WWE News: The Miz says it's time for the new crop of wrestlers to get their chance in WWE, says he doesn't have many friends in the locker room

The Miz (a/k/a Mike Mizanin) told Brian Fritiz of the Orlando Sentinel's "Between The Ropes" blog that he feels it's time for the younger wrestlers to get their chance in WWE. "I think right now we’re at a time where a lot of the veteran WWE main-eventers are starting to get a little older and we’re starting to realize that they’re not going to be here for the next 10, 15 years and they need to start bringing up a new crop of new WWE superstars.

Miz also commented on the difficulty of earning the respect of his peers due to his reality show background. "That’s always a topic of conversation," he said. "People always ask me how does the locker room like you and the locker room has always hated me. I’ve never had too many friends in the WWE whether it was jealousy, whether they just didn’t like me because I came from the reality world.

"I find it amazing that WWE fans but also the locker room will take in MMA stars, they’ll take in football players, they’ll take in seven-foot tall people, you know. But a reality star comes in and oh, low and behold, he can’t fight. He can’t come into our business. I’m there just to prove everyone wrong, to prove to all those people that said he’s not supposed to be here, he’s just from a reality show.

"Let him host something. Let him host a Diva thing or something. I can actually wrestle and I can actually mean business and do what I say I am and actually be the best in the business." To read the full interview, visit OrlandoSentinel.com.

Powell's POV: It's good to hear some of the younger wrestlers tactfully acknowledging that they believe there time has come to carry the ball. Here's hoping WWE officials recognize this as a sign of the desire the younger wrestlers have and don't punish them for being outspoken.

There's much more to the interview, as Miz gives his thoughts on Shane McMahon leaving the company, stirring up media attention for badmouthing Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini, and the WWE Raw guest host concept. Highly recommended.