About two years ago, screenwriter and wrestling superfan Max Landis uploaded a twenty-four minute documentary of sorts, examining the long-form story that had been told throughout Triple H's career–his character motivations, why he feuded with certain superstars and the like.
It is brilliant.
It is also embedded at the bottom of the page, for those of you who haven't seen it.
This week, Landis Tweeted out a thread about The Miz's history as a character and why it's absolutely perfect for him to attack Roman Reigns as he did on RAW.
I give you:
WRESTLING ISN'T WRESTLING
Part 2
Wrestling Isn't Wrestling:
Miz v Roman is a piece of a longstanding narrative of an antihero striking out against "Chosen Ones." (thread) pic.twitter.com/WZ46GVffg8— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
The Miz's introduction to the world of pro-wrestling came with him doing an impression of The Rock on Real World. He was a fan, first. pic.twitter.com/Eamaq6XVUM
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
The brilliant intro to his wrestlemania main event tracks his progress through the company from fan to champion.https://t.co/fpqXe2G2a9
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
But let's take a closer look at the feud that led to that Wrestlemania; where Miz felt he was overshadowed by the presence of the Rock. pic.twitter.com/UR2yx7CoKd
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Miz has always expressed feelings of being overlooked despite his various successes. Here's him impersonating The Rock again: pic.twitter.com/7RTUVA8gdC
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
And indeed, his amazing main event championship victory over "chosen one" John Cena was overshadowed completely by The Rock's involvement. pic.twitter.com/IK1PoORuAq
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
He retained the title in the main event of Wrestlemania. Yet he still wasn't "the guy." No one respected him. This traumatized him. pic.twitter.com/Qq47l8Zyju
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
When I say this "traumatized" him, I hope you'll understand I'm not "projecting." You can see it in this promo:https://t.co/NniiXyV3cd pic.twitter.com/WrQUg6vxRy
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
The Miz's already fragile psyche and self worth were permanently damaged by his dream come true being brushed aside…For this: pic.twitter.com/Kq1sGI8V5G
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
A war between two chosen ones, two "real" main eventers, not "flukes" like the Miz. A war where John Cena came up short. pic.twitter.com/0ELkl0ysb8
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
A year later, with the championship online, again, the Chosen Ones fought, the "big time players." The "real" superstars. pic.twitter.com/A2SZck3o78
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
This time, Cena got the win. But it wasn't just a victory at Wrestlemania, see, something more important happened here. This happened: pic.twitter.com/xpHcqywJR0
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
The Rock showed Cena respect. He raised his hand. He passed the torch.
Meanwhile, a storm was brewing elsewhere in the WWE. pic.twitter.com/SCFjRVhPsv
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
The SHIELD established themselves quickly as new "top guys," plowing through most of the roster, even earning Cena's respect. pic.twitter.com/zBryEO80CW
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
It was only a matter of time before Roman Reigns, the heavy gun of the SHIELD (and cousin of The Rock) went solo. Note this image: pic.twitter.com/XBzrB5ree2
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
A skirmish between Roman and Miz, who had found self-worth and pride in the Intercontinental Championship, memorably ended like this: pic.twitter.com/03x6huCWg1
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Inevitably, as time passed and Roman rose, Cena came for Roman the way The Rock had come for Cena. The old guard challenging the new. pic.twitter.com/gnpUHqdPdg
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Here is the crux and vitally important moment:
Miz inserted himself into this conflict. He saw two "chosen ones" stealing his show again. pic.twitter.com/ozGgGS1ACe— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
All the subtext and meta-narrative in this brilliant promo. Miz is furious; "how many moments do you two get?"https://t.co/M7WpxGPX1c pic.twitter.com/83MIXohGO4
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Roman was another "Chosen One." Like the Rock. Like Cena. Look at this image. Same set of people. Same pose. Respect. The torch. pic.twitter.com/5KmOB26D0h
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
So Roman fought Cena. pic.twitter.com/JxXbVR7V1O
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
And it ended like this: pic.twitter.com/EK2MypEvSJ
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Miz, interviewing Roman the next night, could barely contain his disgust and hatred.
Where was his respect? Where was his raised hand? pic.twitter.com/Vzxz5j6ZZN
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Miz fought Roman. And Roman won.
But the night ended like this: pic.twitter.com/9BvO096vkR
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Miz is a vicious, unstable, violent, insecure and brutal character. He's always targeted those he feels are getting what HE deserves. pic.twitter.com/ya0G3yZNzN
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
He's also the most consistent character in WWE, now that HHH is mostly retired. But he has a crucial difference from HHH: he's an antihero pic.twitter.com/9vYrpXmsew
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Everything Miz has, we have WATCHED him earn. He was never "the chosen one." He fought for EVERY INCH. pic.twitter.com/8a7tMPDsA8
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
And when I saw we've WATCHED him earn EVERYTHING he has, I do actually mean EVERYTHING. pic.twitter.com/S6sXdPBpeW
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Give it up for @mikethemiz. He's an A+ character, and one of the longest running, most dynamic and layered antiheroes on TV. pic.twitter.com/QwfZrrqEIX
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
Messing with Roman probably won't end well for him but when another Chosen One takes down this underdog, I know just the face I'll make. pic.twitter.com/xYulSbfjwJ
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
This whole thread is just a tiny aspect of Miz's "Chosen one" anxiety. I could go on and on. It's a very real aspect of the character. pic.twitter.com/Rt1oJErhGm
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
But for now, I'll just say:
Miz is awesome.— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) September 26, 2017
As promised, here is the original "Wrestling Isn't Wrestling" documentary.
If you have never seen it, it is absolutely worth your twenty-four minutes.
