The Miz Fires Back at Bryan Danielson With Bold Comments Ahead of WrestlePalooza
In the build-up to WrestlePalooza, The Miz once again turned the spotlight on his long-time rival Bryan Danielson. Speaking during ESPN’s Road to WrestlePalooza special, The Miz addressed criticism of his wrestling approach and took a sharp dig at Danielson without mentioning his name directly.
The Miz said:
“I’ve had people tell me that I have a safe way of wrestling. But that person is no longer here anymore, so we don’t need to talk about him.”
The remark was a clear reference to Bryan Danielson, who has not competed in WWE for more than four years. Despite the time apart, Miz continues to keep their rivalry alive, showing that some grudges in wrestling never truly fade.
The Origin of The Miz and Bryan Danielson’s Feud
The relationship between The Miz and Bryan Danielson began in 2010, when Danielson debuted as part of the original WWE NXT. Despite being more experienced in the ring, Danielson was placed under the mentorship of The Miz, creating immediate tension between the two.
That same year, their conflict escalated when Danielson defeated Miz to capture the United States Championship, marking one of the first defining moments of his WWE career.
In 2016, Danielson—then serving as SmackDown General Manager—criticized Miz’s wrestling style, calling it “soft” and “safe.” Miz’s passionate response on Talking Smack became one of the most talked-about promos of the decade, cementing his reputation as one of WWE’s strongest talkers.
The “Safe” Style Debate
The Miz’s latest comments reignite the debate over wrestling styles in WWE. While some argue that his approach avoids risk, others note that it has given him remarkable career longevity.
Style Comparison Between The Miz and Bryan Danielson
| Wrestler | Wrestling Style | Public Perception | Career Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Miz | Consistent and “safe” | Criticized as “soft” | Long career, minimal injuries |
| Bryan Danielson | Aggressive and high-risk | Praised as intense | Frequent injuries, uncertainty |
This contrast highlights the core of their rivalry: Miz’s calculated, risk-averse method versus Danielson’s high-impact, all-out performances.
The Miz’s Longevity in WWE
With nearly two decades in WWE, The Miz has demonstrated that a measured approach to wrestling can lead to sustained success. He remains an active and central figure on the WWE roster, continuing to reinvent himself while staying injury-free for much of his career.
Bryan Danielson’s future, by contrast, remains less certain. While he has achieved worldwide recognition and critical acclaim, his aggressive in-ring style has repeatedly placed his career in jeopardy.
Why The Miz vs. Bryan Danielson Still Resonates
Even years after their last confrontation, the tension between The Miz and Bryan Danielson continues to captivate wrestling fans. Their feud combines contrasting wrestling philosophies, memorable promos, and championship clashes that shaped both men’s careers.
Key reasons the rivalry endures:
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It represents one of WWE’s best “rookie vs. mentor” storylines.
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The feud produced iconic promo moments, especially on Talking Smack.
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Their clashing styles embody the broader debate over safety vs. risk in wrestling.
Looking Ahead to WrestlePalooza
As WrestlePalooza approaches, The Miz’s ability to revive old rivalries adds fuel to WWE storylines. His comments about Bryan Danielson prove that even after more than a decade, their feud still has relevance across company lines.
For fans, it raises the question: will Bryan Danielson ever return to confront The Miz once again, or will the A-Lister’s “safe style” stand as the ultimate proof of longevity in WWE?
