If you’re vaguely aware of WrestleMania, then you probably know it’s the biggest spectacle in professional wrestling. On Sunday, the 35th WrestleMania had a lot going on: including an unprecedented number of female wrestlers, and a memorable victory from Kofi Kingston. But, in terms of internet memes, none of this was the main event. Instead, the dad of one wrestler in specific has taken the spotlight.
George Mizanin is the father of Mike “The Miz” Mizanin. Mike was facing off against Shane McMahon, himself the son of WWE chairman Vince McMahon. Before the match began, the elder Mizanin showed up in the ring clad in what seemed to be a brand-new WrestleMania shirt—a dad move if we’ve ever seen one.
And while he did rock a sweet ‘stache, it was Mizanin’s luxurious mullet that the Internet celebrated, along with his dead serious facial expression and dukes-up fighting stance straight out of Vaudeville. One of the first tweets recognizing Mizanin’s epic dadness came from comic book writer B.J. Mendelson.
I know I sad Jackie Chan was going to be the model for my new comic about a murderous suburban Dad, but Chan now has some competition #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/50u2f38FOp
— B.J. Mendelson (@BJMendelson) April 8, 2019
That picture was the basis for several of creative Photoshop efforts. The Miz’s dad quickly found himself cast in Avengers: Endgame in a twist that no one saw coming.
I don't often watch wrestling, but when I do, this happens… #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/upTi4HdJch
— Adam Barnhardt (@adambarnhardt) April 8, 2019
He also traveled back in time and through some kind of Wreck-It Ralph portal into the world of video games. More specifically, taking on Raiden in the original Mortal Kombat game.
Miz's dad is very intense #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/qvD4vcs5Xq
— Michael C (@Dark5tar1) April 8, 2019
Plenty of other wrestling fans weighed in, quickly turning George into a folk hero.
GEORGE MIZANIN IS THE BEST WRESTLING DAD IN KNOWN HISTORY AND I'LL ACCEPT NO ARGUMENT TO THE CONTRARY https://t.co/sdRaDNgOff
— Drop Dead Brett (@Ymarksthespot) April 8, 2019
GEORGE MIZANIN IS A BETTER DAD THAN NARUTO SEND TWEET #WrestleMania
— KOFI IS WWE CHAMPION!!! (@blackbelt1998) April 8, 2019
The Miz’s dad 100% wears a Speedo to the beach. #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/V6g4WOFStd
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) April 8, 2019
Miz’s Father uses the power of Dad Mullet to protect his son from Vince McMahon’s bright red child. #WrestleMania
— Chris Miller(MusicalChairShots) (@HowardBrosell) April 8, 2019
When you're lit off 5 strawberry margaritas at Applebee's #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/LhdUR1Gx0W
— Markey (@MarkeyDelRey) April 8, 2019
When you're about to clock off work and a customer asks a question. #wrestlemania pic.twitter.com/8a4nnesaUl
— American Fury (@AFuryJWest) April 8, 2019
And while the younger Mizanin lost his match, his dad’s place in meme history is secure.
The Miz may have lost, but his Dad is forever a meme. #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/hpLR8bDjId
— x – jezza (@JezzaMxwll) April 8, 2019
