Mike "The Miz" Mizanin Confirms His Retirement from "The Challenge"

Mike "The Miz" Mizanin last appeared on "The Challenge" in 2005, then called "Real World/Road Rules Challenge." Two decades later, he remains a key figure in the franchise.

At 44, Mizanin spoke exclusively to Us Weekly at the Newport Beach Celebrity Classic golf tournament on March 16. The event supported Steadfast LA and the Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation. He clarified his stance on a potential return to the show. "I retired from The Challenge," he stated. "I told everyone, ‘This is my last one.’ Many doubted me. I insisted, ‘It’s the last one,’ and it actually was."

Despite retiring, Mizanin stays visible in reality television. He has appeared on other shows, including "Fear Factor" and "Dancing With the Stars." Additionally, he hosted reunion episodes of several *Challenge* seasons and led the spin-off series "Champs vs. Stars" for two seasons.

Mizanin may not be in the game, but he follows its evolution closely. "I love seeing the new challengers emerging. It’s amazing how "The Challenge" has surpassed both "The Real World" and "Road Rules,"" he observed. "It’s one of the biggest shows today."

He expressed admiration for Johnny Bananas and Wes Bergmann, who recently appeared on season 3 of "The Traitors." Mizanin has considered competing on the show that airs on Peacock. He remarked, "The hard part about doing "Traitors" is three weeks in Scotland without my phone. I can’t be away from my kids for so long. I need to talk to them. Despite that, I feel I could go on and win."

Mizanin acknowledged that Mark Long, his former "Challenge" comrade from the early 2000s, has made attempts to persuade him to return. "Mark always reaches out. He knows the answer, though. I’m busy with WWE and a new golf YouTube channel called Miz Golf," he explained.

Long commented on Mizanin's career, stating, "When I think of cast members, Mike is in a category of his own: ‘superstar.’ He is one of the hardest workers, so I don't even ask him to return. I enjoy following him and our conversations."

Mizanin hinted at something "big" in the pipeline that would further occupy his time soon. "It’s something I have been passionate about since childhood, and I’m thrilled to take part in it," he shared. "My wife and I are also working on something significant."

Earlier, SSP wrote that Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively will miss this year's Met Gala.