It is a question that pops up every few months like clockwork: is The Miz still wrestling? You see him on a random talk show, or maybe you catch a clip of Miz & Mrs. on a streaming service, and it hits you that the guy has been around since the early 2000s. It feels like he should be retired by now, right?
Honestly, the answer is a resounding yes. Mike Mizanin is not only still under contract with WWE, but he is actively competing on the roster as we head into 2026. He hasn't faded into a "Legend" contract role just yet. While many of his peers from the Ruthless Aggression era have hung up the boots or moved to backstage producer roles, The Miz remains a constant fixture on Friday Night SmackDown and Monday Night Raw.
He's basically the ultimate endurance athlete of sports entertainment. Think about it. He survived the transition from a reality TV "outcast" to a WrestleMania main eventer, and now he's the grizzled veteran helping the new kids find their footing.
Where is The Miz Right Now?
If you haven't tuned into WWE lately, you might have missed his recent transition. After a long-running and fan-favorite tag team with R-Truth (the "Awesome Truth" reunion that actually saw them capture the Raw Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania XL), things have shifted.
The Miz has spent a good chunk of late 2025 and early 2026 involved in high-stakes storylines. Most recently, on the January 2, 2026, episode of SmackDown, he was at the center of a major segment where Randy Orton returned to the blue brand. It didn't go great for Mike—he ended up on the receiving end of two thunderous RKOs—but it proves he’s still a "top of the card" asset when WWE needs someone reliable to work with their biggest stars.
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He also recently participated in the "Last Time is Now" tournament, a series of matches designed to find John Cena's final opponents before Cena's retirement tour concludes. While Miz didn't win the tournament—losing to the likes of Jey Uso—his involvement showed that the office still views him as a pillar of the TV product.
The 20-Year Anniversary Milestone
2026 is actually a massive year for Mike Mizanin. It marks his 20th anniversary as a televised WWE performer. If you want to feel old, remember that he first appeared on Tough Enough back in 2004, but his official main roster debut happened in 2006 as a "host" for SmackDown.
Very few people survive two decades in the ring. The physical toll is usually too much. But Miz has always been praised for his "safe" style. He doesn't do 450 splashes. He doesn't take unnecessary risks that blow out his knees or neck. Because of that, he’s rarely spent significant time on the shelf with injuries.
"Every time there’s a release, I’m like, 'Oh no, is it me?'"
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That’s a real quote from Miz during a recent interview on the Insight show with Chris Van Vliet. It sounds wild to think a guy with his resume—two-time Grand Slam Champion, WrestleMania headliner—would be worried about his job. But that’s the mindset that keeps him relevant. He treats every year like he’s still trying to prove he belongs in the locker room.
Recent Match Highlights (Late 2025 - Early 2026)
- December 26, 2025: Miz played the "Grinch" role in a holiday-themed "Miracle on 34th Street Fight" against Joe Hendry on SmackDown. He lost, but the segment was a highlight for its entertainment value.
- November 2025: Competitive matches against Jey Uso and Carmelo Hayes as part of the Cena retirement tournament qualifiers.
- January 2, 2026: A high-profile segment with Randy Orton that reminded everyone Miz is still one of the best "talkers" in the business.
Is Retirement on the Horizon?
The rumors of The Miz retiring have been swirling for years. With his successful reality show, his hosting gigs (like Barmageddon or various MTV specials), and his budding movie career, he has plenty of exits.
However, there is zero evidence that he is planning to stop in 2026. His current contract status is generally kept private, but industry insiders suggest he is locked in for at least the next couple of years. He has often mentioned in interviews that as long as his body feels good and the fans are still reacting—whether they're cheering him or booing him out of the building—he wants to keep going.
He is currently filling the "Gatekeeper" role. If a new star like Je'Von Evans or Carmelo Hayes gets called up from NXT, they usually work with Miz first. Why? Because he doesn't miss. He knows where the cameras are, he knows how to structure a match for TV, and he makes his opponents look like a million bucks.
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Why He Still Matters in 2026
In an era where "work rate" and "five-star matches" are the buzzwords, The Miz matters because he understands the entertainment part of sports entertainment. He’s the bridge between the old-school character-driven wrestling and the modern athletic style.
You've got to respect the hustle. He isn't just "still wrestling"—il is thriving. He’s managed to stay relevant through the PG Era, the "New Era," and now the "Triple H Era."
If you’re looking to catch him in action, he is currently a regular on Friday Night SmackDown. With WrestleMania 42 heading to Las Vegas in April 2026, you can bet the "A-Lister" is going to find a way to get himself on that card, likely in a marquee celebrity-involved match or a high-profile tag team scenario.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch SmackDown: This is his current home brand as of early 2026.
- Follow Socials: He is highly active on Instagram and TikTok, often posting "day in the life" content that shows his training regimen.
- Check Peacock/Netflix: Depending on your region, check the latest WWE PLEs (Premium Live Events) to see his major matches, as he is still a frequent participant in the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.
He isn't going anywhere yet. The Miz is a lifer, and in 2026, he’s proving that being "Awesome" doesn't have an expiration date.