don’t want to lose. I never want her to say, ‘Sorry babe,’ I want her to say, ‘That’s my man.’ You want your wife to be married to a winner, not a loser.”
Miz also talked about his WWE career and more. You can read the entire interview here.
