The Miz

First introduced to TV audiences as one of the seven strangers on “The Real World: Back to New York,” The Miz parlayed his reality TV fame into a legitimate WWE career.

And for those who think he’s a fluke, just ask him. He’ll tell you he’s not … and he’s right.

Miz’s first taste of WWE cred came alongside John Morrison, as the duo won the WWE Tag Team Championships and the attention of WWE fans on their WWE.com web series, “The Dirt Sheet.” The team was split up thanks to the 2009 WWE Draft and many expected Miz to fade into obscurity. He proved everyone wrong, though, by winning the United States Championship, the Unified Tag Team Championship and several high-profile matches.

Then in July 2010, Miz’s career hit a turning point. By winning the Raw Money in the Bank Ladder Match, the Ohio native guaranteed himself a chance to capture his ultimate goal — the WWE Championship. And on the Nov. 22, 2010, edition of Monday Night Raw, The Miz finally made good on his persistent threats, successfully cashing in his WWE Title opportunity on a vulnerable Randy Orton to capture the most illustrious prize in sports-entertainment.

Following the win, The Miz went on a blistering championship reign, backing up every caustic proclamation of his awesomeness by holding onto the title for an astounding 160 days. After losing the title to John Cena at Extreme Rules, The Awesome One continued to hover around the main event scene before aligning himself with R-Truth, who shared Miz’s beliefs that the powers that be in WWE were conspiring to keep them down.

Their affiliation was short-lived, which, honestly, is the best thing for The Miz. He does better on his own, when he doesn’t have to share the spotlight … or the mic. The Awesome One proved that on the historic 1,000th episode of Raw when he won the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Christian.

After that victory made him a WWE Triple Crown Champion, The Miz would premiere his own talk show, “Miz TV,” which he dubbed “The Most Must-See Talk Show in WWE History.” With guests including such icons as SmackDown General Manager Booker T and World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, the boisterous Superstar relished having his own pulpit with which to proclaim his own awesomeness. “Miz TV,” even attracted the attention of Peabody Award–winning journalist Larry King, who in turn interviewed The Awesome One on Raw.

In 2013, The Miz brought his desire to entertain to the set of “The Marine 3: Homefront,” starring in the latest installment of WWE Studios’ explosive action movie series. At WrestleMania 29, he dethroned Wade Barrett to capture the Intercontinental Title in an Interactive Pre-Show Match. (EXCLUSIVE MIZ INTERVIEW) The following night on Raw, though, The Miz lost the title to Barrett in a vicious rematch.

While his most recent Intercontinental Title reign lasted a little more than 24 hours, The Miz certainly won't let that bring down The Awesome One. At Extreme Rules, The Miz shined on the pay-per-view stage when he defeated Cody Rhodes in the Pre-Show.