When you’re an A-Lister, you tend to get days named after you. That’s just how it is.
Former WWE Champion and eight-time Intercontinental Champion The Miz’s hometown of Parma, Ohio, declared today “Mike The Miz Day” in celebration of his many accomplishments in the squared circle and beyond.
Miz joined friends and family in a special ceremony at Normandy High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete, student government president and senior yearbook editor.
“I am absolutely humbled and I am honored to be here today,” Miz said upon receiving the key to the city from Parma Mayor Timothy DeGeeter. “This is absolutely incredible. I was just in that gymnasium looking around, walking around halls that I used to walk around in. I could say it feels like yesterday, but it really doesn’t! I gotta say, it’s been 20 years since I’ve been back in that school. And I can honestly say that I am proud of the man that I’ve become. I really, truly am. And a lot of people might look at that as egotistical, arrogant. I say it’s confidence. And sometimes we don’t look at confidence enough.”
The A-Lister continued to rev up the crowd with an inspirational speech, recapping his journey to “The Real World” and, ultimately, WWE, where he has become a role model for millions of WWE Universe members around the world. But it all started at home.
“I promise you, you are in the right city. You are being raised in the right city. I wouldn’t have all of the successes that I’ve had if it wasn’t for the city of Parma,” Miz affirmed. “I truly believe that. And it’s not just about the city. It’s about the people in the city.”
Miz concluded his speech by honoring the memory of one his friends and classmates, Jeff Boskovitch, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country as a U.S. Marine. Miz shared the honor of “Mike The Miz Day” with his friend, declaring that it was also “Jeff Boskovitch Day.”
Watch WKYC Channel 3 News’ highlight from The Miz’s speech below.