The Miz Seeks Bad Bunny Rematch After WrestleMania 37: Unpacking Respect, Celebrity Impact, and Future Showdowns in WWE
The world of professional wrestling, particularly the grandeur of WWE, often sees an influx of celebrity talent. However, rarely does a crossover star make such an immediate and profound impact as global music sensation Bad Bunny. His electrifying performance at WrestleMania 37, where he teamed up with Damian Priest to defeat the formidable duo of Mike “The Miz” Mizanin and John Morrison, left an indelible mark on fans and fellow performers alike. Despite suffering a high-profile loss to the Latin Grammy winner, The Miz harbors immense respect for Bad Bunny, a sentiment that now fuels a strong desire for a highly anticipated rematch.
A source close to the two-time WWE Champion EXCLUSIVELY revealed to HollywoodLife that The Miz “has gained so much respect for Bad Bunny while he was in the WWE the last few months.” This admiration wasn’t solely for Bad Bunny’s undeniable star power, but more importantly, for his genuine dedication to the craft of professional wrestling. The Miz was particularly impressed that Bad Bunny, a complete newcomer to the intensely physical and theatrical world of WWE, “actually respected the process, the business and really showed up ready for their match at WrestleMania.” This rare blend of celebrity appeal and genuine commitment has set the stage for a compelling narrative: will this newfound respect lead to a highly anticipated return bout between the A-Lister and the global music icon?
A WrestleMania Moment for the Ages: Why Bad Bunny’s Performance Stood Out
The tag team encounter at WrestleMania 37 on April 10, 2021, featuring Bad Bunny and Damian Priest against The Miz and John Morrison, has indeed cemented its place in wrestling lore. Our insider confidently stated that this match “will forever be known as one of the best celebrity crossovers in wrestling history.” This assertion isn’t an exaggeration, given the storied history of celebrity involvement in WWE, which has ranged from fleeting cameos to more substantial, yet often less polished, in-ring performances.
Bad Bunny’s journey to WrestleMania was not a sudden, unearned leap. His initial appearances included a memorable segment at the Royal Rumble, where he performed his hit song “Booker T” and even got involved in a high-flying moment, eliminating The Miz and John Morrison and setting the stage for a rivalry that would ignite on Monday Night Raw. Over several weeks, he became a fixture, engaging in heated feuds with The Miz and John Morrison, which consistently captivated audiences and boosted viewership. Unlike many celebrities who might shy away from the physical demands, Bad Bunny reportedly trained extensively at the WWE Performance Center, immersing himself in the intricacies of professional wrestling, learning the nuances of ring psychology, and mastering basic maneuvers. This unwavering dedication was profoundly evident in his performance at WrestleMania, where he executed complex maneuvers with surprising finesse, demonstrating a deep understanding of storytelling within the ring.
His impressive showing included dynamic sequences, believable “selling” of his opponents’ moves, and even a spectacular “Bunny Destroyer” (a Canadian Destroyer variant) from the top rope, which became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. This wasn’t merely a celebrity appearance; it was a legitimate wrestling performance that defied expectations and earned the genuine respect of both fans and his peers, particularly that of the seasoned veteran, The Miz. The pop culture world collided with sports entertainment in a way that felt authentic and exciting, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
The Miz’s Call for a Rematch: Respect, Legacy, and Unfinished Business
Despite the WrestleMania loss, The Miz’s enthusiasm for Bad Bunny’s talent and potential within the wrestling ring is far from sour. In fact, it seems to have intensified his desire for a rematch, driven by both respect and a competitive fire. “They made a lot of magic that night with their tag partners and The Miz for one would love to run it back one more time down the road when Bunny isn’t preparing or being on a tour,” our source confirmed. This statement highlights not only The Miz’s appreciation for their undeniable in-ring chemistry but also his pragmatic understanding of Bad Bunny’s demanding schedule as a global music icon, acknowledging the need for careful planning.
On April 11, the day immediately following his WrestleMania triumph, Bad Bunny announced his El Último Tour del Mundo tour, named after his critically acclaimed 2020 album. This tour is slated for extensive performances across the U.S. between February and April 2022, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his music career. While this demanding schedule undeniably presents a logistical challenge for any immediate rematch, The Miz’s remarkable willingness to wait speaks volumes about the lasting impact Bad Bunny had, and the potential he sees in a future confrontation.
Our insider further emphasized The Miz’s patience and belief: “So even if it takes more than a year to get a match together again, The Miz would be first in line to want to make it all happen. He would be all for it and believes they could actually get something figured out.” This unwavering determination underscores a significant point: for a seasoned veteran like The Miz, a rematch with Bad Bunny isn’t just about reclaiming a win; it’s about continuing a compelling narrative that resonated deeply with the audience and offered a unique blend of sports entertainment and pop culture. It’s about cementing a legacy and proving his own adaptability in an evolving WWE landscape.
The potential for a rematch isn’t just about The Miz’s personal ambition or a quest for redemption. It also represents a massive draw for WWE. Celebrity involvement, when executed authentically and with genuine effort, brings new eyes to the product. Bad Bunny’s debut was a prime example, attracting his massive fanbase who might not typically tune into wrestling. A rematch would undoubtedly generate similar buzz, offering substantial commercial and promotional benefits for the company, potentially leading to increased viewership, merchandise sales, and social media engagement. Furthermore, it would allow both performers to explore new layers of their rivalry, perhaps in a singles match, which would test Bad Bunny’s wrestling acumen even further against a dedicated and experienced WWE superstar without the aid of a tag partner.
BUNNY DESTROYER!! 😱😱😱#WrestleMania @sanbenito pic.twitter.com/Ot1EE2tSuO
— WWE (@WWE) April 11, 2021
The aforementioned “Bunny Destroyer” delivered by Bad Bunny was a pivotal moment in the match, ultimately sealing the victory. This unexpected display of athleticism and wrestling skill stunned many, including The Miz himself, proving that Bad Bunny was not just there for a promotional appearance but to genuinely compete and leave his indelible mark on the grandest stage of them all. The move, a complex high-impact maneuver, showcased the rapper’s commitment to delivering a truly memorable performance and highlighted the effectiveness of his extensive training.
The Miz’s Pre-Match Confidence vs. Post-Match Reality
Leading up to WrestleMania 37, The Miz was brimming with his characteristic confidence, firmly believing he would emerge victorious against Bad Bunny and put the musical artist in his place. In an EXCLUSIVE interview with HollywoodLife on our podcast, The Miz confidently stated, “Let’s just hope that his fans don’t hate me after I’m done with him.” This comment perfectly encapsulated the veteran wrestler’s typical bravado, his “A-Lister” persona, and his firm belief in his ability to dominate any opponent, regardless of their celebrity status or musical accolades.
However, beneath the confident exterior, The Miz also made sure to acknowledge Bad Bunny’s monumental success and global reach outside the wrestling ring. The Miz & Mrs star didn’t mince words when describing Bad Bunny’s immense appeal: “There is no denying the fact that Bad Bunny is a huge megastar in the music world. I mean, he won a Grammy. He was an SNL musical guest. Not only that, but he was with Shakira and J.Lo when they were doing the Super Bowl, like he was involved in that performance. That’s how big of a celebrity he is,” Miz told us. This acknowledgment underscored the magnitude of the opponent he was facing, setting the stage for a truly significant encounter.
Despite this recognition of Bad Bunny’s cultural impact, The Miz, being the self-proclaimed “Most Must-See WWE Superstar” and a proud WWE veteran, couldn’t let too much credit slide without vehemently asserting his own domain. He further elaborated to HollywoodLife, “But when you come into my realm, which is WWE, and when you come into our biggest event, which is WrestleMania, and you’re staring at me, who is a two-time Grand Slam champion, the only two-time Grand Slam champion in the history of the company, you’re gonna have a problem. And I’m going to teach him the way of the ropes in WWE.”
This quote perfectly illustrates the compelling dynamic leading into the match: a clash between a reigning music superstar venturing into a new, highly demanding territory and a seasoned wrestling veteran fiercely protective of his craft, his legacy, and his company. The irony, of course, is that Bad Bunny not only held his own but secured the decisive victory, proving that his dedication translated into tangible in-ring success. This unexpected outcome only added layers to the story, transforming what could have been a fleeting celebrity appearance into a potential long-term saga that captivated audiences worldwide.
The Enduring Appeal of Celebrity Crossovers in WWE
Bad Bunny’s journey in WWE is a powerful testament to the enduring appeal and potential success of celebrity crossovers when handled with genuine care, respect, and concerted effort. While some past celebrity appearances have been criticized for lacking authenticity or in-ring competence, Bad Bunny’s involvement showcased how a legitimate passion for wrestling, combined with intensive training and the willingness to fully immerse oneself, can effectively bridge the gap between two vastly different entertainment worlds. His ability to connect with the WWE Universe, not just as a celebrity but as a credible performer, has set a new benchmark.
The Miz, an expert at generating heat, captivating audiences, and elevating his opponents, played a crucial role in legitimizing Bad Bunny’s entire WWE run. His initial skepticism, condescending attitude, and eventual grudging respect provided a compelling narrative arc that resonated deeply. It wasn’t just about a pop star wrestling; it was about a pop star earning his stripes in a highly demanding, often unforgiving environment, under the watchful eye of a veteran who initially scoffed at the very idea. This storyline resonated deeply with long-time wrestling fans who appreciate genuine effort, while simultaneously attracting Bad Bunny’s colossal fanbase, creating a significant win-win situation for all involved and broadening WWE’s appeal.
The prospect of a rematch between Bad Bunny and The Miz is therefore not merely wishful thinking from a defeated opponent; it’s a strategically sound move that could further elevate both individuals and the WWE product as a whole. It offers the enticing chance for Bad Bunny to solidify his status as a legitimate wrestling participant, proving his debut was no fluke, and for The Miz to potentially redeem his WrestleMania loss, all while delivering another unforgettable moment that transcends traditional entertainment boundaries. Whether it’s at a future WrestleMania, SummerSlam, or another major pay-per-view event, the wrestling world, and indeed the broader entertainment landscape, will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this unexpectedly captivating and highly impactful rivalry.