Q&A: WWE Superstar The Miz Believes Detroit Lions' Hype
WWE invaded Detroit prior to SummerSlam, which is set to light up Ford Field this summer. Superstar Mike "The Miz" Mizanin was a participant in the AREA 313 Celebrity Scramble.
“We’re looking forward to introducing a new twist to the AREA 313 Celebrity Scramble by adding Chris Webber and The Miz to our field. It’s always fun to see Detroit sports legends up close and personal testing their golf games alongside PGA TOUR pros, and having a professional wrestler in the mix this year will make it even more entertaining,” said Jason Langwell, executive director of the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
All Lions caught up with the two-time WWE grand slam champion after the charity event at Detroit Golf Club.
Q: I know you're a big fantasy football guy, how'd you fare last season?
The Miz: Last year, I was in the middle. I had a lot of injuries, so I had to pick up a lot of people. So, it'll be interesting this year."
Q: The Lions, here in Detroit, have been active this offseason. What are your thoughts on their organization as you are a noted football fan?
The Miz: A running back! I couldn't believe it. I thought (D'Andre) Swift was your guy, and I thought Jamaal Williams was your guy. But, you guys just keep on drafting running backs. But, (Jahmyr Gibbs) is a dominant force and Jared Goff's got that. I think Amon-Ra (St. Brown) is an incredible wide receiver. Aidan Hutchinson was a fantastic pick for you guys. You've been lighting it up. It's one of the fun teams to actually watch in football. You look at where you were (in 2008), no wins, build the team from the ground up.
Jared Goff, a person who the Rams are just willing to get rid of and the Lions saw the talent. He displayed his talent last year, and now I think he's gonna be set up and ready to go. I think this team really has a great coach who motivates, and you can see the players are behind him. And sometimes, that's what you need in a team.
Q: Just like your Cleveland Browns. Lions and Browns, two up-and-coming NFL teams?
A: Yeah, I think they're two up-and-coming teams. I'm curious to see what the Browns do this year. It's not necessarily a make-or-break year, but it's one of those years where, this is it. You've done it all, you have all the pieces, now let's see it win.
Q: Summer Slam is coming to Ford Field in Detroit. Big crowd, it's going to be the event of the summer. What are your thoughts on the atmosphere in Detroit?
A: Every time we come to Detroit, it's always lights out. It's always a great crowd, and great energy. But, Ford Field is gonna be absolutely pandemonium. It's gonna be amazing, and I think people are gonna be really excited to watch it.
Q: How did you shoot today?
A: It was not bad. We were 1-under, I think. It wasn't bad, we didn't win. But, tomorrow, we'll do something better.
Q: So, SummerSlam will be "Awesome", only as long as 'The Miz' is in it, correct?
A: Oh, 100 percent.
Bow-Tie Day at 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic
Unfortunately, Nick Gilbert, son of Dan Gilbert passed away in May due to complications from NF1.
The Gilbert Family Foundation and NF Forward have worked diligently to advance groundbreaking, cutting-edge NF research, in efforts to aid those inflicted with the genetic disorder.
On Thurday, every caddy bib will feature an image of the Rocket Mortgage Classic bow tie on the front. The back of the bib will display the name “Nick Gilbert," in place of each player’s name.
After play concludes, players will sign each bib, which will be given to NF Forward to raise funds for NF research.
“The entire Rocket Mortgage Classic team is honored to recognize the life of Nick Gilbert, who inspired all of us through his courage, strength and relentless optimism,” said Langwell. “Bow Tie Day at the Rocket Mortgage Classic will celebrate the life of Nick and raise awareness and funds toward finding a cure for NF. We are grateful to our friends and partners at the PGA TOUR for sharing our commitment to this important cause.”
The first 10,000 fans through the gates on Thursday will receive a special bow-tie pin upon entry.
Golf fans will be able to purchase a special bow-tie cookie at concession locations throughout the course, with proceeds going to NF Forward.
All monies raised will be matched by the Gilbert Family Foundation.
