The Miz is obviously not Mike Mizanin's real name. It's his character name, but unlike a lot of WWE Superstars, it wasn't a gimmick created by WWE. It started as a nickname he gave himself as part of the Tough Enough auditions and it stuck, becoming arguably become one of the most popular nicknames in WWE. All that said, neither name is what a lot of the talent call him backstage.
The Miz was a guest on Notsam Wrestling. and said he was actually given another nickname by former WWE star Zack Ryder. And, as much as he wishes it wouldn't have stuck, it's the go-to name a lot of the other talent call him.
The Miz said he's been dealing for years with the unwelcomed nickname of "Missionary Mike". He explains that Ryder coined the term after a European tour while the guys were talking about topics that were sexual in nature. The Miz made the mistake of saying, 'Oh my God, really?' after a comment was made. Ryder responded, 'What are you? Missionary Mike?!' "Everyone erupted in the locker room," recalled Miz.
The name stuck. He explained, "Now, if I call Xavier Woods, I show up as Missionary Mike on his cell phone." He added, "Not only that, but I'll see Big E, he's like, 'Missionary Mike!' It's a thing now and I don't want it to be a thing, because I'm not a missionary guy!"
Maryse Has Been Dealing With It Too
Of course, the nickname doesn't just reflect on The Miz, but it's obviously connected to his wife Maryse who weighed in on the running joke. She said, "Then, they look at me and they smile. I'm like, 'You guys, what the heck? You bunch of kids.'"
Obviously, The Miz isn't too concerned about it and isn't terribly bothered, choosing to roll with things. But, it just goes to show you that you need to watch what you say in a WWE locker room because the guys will jump on anything and have some fun with it. When they do, you might be stuck with it forever.
Next: Paul Heyman Reveals Why WWE Didn't Turn Roman Reigns Heel Sooner
