The Miz Vows to Outdrive Charles Barkley at 2025 American Century Championship

WWE superstar The Miz, known off the ring as Mike Mizanin, is gearing up for a redemption swing at the 36th American Century Championship, a celebrity golf showdown set for July 9-13 at the stunning Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course straddling California and Nevada. After a lackluster finish last year, The Miz is all-in, training with top coaches and even launching a YouTube channel, Miz Golf, to sharpen his game.

"My swing’s never been better," Mizanin told WTFNewsRoom, radiating confidence. "I’m not just here to play—I’m here to outdrive Charles Barkley and climb out of the pack’s tail end." The Miz is eyeing a mid-field finish, a bold leap from his usual Sunday slump.

The tournament, a 54-hole Stableford format, draws a star-studded crowd, from NBA’s Stephen Curry to comedian Colin Jost. But for The Miz, the real pressure comes from the thousands of fans lining the fairways and the TV cameras amplifying every swing. "You’re shaking, praying the ball goes straight," he laughed, recalling the adrenaline rush of hearing his name announced like he’s Tiger Woods.

Barkley, a fan-favorite target, is no easy mark. Once mocked for his hitchy swing, the NBA legend has leveled up. "Everyone said I’d beat Charles," The Miz recounted. "But his swing’s smooth now—he’s no pushover." Their first pairing left Mizanin rattled, and he’s determined to flip the script this year.

Edgewood Tahoe, one of Mizanin’s top-five courses, isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a charitable stage. The tournament raises funds for local and national causes, with golfers earning points per hole based on par. Last year, tennis star Mardy Fish claimed victory, following Curry’s 2023 win. With a field this stacked, The Miz’s vow to top Barkley is a storyline to watch.