Two of WWE’s biggest names have stepped up to defend a pair of company veterans who often fly under the radar. Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens used their platform on the What Do You Wanna Talk About podcast to shine a spotlight on The Miz and Natalya, delivering passionate testimonials about why these longtime performers deserve far more recognition than they typically receive.
The American Nightmare Delivers a Teaching Moment
Rhodes didn’t mince words when recounting a recent encounter at his Nightmare Factory wrestling school. A student’s dismissive comment about The Miz prompted the Undisputed WWE Champion to drop some hard truths about longevity in the wrestling business.
“At the school one time, I had a kid, he said something snide about (The Miz). I thought, ‘This is a good teaching moment.’ I walked out after I was done. I was like, ‘Just so you know, if you look at the amount of time and equity and ability. We’re in a season where WWE is cool and everybody loves WWE. WWE is great. There have been seasons where that is not the case, and there was Miz. There was Miz.'”
The Royal Rumble winner’s perspective highlights something many fans forget: The Miz has weathered every storm in WWE’s modern era. While others came and went, the former Real World star remained a constant presence through thick and thin.
Hall of Fame Predictions and Standing Ovations
Rhodes’ praise extended beyond just The Miz’s staying power. He painted a picture of future Hall of Fame ceremonies that speaks volumes about his respect for both performers.
When discussing Natalya’s eventual Hall of Fame induction, Rhodes casually mentioned he’d “probably stand up for three minutes, clapping for her.” But his prediction for The Miz’s ceremony carried even more weight, calling it something that “will be very special.”
The champion’s analysis of what makes The Miz unique struck at the heart of professional wrestling psychology. Rhodes emphasized The Miz’s singular approach and unwavering intensity, noting “there is only one speed with him.”
Kevin Owens Breaks Down the Consistency Factor
The former Universal Champion took a different angle, focusing on something that separates great wrestlers from good ones: reliability. Owens highlighted how both The Miz and Natalya excel in ways that paradoxically make them underappreciated.
“Nattie, same thing. They do it in a way that’s not spectacular, that’s not extravagant. They’re just super solid, all the time. They are super reliable all the time. Consistent all the time. So much so that you don’t even notice it and you kind of take it for granted.”
This insight reveals the cruel irony facing many wrestling veterans. Their excellence becomes expected, making their contributions almost invisible to casual observers.
The Intercontinental Championship Gauntlet That Proved Everything
Owens provided a perfect example of this phenomenon by recalling a specific period when The Miz regularly faced Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor for the Intercontinental Championship. His breakdown of fan expectations was brutally honest and revealing.
While matches involving Reigns, Rollins, and Balor against each other generated excitement, The Miz’s encounters with these same opponents were met with indifference. Yet as Owens pointed out, The Miz delivered every single time, proving his worth through action rather than self-promotion.
The Canadian superstar’s analysis cut deep: “He doesn’t go around telling everyone that he’s best… Mike does what he’s asked to do all the time as good as he can. Nattie is the same way.”
The Unsung Heroes of WWE’s Modern Era
Both Rhodes and Owens touched on something that resonates throughout wrestling history: the most valuable performers aren’t always the most celebrated ones. The Miz and Natalya represent a dying breed of wrestlers who prioritize the company’s needs over personal glory.
These testimonials arrive at a time when both veterans continue contributing to WWE’s success. The Miz remains a versatile performer capable of elevating any storyline, while Natalya continues mentoring younger talent while delivering in the ring.
Their peers’ recognition matters more than any championship or accolade. When top stars like Rhodes and Owens publicly advocate for these veterans, it sends a clear message about what truly matters in professional wrestling.
As WWE continues evolving with new stars and storylines, will fans finally give The Miz and Natalya the appreciation their consistency has earned, or will they remain the industry’s best-kept secrets?
