WWE Reportedly Upset Over AEW Talent Appearing Alongside The Miz on American Gladiators Reboot

The revival of American Gladiators on Amazon Prime Video is generating a lot of buzz — and some behind-the-scenes tension. The show, which features former WWE Champion The Miz as its host, has cast several wrestlers as modern-day Gladiators, including former WWE Superstar Rick Boogs, OVW’s J-Rod, and former TNA Tag Team Champion Jessie Godderz. But what’s causing the biggest stir is the involvement of current AEW talent: Kamille and Wardlow.

According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE isn’t thrilled that one of their marquee personalities, The Miz, is sharing the screen with wrestlers still under AEW contract — even if Kamille and Wardlow haven’t been actively featured on AEW programming for a while. The concern reportedly centers on potential brand crossover, especially if the AEW stars are promoted on-air alongside Miz, or worse, if The Miz ends up in segments that could inadvertently shine a spotlight on AEW.

The tension illustrates WWE’s longstanding policy of keeping its talent (and by extension, its brand) distinct from rival promotions — a stance that’s being tested more often as wrestlers branch out into mainstream entertainment.

This isn’t the first time WWE has found itself in a promotional tug-of-war. Just last week on the June 16 episode of RAW, WWE took issue with Netflix airing a trailer for Happy Gilmore 2 — which prominently features MJF, a top AEW star, in a major role as one of Gilmore’s sons. WWE stars Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella also appear in the film, though in smaller roles.

WWE reportedly pushed for a customized trailer that completely omits MJF, which Netflix agreed to air during RAW. Despite Netflix’s desire to market Happy Gilmore 2 as one of its biggest summer titles, WWE is unwilling to indirectly promote AEW by giving screen time to one of its breakout stars.

From AEW’s perspective, there’s less cause for concern. Sources suggest that AEW isn’t bothered by Lynch and Bella being involved in the same project as MJF. While it’s unlikely that AEW will do a full promotional push for Happy Gilmore 2 — especially since Netflix isn’t a direct partner — the exposure MJF gains from the film is likely seen as a net positive, especially following the success of The Iron Claw last year.

As mainstream media continues to embrace pro wrestlers from all promotions, expect more crossover complications like these. While fans enjoy seeing their favorite stars in new arenas, promotions like WWE remain hyper-aware of where and how their brand — and their competitors’ — is represented.

Other Pro Wrestlers to Join The Miz for Amazon Prime’s ‘American Gladiators’ Reboot

The arena is about to get a lot more intense — and a whole lot more jacked — as professional wrestling meets classic ‘90s nostalgia in the upcoming American Gladiators reboot.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, five pro wrestlers have been tapped to star in the new American Gladiators series, which is coming soon to Amazon Prime’s FAST Channels. While a premiere date has yet to be announced, the cast already has fans buzzing thanks to its heavy dose of wrestling star power.

Leading the charge is none other than WWE’s A-Lister himself, The Miz, who will serve as the show’s main host. Joining him from the world of wrestling are:

  • Eric Bugenhagen (formerly known as Rick Boogs in WWE)
  • Wardlow, the AEW powerhouse and former TNT Champion
  • Jessie Godderz, a former TNA Wrestling standout and reality TV alum
  • Kailey Latimer, better known to AEW and NWA fans as Kamille

Rounding out the broadcast team will be 106 & Park alum Rocsi Diaz as sideline reporter and veteran sports broadcaster Chris Rose handling play-by-play duties.

The reboot promises to blend both modern flair and retro thrills, bringing back fan-favorite challenges from the original series — including “Gauntlet,” “Hang Tough,” and of course, the ultimate test of endurance: “The Eliminator.”

While this isn’t the first attempt to revive American Gladiators, this version might just have the right mix of athleticism, entertainment, and star power to stick the landing. With The Miz at the helm — no stranger to reality TV or over-the-top competition — and a roster filled with legit in-ring talent, the show looks poised to bridge generations of fans.

For now, there’s no official launch date, but expect more updates to drop soon as Amazon ramps up promotion. Wrestling fans and ‘90s kids alike might want to start prepping for battle — because American Gladiators is about to suit up for a new era.

The Miz Tapped to Host Amazon’s Reboot of American Gladiators

WWE’s resident A-Lister is heading back to reality TV — this time, as the face of a legendary competition series. Mike “The Miz” Mizanin has officially been named the host of Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming American Gladiators reboot.

The revival, which is being developed by Amazon in partnership with producers John Ferraro and Daniel Calin, marks a modern comeback for the classic series that originally ran from the late ’80s through the ’90s. Amazon is looking to deliver more than just nostalgia — they’re aiming for a full-fledged cultural moment.

“We’re excited to officially welcome WWE Superstar Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin to the American Gladiators family,” said Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media, and Big Fish Entertainment. “He’s the perfect host for the new era of this iconic franchise.”

The new version will spotlight a diverse lineup of athletic competitors, including CrossFit stars, bodybuilders, Division I athletes, and elite fitness trainers from around the globe. These gladiators-in-the-making will face revamped challenges designed to test both physical prowess and on-screen charisma — two areas The Miz knows a thing or two about.

While Miz will lead the charge, don’t be surprised if more WWE faces pop up along the way. Past reports have suggested that other wrestlers could eventually join the show, either as contestants or special guests, bridging the gap between pro wrestling and mainstream athletic entertainment.

For Miz, this is another notch on his already stacked entertainment résumé. Before becoming a WWE Champion, he cut his teeth in reality TV on The Real World and The Challenge. Since then, he’s hosted everything from Cannonball to Champs vs. Stars, and starred in multiple films and WWE-related projects.

With Amazon throwing serious weight behind the reboot — including a live tour and a 24/7 Gladiators streaming channel — the return of American Gladiators is shaping up to be a massive event. And with The Miz holding the mic, the show’s larger-than-life energy is practically guaranteed.

Stay tuned — American Gladiators is about to get awesome.

More WWE Stars Switched Brands As Part Of The Transfer Window Storyline

The ever-changing landscape of WWE saw another shake-up during Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, with some stars switching brands as part of the ongoing transfer window storyline.

One of the most notable moves is Damian Priest, who now officially calls SmackDown home. Priest, who’s been riding high as a member of The Judgment Day and had a standout year following his Money in the Bank win, brings a unique intensity to the blue brand. Joining him on SmackDown is The Miz, WWE’s self-proclaimed “Most Must-See Superstar,” adding a veteran presence and endless entertainment to Friday nights.

Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory—collectively known as A-Town Down Under—have made their way to Raw.

These moves are part of WWE’s transfer window, which allows roster shuffles to keep the product fresh and intriguing for fans. With Priest and The Miz poised to make waves on SmackDown, and A-Town Down Under bringing their energy to Raw, fans can expect new rivalries and storylines to emerge in the coming weeks.

Who will these superstars clash with next, and how will their moves reshape the WWE landscape?

The Miz Gets Kidnapped Following WWE RAW By The Wyatt Sicks

The Miz has been kidnapped by The Wyatt Sicks, as revealed by Karrion Kross and Scarlett in a tweet following this week’s episode of WWE RAW.

In recent weeks, the group has taken aim at The Miz and The Final Testament, which has resulted in Kross demanding that The Miz figure out what’s going on.

In the post-RAW video, Kross responded to Scarlett by saying that The Miz was “dead for sure.” The two then went looking for him – and the rest remains to be seen!

Source: eWn

The Miz Eliminated From ABC’s Dancing With The Stars

WWE Superstar The Miz has been eliminated from ABC’s thirtieth season of Dancing With The Stars.

Monday’s DWTS episode had a Queen-theme. Miz and dance pro Witney Carson first went with a foxtrot to Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga” single, and later performed the jive relay with two other low-scoring couples, to Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” single. They failed to advance as they came up short with a score of 32 out of 40, tied with Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach for the lowest score of the night on the initial performance.

The bottom two couples of the night were Miz and Witney, along with JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson. Team Miz ended up getting the elimination.

The Miz received praise from the judges for most of his DWTS performances, making it to Week 7 of the competition.

Miz has not commented on his elimination as of this writing, but we will keep you updated.

There is no word on when The Miz will return to the WWE RAW storylines, but it should be in the near future. He had been feuding with former tag team partner John Morrison when he was taken off TV for Dancing With The Stars, right before their first match was to take place in the feud. Miz and Morrison were both drafted to stay on RAW.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Miz Reportedly Set For Dancing With The Stars

Veteran WWE Superstar The Miz is reportedly set to compete in the next season of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.

The Miz has been cast for the 30th season of ABC’s popular reality competition series, according to PWInsider. The season is scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 30.

We noted before how The Miz missed this week’s RAW after he was announced to face John Morrison in the first match of their new feud, just one week after turning on his former tag team partner. Miz was not backstage for RAW and it was noted that the reason for the absence looks to be related to the upcoming Dancing With The Stars gig.

The official DWTS 30 cast announcement should be coming in the next few weeks. Singer and YouTube personality Jojo Siwa has already been confirmed as one of the celebrity participants.

The Miz, who turns 41 on October 8, celebrated the 15th anniversary of his WWE debut earlier this week, as noted here.

The Miz joins Chris Jericho, Stacy Keibler and WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella as stars who competed on DWTS while affiliated with WWE.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Miz Could Be Out Of Action For 7-9 Months

The Miz could be out of action for up to 9 months.

It was reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that The Miz suffered a torn ACL during the Zombies Lumberjack Match loss to Damian Priest at Sunday’s WWE WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view. He was kept off last night’s RAW, which saw John Morrison lose a non-Zombies Lumberjack Match to Priest.

There is still no word on the severity of the tear, but the hope is that it was a partial tear. If it is a full tear, Miz will need to undergo surgery and could be out of action for 7-9 months. PWInsider adds that Miz will be getting checked out by doctors this week to determine what’s next.

Apparently the injury occurred when Priest delivered a kick from the top rope, or when he delivered an elbow drop to The Miz.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Shaq’s Super Bowl Event To Feature WWE Stars, However No AEW Talent

WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and The Miz are scheduled to participate in The Shaq Bowl during Super Bowl Weekend, which is being put on by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

Shaq is currently working a storyline in AEW, but there are no AEW wrestlers participating in Shaq’s Super Bowl event. Shaq recently challenged AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes to a match in March, likely at the Revolution pay-per-view, and Cody responded on Dynamite this week. It looks like the match will feature Cody and Red Velvet vs. Shaq and Jade Cargill, but AEW has not made it official.

The Shaq Bowl will feature Team Kansas City (The Miz, Steve-O, Quavo, Olivia Culpo, Ezekiel Elliott, Diplo) vs. Team Tampa Bay (McIntyre, Winnie Harlow, Tim Tebow, Offset, Nelly, Anthony Anderson). The three-hour event airs on Sunday, February 7 at 3pm ET, live on Facebook.https://2b587de40aba6b4f74eb90081917f385.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

Below is the Shaq Bowl promotional poster, along with full details in the official announcement sent to us this week:

Shaquille O’Neal Takes On The Biggest Sunday In Sports with ‘Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl’ – The Ultimate Big Game Kickoff Show Live from Tampa on Sunday, Feb. 7

Migos, DJ Diesel, And Superstar Special Guest TBA To Headline The Halftime Show Presented by Pepsi Stronger Together

Hosted by Terrell Owens & Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson; Featuring Ezekiel Elliott, Anthony Anderson, Nelly, Tim Tebow, Quavo, Offset, Winnie Harlow, Olivia Culpo, Diplo, Drew McIntyre, The Miz and More Competing in Live Challenges. Plus, an epic live performance from Bryson Tiller presented by Papa John’s

New York, New York – The biggest Sunday in sports just got SHAQ sized – Shaquille O’Nealis set to bring his unrivaled game-day energy to millions of living rooms with the ultimate Big Game Sunday Kick-Off Show: Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl. Broadcasting live from Tampa, FL in a custom-built SHAQ Bowl stadium, the all-new event will feature professional athletes, celebrities, and A-list stars across two teams competing in fun, viral challenges to win the first-ever SHAQ Bowl Trophy. The live three hour special begins Sunday, February 7, at 3:00 PM ET and is available for free on Facebook (@SHAQ) and via SHAQBowl.com. Additionally, it will be simulcasted by LiveXLive across 20+ other platforms including: LiveXLive, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Twitter and more.

“The Big Game looks pretty different than it has in years past. With no in-person events, I decided to team up with Mercari to create The SHAQ Bowl and connect fans across America on the biggest Sunday in sports,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “We’ve got celebrity fueled viral challenges, plus a superstar musical line-up for our Halftime Show. Be prepared for the most exciting and action-packed kickoff event ever!”

Known as the Big Game Weekend’s most in-demand and buzzed-about event, Shaq’s Fun House returns as The SHAQ Bowl. Hosted by Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, 4x Pro-Bowler Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and Sarah Walsh, featuring an unrivaled slate of celebrity guests, SHAQ is inviting America to join him for the biggest kickoff event of all-time.

The SHAQ Bowl Halftime Show Presented by Pepsi Stronger Together will feature Multi-Platinum recording artist Migos, DJ Diesel, and a Superstar Special Guest TBA, in a one-of-a-kind performance. Plus, Pepsi will present Restaurant Battles, showcasing four local Tampa restaurants live on The SHAQ Bowl competing for a $10,000 grant.

The Corona® brand is bringing beach vibes and game-day excitement to fans at home as The Official Beer and Hard Seltzer of The SHAQ Bowl. Papa John’s® is serving up its all-new Epic Stuffed Crust featuring an epic performance from Bryson Tiller presented by Papa John’s. Fans at home will do what moves them and enjoy a BACARDÍ Coco Conga – The Official Cocktail of The SHAQ Bowl.

Mercari presents The SHAQ Bowl will showcase professional athletes, A-list celebrities, and musical artists in a series of showstopping viral challenges. The full list of participating talent includes:

* Team Kansas City – Diplo, Ezekiel Elliott, Olivia Culpo, Quavo, Steve-O, The Miz

* Team Tampa Bay – Anthony Anderson, Drew McIntyre, Nelly, Offset, Tim Tebow, Winnie Harlow

Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl Celebrity Challenges Live From Tampa:

* #PassTheBall Challenge Presented by Mercari – A sports obstacle course that will include football, basketball, golf, and more

* Celebrity Dodgeball – Prepare for the ultimate game of celebrity dodgeball

* Hot Wing Challenge Presented by Truff – Shaquille O’Neal will find out who can handle the heat in this hot wing battle featuring Truff hot sauce

* Tug-of-War Presented by JCPenney – The biggest battle of strength will be officiated by Shaquille O’Neal

* Dance Challenge Presented by Aéropostale – Shaquille O’Neal will serve as a judge when the teams bring their swagger to the dance floor

* Six-Pack Challenge Presented by Emsculpt Neo – Witness the celebrity teams as they duke it out in a sit-up challenge to determine which team has the most grit and which celebrity has the strongest core

* Sauce Showdown Presented by Skillshare – Bring “all the boys to the yard” with a game day skill test led by famed “Milkshake” R&B singer and chef Kelis

* Surf’s Up Challenge Presented by Nautica – An ocean-inspired challenge to test which team can last the longest on a mechanical surfboard

In addition to the celebrity challenges, Shaquille O’Neal will join in on the fun with one very special challenge:

* Shaquille O’Neal vs Bryson The #EpicStuffs Challenge Presented by Papa John’s – An epic race between SHAQ and Bryson Tiller in Papa John’s Epic Stuffed Chair, the ultimate sports-watching seat to enjoy the new Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza.

Mercari, The Presenting Partner of The SHAQ Bowl, connects millions of people across the U.S. to shop and sell almost anything. Aiming to empower the next generation of athletes by giving them access to pre-loved equipment and gear, sellers on Mercari have the opportunity to ‘Pass the Ball’ to those following in their footsteps. “Mercari is delighted to bring a new element of fun to this year’s all-new Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl,” said John Lagerling, Mercari US CEO. “This has been a challenging year for many Americans, and at its core, Mercari is about connecting people. We look forward to partnering with SHAQ to bring people together across America in what is sure to be Big Game Sunday’s most exciting event.” The partnership is highlighted by the forthcoming Mercari x SHAQ Bowl shop, which will offer limited edition SHAQ Bowl signed memorabilia to benefit The Boys & Girls Club of America. Fans can learn more about the shop at SHAQBOWL.com.

The SHAQ Bowl Halftime Show Presented by Pepsi Stronger Together – Pepsi’s series of grassroots initiatives bringing tailored programming to communities around the country – will feature Multi-Platinum recording artist Migos, DJ Diesel, and a Superstar Special Guest TBA in a one-of-a-kind performance. In addition, Pepsi Stronger Together is partnering with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to donate $100,000 in grants to help struggling bay-area restaurants. Through the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), Pepsi and the NRAEF will award $10,000 grants to Tampa restaurants – recipients of which will be announced live during the SHAQ Bowl!

“Shaq has been an invaluable partner for Pepsi Stronger Together, helping us give back to communities around the country while inspiring people to take action,” said Derek Lewis, President, South Division, PepsiCo Beverages North America. “We have seen an incredible response in cities from Miami to Memphis, Louisville to Washington, D.C. – from a charitable food drive, a community basketball court refurbishment, to mentorship programs with local universities – and we are thrilled to be able to give back to Tampa Bay small business community with the wildly popular SHAQ Bowl as a platform.”

Papa John’s has teamed up once again with Shaquille O’Neal, a Papa John’s board member and restaurant owner to showcase the brand’s all-new Epic Stuffed Crust. During The SHAQ Bowl, Papa John’s will present a performance from legendary artist Bryson Tiller, known for his 2016 breakout TrapSoul, which paved the way for his musical career while an employee at Papa John’s. Most of all, fans won’t want to miss SHAQ vs Bryson in “The #EpicStuffs Challenge presented by Papa John’s,” where the pair will race to the finish line in a Papa John’s Epic Stuffed Chair, the grand prize of the Epic Stuffs Sweepstakes the company is holding from now until February 14th. To learn how to enter and see rules, visit http://www.papajohns.com/sweepstakes.

In a year where tailgates are fewer and watch parties are more intimate, BACARDÍ is bringing game-day excitement to fans at home with its Coco Conga, a delicious coconut mojito, the official cocktail of The SHAQ Bowl. BACARDÍ encourages fans across the globe to “do what moves you” with the cocktail inspired by the brand’s reimagining of the global hit ‘Conga’ releasing this week.

Corona® will present a special segment full of surprises with some of Shaquille O’Neals closest friends.

Skillshare is excited to bring one of its celebrity teachers, Grammy-nominated artist turned cooking icon Kelis, to The SHAQ Bowl. Kelis’ sauce-making class is one of tens of thousands of classes that Skillshare members can explore, including illustration, photography, film, design, productivity, and so much more. In addition to teaching a new skill to each participant and judging their new found mastery, or lack thereof, she’ll also provide recipe demos for viewers at home looking to up their game day sauce regime.

Xersion® activewear, available only at JCPenney, has created the custom jerseys for SHAQ’s celebrity teams which will compete in a series of viral challenges including Tug of War Presented by JCPenney. SHAQ will officiate Tug of War as the teams battle it out in what is sure to be a highlight of the show! Xersion activewear is built for performance and inspires the Motivation to Move, regardless of size or fitness level.

During the trying times of today, the thought of a six-pack is going straight to the store and bypassing the gym. Watch some of your favorite celebrities take on a six-pack challenge brought to you by Emsculpt Neo, the first FDA-cleared 2-in-1 body contouring treatment that simultaneously melts fat while building muscle. Who will survive? Which celebrity contestants will be smart enough to seek out Emsculpt Neo in advance to get 12-16 weeks of HIIT training in, 30% fat reduction and a 25% increase in muscle?

The SHAQ Bowl is produced by Medium Rare, in partnership with ABG Entertainment. Medium Rare’strack record at Big Game Weekend is second to none with some of the most viral events in history including Gronk Beach and Shaq’s Fun House. Now pulling in huge audiences for primetime broadcasts, Medium Rare recently produced The Sports Illustrated Awards, SHAQ vs GRONK, and Black Entrepreneurs Day. This live broadcast merging incredible celebrity fueled challenges, a halftime show, and championship predictions from some of the greatest names in the game, will be no exception as it’s poised to be watched by millions of fans around the country.

“We are incredibly excited to deliver Mercari Presents The SHAQ Bowl to millions of Americans on the biggest day for sports and entertainment of the year. There is a real need for an entertainment driven Big Game kickoff show and The SHAQ Bowl will not only be a warm-up to the Big Game, but a pop culture phenomenon in its own right.” -Joe Silberzweig and Adam Richman, Medium Rare

“Building off of the success of the innovative events we have co-produced with Medium Rare, we are incredibly proud to unveil The SHAQ Bowl as an extraordinary Big Game show watched by millions of fans around the country and developed in partnership with some of the greatest names in the business,” said Marc Rosen, President – Entertainment at ABG.

The SHAQ Bowl will air live from Tampa on Sunday, February 7th from a brand-new, custom built studio. The live, three-hour special begins at 3:00 PM ET and is available for free on Facebook (@SHAQ) and via SHAQBowl.com. Additionally, it will be simulcasted by LiveXLive across 20+ other platforms including: LiveXLive, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Twitter and more.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

New WWE RAW Logo & Theme Song Revealed, Hulk Hogan & Ric Flair Announced For Next Week’s RAW

Last night on WWE RAW, an updated logo was revealed for next week’s season premiere, which you can see above.

A new song was also used which is called Legendary by the band Skillet.

Also it was announced that Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair will appear as guest of The Miz on Miz TV.