10 Awesome Ways Wrestlers Got Back At Critics
3. The Making Of The Miz
Once so despised that he wasn't even allowed to change in arena locker rooms, The Miz was a pariah in his earliest days having dared to enter WWE via MTV's Real World and in-house talent generator Tough Enough rather than cutting his teeth on an independent circuit that barely existed thanks to Vince McMahon's monopoly.
Time and tenure worked wonders for the 'A Lister' though - a clear dedication to his craft resulted in his confidence growing alongside his status. By 2010 - four years and thousands of hard yards after his embarrassing "HOO RA" gimmick made air to the dulcet tones of JBL's livid commentary - he was an untouchable top tier talker and natural choice for that year's Money In The Bank.
Post cash-in, his career stalled after a WrestleMania title programme with John Cena ran into The Rock, but Miz was yet again rewarded for working through his leanest years. A failed babyface turn was reversed in 2014 as new critics were circling, and he's since built a legacy as the organisation's most dependable Sports Entertainment star.
Few fans or colleagues could have ever predicted it, but WWE in 2019 would be a lesser place without him.