Whenever a celebrity steps outside their usual domain for a surprise appearance elsewhere, it often sparks intrigue and amusement. In a twist of fate that’s as unexpected as a plot twist at a wrestling match, WWE superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin has adorned his remarkable résumé with yet another feather. This time, however, it’s not within the squared circle, but on a coveted baseball card. Topps Series 2, slated for release in 2025, pays homage to the larger-than-life wrestler by featuring him in their latest set. The spotlight here, of course, shines on his ceremonial first pitch at Cleveland’s Progressive Field earlier this year.
For those uninitiated into the wrestling or trading card world, this may come across as an oddball crossover. However, for those familiar with Topps, the celebrated card manufacturer, adding celebrities to their roster of trading cards isn’t revolutionary but rather a delightful tradition. Through their special Short Print (SP) cards, they’ve previously immortalized moments when celebrities and athletes have stepped onto the mound, ranging from hip-hop sensation Travis Scott to the basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama, not to overlook global musical phenom Bad Bunny. Each unique appearance at an MLB game becomes a collectible treasure, mingling surprise, sport, and celebrity allure.
Now, why The Miz? The answer lies in his unbreakable bond with Cleveland. Born in the suburbs of Parma, Ohio, The Miz has always been a proud representative of his Cleveland roots, often unabashedly vocal in his hometown allegiance. So, tossing a pitch for the Guardians wasn’t just another day in the limelight; it marked a sentimental homecoming and a reminder of where it all began for him.
The Miz is an enigma, a swirling concoction of charisma and flamboyance. From becoming a household name on MTV’s “The Real World” to stealing the show at WrestleMania, he’s notably fashioned a career on not just being noticed, but being remembered. His allure wasn’t lost even in the world of cardboard collectibles. His debut baseball card, a surprising revelation given his wrestling origins, has successfully blurred the lines between sports entertainment and traditional sports.
The excitement over The Miz’s card wasn’t confined to just avid sports memorabilia collectors; it resonated with Mizanin himself. Caught in the crossfire of shock and cheering fans shouting “Awesome!” into cyber-abyss, The Miz was quick to express his disbelief and enthusiasm on social media. “Wait, this is real?! I need this!” he tweeted excitedly — a sentiment echoed by fans and collectors scrambling to snag this crossover card for their collections.
The 2025 Topps Series 2 set, hot off the press and ready for eager hands, is selling both online and in hobby shops. And as per tradition with SP cards, The Miz’s card won’t be the easiest to come by, making it a thrilling find for anyone opening a pack. Collectors, wrestling aficionados, and baseball enthusiasts alike have a fresh new prize to hunt for. The chase adds to the ultimate fun of collecting, where the journey to pull a Miz SP can be as captivating as the moment itself.
As the borders between varied sporting interests become increasingly porous, The Miz symbolizes a growing trend where sports and entertainment earn cross-sectional appeal, bringing joy to diverse fanbases. Today, a trading card. Tomorrow, who knows? Perhaps a Cleveland Guardians jersey hanging in his trophy room. After all, wrestling fans are well aware — with The Miz, one should always anticipate the unexpected.
