The wrestling world is no stranger to showmanship, but every so often, a superstar steps out of the squared circle and into the unexpected. The year 2025 may have ushered in another such instance, as Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, WWE’s famed loudmouth, finds himself in a whole new arena—Major League Baseball, albeit in cardboard form.

That’s right, the Parma, Ohio native, known for his reality TV beginnings and headlining wrestling antics, has made his debut in the MLB’s 2025 Topps Series 2. Mizanin’s inclusion isn’t because he’s taken up swinging a bat for the Guardians (though that might be entertaining), but due to his ceremonial first pitch at Progressive Field, which has cemented his presence in the exclusive Topps series.

For those unacquainted with the intricate—and somewhat addictive—world of trading cards, Topps has long been a giant in the genre. Their tradition of featuring celebrity and athlete first-pitch appearances with Short Print (SP) cards adds a sprinkle of charisma to their collections. SP cards, produced in more limited quantities, are the white whales in the collecting sea. They lure enthusiasts into the hunt with the promise of scarcity and value. Other notable names to have joined these hallowed ranks recently are rapper Travis Scott, NBA sensation Victor Wembanyama, and Latin pop icon Bad Bunny—all captured in moments hurling baseballs at MLB games.

But what makes The Miz’s card truly compelling isn’t just the rarity or his celebrity status. It’s the storyline that comes with it: a hometown hero hurling the first pitch in his beloved city’s ballpark. Mizanin has never been coy about his Cleveland roots, his palpable pride in his place of origin often shining through his brash and flamboyant persona.

The card captures much more than his pitch—it’s a memento of nostalgia and home pride wrapped up in a collectible piece that marries sports and entertainment in a satisfying way. It’s a testament to the unique paths celebrities can tread, particularly when they have the charisma and adaptability of The Miz. To top it off, this MLB trading card debut marks a unique crossover for a personality largely associated with the world of body slams and suplexes.

When word got out about The Miz’s trading card debut, the reaction was a blend of bemusement and enthusiasm, none more so than from the man himself. The Miz, known for his energetic and often tongue-in-cheek social media presence, delighted fans with his surprise and eagerness. He’s proved once again that he thrives on unexpected twists, tweeting, “Wait, this is real?! I need this!” encapsulating the thrill that both wrestling and trading card enthusiasts felt.

Riding the wave of this excitement, the 2025 Topps Series 2 set has instantly become a collector’s dream. Part of its charm is rooted in the intrigue of possibly pulling a card featuring The Miz, lending an additional layer of amusement and allure. Hobby shops and online marketplaces are buzzing as collectors and casual fans alike hope to unearth this unexpected gem.

The set itself hosts a myriad of cards featuring baseball’s top players, but The Miz provides a unique cultural crossover that sparkles with entertainment allure. It’s a moment that prompts reflection on where celebrity culture intersects with sports memorabilia and how these unions capture the public’s fascination. With Topps’ penchant for blending sports with popular culture, rest assured that fans and collectors will continue to be treated to more unexpected surprises where the world of trading cards and celebrity stardom meet in whimsical harmony.

Now cemented alongside baseball elites—on cardstock, if not on the diamond—The Miz has added yet another notch to a diverse career overcoming stereotypes and expectations. Whether it’s collecting gold belts in wrestling or springing up unexpectedly in sports card packs, The Miz proves that with enough flair and individuality, the world is indeed a playground waiting to be taken for a ride.

The Miz First Pitch Baseball Card