The Miz on Fatherhood: Unparalleled Love, Life Changes, and Heartfelt Advice for New Parents Bella Twins
In an exclusive conversation with HollywoodLife, WWE icon Mike “The Miz” Mizanin shared profound insights into his most cherished role: being a father to his two daughters, Monroe, aged two, and Madison, nearly one year old. The multi-talented superstar, known for his charismatic presence in the ring and on screen, revealed a softer, more reflective side as he gushed about the joys and transformative challenges of parenthood. With his friends and fellow WWE alumni, Nikki and Brie Bella, recently welcoming their own sons, The Miz also offered invaluable advice rooted in his personal journey, emphasizing the profound shifts and unparalleled love that come with raising children.
The Miz: From WWE Superstar to Dedicated Family Man
Mike“The Miz”Mizanin, at 39, has conquered stages from reality television to the WWE main event, earning a reputation as one of wrestling’s most “Awesome” personalities. Yet, amidst his bustling career alongside his equally famous wife, Maryse Mizanin, 37, it is his role as a dad that truly defines him. The couple’s lives revolve around their two young daughters, Monroe, 2, and Madison, 11 months, who have fundamentally reshaped their world. Speaking candidly about the profound experience of parenthood, Mike extended heartfelt advice to his close friends and WWE colleagues, Nikki Bella and Brie Bella. The Total Divas stars had just experienced their own life-altering moments, as both welcomed baby boys mere days apart this past summer, embarking on their own unique journeys into the incredible world of motherhood.
The transition from a life primarily focused on career and personal pursuits to one centered around the needs of two young children is monumental, even for someone as adaptable as The Miz. He openly admits that while he believes he was “born to be a dad,” the reality of the job is far from easy. It demands constant adjustments, sacrifices, and a complete reorientation of priorities. This candid acknowledgment provides a relatable perspective for new parents, highlighting that even those with seemingly perfect lives face the universal challenges of raising a family. His genuine willingness to share these experiences makes his advice all the more poignant and credible for the Bella Twins, who are now navigating these very waters.
The Unforgettable Joys and Profound Realities of Parenthood
“Be prepared because it’s more than anything you have ever imagined,” the Cannonball host began, reflecting on the immense shift parenthood brings during an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife. He vividly recalled a time before children, when spontaneity was the norm. “I remember when I didn’t have kids and my buddies would call [to hang out], and it would be easy,” he recounted. “But now, I have to ask, ‘What time?’ and they’ll be like, ‘In an hour.’ Then I’ll have to say, ‘I can’t because that’s when the kids are sleeping!’ There’s always some excuse, and I never understood why until I became a parent.” This anecdote perfectly illustrates the fundamental change in lifestyle that all new parents experience – the shift from an individual-centric schedule to one dictated by the rhythms and needs of little ones. It’s a humorous yet incredibly true depiction of how even simple social plans become intricate logistical puzzles, a reality the Bella Twins are undoubtedly discovering themselves.
Mike further elaborated that while parenting undoubtedly presents its share of challenges and adjustments, the depth of love it brings is unparalleled. “My best advice for all of them is to be prepared for their lives to absolutely change. But, at the same time, you’re going to feel love like you have never felt before in your entire life,” he affirmed. This sentiment resonates deeply with parents globally, describing a love that transcends ordinary human emotion. It’s a connection so profound that it redefines one’s very existence, opening up new dimensions of feeling and purpose. The sacrifices and changed routines become trivial in the face of this overwhelming affection, a truth The Miz now lives by and wishes for his friends, Nikki and Brie.
A Father’s Unconditional Love for Daughters: Monroe and Madison
The Miz’s experience with his first daughter, Monroe, was particularly transformative. “I remember when Monroe was born. — I don’t know how to explain it, but a piece of my heart opened up. There was this love that I couldn’t describe. I couldn’t explain and now each and every day I get to watch her grow,” Mike shared, his voice filled with emotion. This description of a “heart opening up” is a common yet profoundly personal way parents describe the immediate, all-encompassing bond they feel with their newborn. For The Miz, this love only deepened as Monroe grew. “Every time I leave, whether it’s one day, one hour or two hours, something changes and she’s now saying new words or she’s doing her ABC’s.” These fleeting yet monumental milestones—a new word, a learned song, a first step—underscore the preciousness of every moment in a child’s early life and the constant evolution that keeps parents captivated and amazed.
The arrival of his second daughter, Madison, only intensified this paternal devotion. The experience of watching two young lives unfold simultaneously brought new levels of joy and responsibility. Each child, with her unique personality, offered fresh perspectives on the wonders of parenthood. The Miz’s delight in their individual growth, whether it’s Monroe’s developing language skills or Madison’s burgeoning mobility, highlights the incredible journey of discovery that fatherhood entails. He finds immense satisfaction not just in their achievements, but in being present for the everyday miracles that often go unnoticed in the rush of life.
Priceless Moments: More Rewarding Than Championship Gold
A poignant example of this profound shift in values came when The WWE star recalled witnessing Madison’s first steps. “About a week and a half ago, Madison started walking, but if I was on the WWE schedule that I am usually on, I wouldn’t have been there for it,” he admitted, noting that his schedule had changed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The global health crisis, while challenging in many ways, inadvertently gifted The Miz something invaluable: time with his family. “But, I was able to be there for it and I’ve been able to take Monroe into the pool every single day and teach her how to swim. — Myself, I did that. It’s such a huge feat.”
This personal revelation offers a powerful testament to the transformative power of fatherhood. For a man who has achieved championship glory on the grandest stages of professional wrestling, his perspective has undeniably shifted. He compared these deeply personal victories with his professional accolades, stating, “Winning the WWE Championship doesn’t even compare to watching Monroe swim fifteen feet to me and knowing that I taught her that.” This incredible statement encapsulates the essence of his message: the ephemeral thrill of professional triumph pales in comparison to the enduring pride and joy derived from nurturing and teaching one’s own child. He emphasized that first-time mom, Nikki especially, has these “incomparable” moments to eagerly anticipate, moments that will redefine her understanding of success and fulfillment.
The pandemic, despite its global impact, provided The Miz with an unexpected blessing. The altered WWE schedule meant less travel and more time at home, allowing him to be fully present for these critical developmental stages. Being able to personally teach Monroe to swim, day after day, and to witness Madison’s first wobbly steps firsthand are memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. These are the moments that truly matter, moments that no amount of fame or professional success can replicate. This period allowed him to deepen his connection with his daughters, becoming an even more integral part of their daily growth and learning. His ability to prioritize these family moments, even while maintaining a high-profile career, serves as an inspiring example for other celebrity parents navigating similar demands.
Advice for the Bella Twins: A New Chapter Begins
The Miz tailored his advice for both Bella Twins, acknowledging their unique situations. For Nikki, embarking on motherhood for the first time, he highlighted the universal joys and challenges of a new parent. He urged her to embrace every moment, recognizing that the initial phase of bewildering change quickly gives way to an overwhelming sense of purpose and love. His personal anecdotes about Monroe and Madison serve as a guiding light, promising Nikki that while her life will undeniably transform, it will also be filled with an indescribable happiness she’s never known before.
As for Brie and husband Daniel Bryan, who are second-time parents after welcoming son, Buddy Dessert Danielson — The Miz recognized the unique dynamic of expanding a family. “Two kids, that is a whole different level,” Mike observed. “If you thought one was hard, two is just a whole new world.” This astute observation resonates with many parents who have transitioned from one child to two. The shift is not simply double the work, but an exponential increase in demands, requiring new strategies for time management, attention division, and navigating sibling dynamics. Brie, already a seasoned mom to daughter Birdie, now faces the challenge of balancing the needs of a newborn with those of a preschooler, a task that requires immense patience, organization, and an even greater wellspring of parental love. The Miz’s honest assessment serves as both a warning and an encouragement, preparing Brie for the increased intensity while assuring her that the rewards are equally magnified.
The Bella Twins’ Motherhood Journey: A Shared Experience
The Bella Twins’ journey into motherhood has been a remarkably public and shared experience. Nikki and fiancé, Artem Chigvintsev, welcomed their first child together, a son named Matteo, on July 31. Just one day later, her twin sister Brie gave birth to her second child with husband Daniel. The couple are already doting parents to their 3-year-old daughter Birdie, who is now adjusting to her new role as a big sister. Both Nikki and Brie announced their pregnancies around the same time in January, delighting fans with the prospect of their parallel journeys into expanding their families. This unique circumstance has allowed them to support each other through every step of pregnancy, birth, and now the early days of raising their sons, Matteo and Buddy. Having a close confidante who is going through the exact same life-altering experience simultaneously is an incredible advantage, offering mutual understanding, shared laughs, and empathetic support during challenging moments.
Their collective experience as celebrity mothers, often documented on their reality show and social media, provides a relatable glimpse into the universal aspects of parenthood, albeit through a high-profile lens. From the initial excitement of pregnancy announcements to the adorable glimpses of their newborns, the Bella Twins have openly shared their new chapters with their dedicated fanbase. This transparency fosters a sense of community, connecting them with countless other parents who navigate similar joys, sleepless nights, and the boundless love that accompanies raising children. The Miz’s advice, therefore, comes from a place of genuine understanding and shared experience within the unique world of WWE and celebrity families, making it all the more impactful for Nikki and Brie.
Embracing the Awe-Inspiring Journey of Parenthood
The Miz’s heartfelt reflections underscore a universal truth: parenthood is an extraordinary journey that reshapes every aspect of one’s life. From managing demanding careers to embracing the unexpected shifts in personal schedules, and from navigating the initial exhaustion to marveling at every tiny milestone, the path of a parent is filled with unparalleled challenges and immeasurable rewards. His advice to the Bella Twins, rooted in his deep love for Monroe and Madison, serves as a poignant reminder that while life as a parent is undeniably different, it is also infinitely richer and more fulfilling. The love, the joy, and the constant amazement that come with watching children grow truly are “more than anything you have ever imagined,” proving that for The Miz, and for countless parents like him, the greatest championships are won not in the ring, but in the heart of a family.