Retired WWE Star Maryse Chooses Family Over Wrestling Career

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Retired WWE star Maryse Mizanin, 41, is prioritizing her family over a return to the wrestling ring, she revealed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at WWE’s Monday Night Raw on Jan. 6, 2025. The former Divas Champion, who shares two daughters with husband and fellow WWE star Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, said motherhood has reshaped her career ambitions.

“As much as we love what we do, the kids are now priority and number one,” Maryse told PEOPLE. “Especially as a woman, it’s difficult with two kids. I can’t travel the way I used to … And then I don’t want to. I want to be there for my kids. And that’s what makes me happy.”

Maryse, who retired from wrestling after her return to WWE in 2016, emphasized the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. “I want to go to bed at night and know that I’m in the same house as my kids,” she added. “So as much as I love the business — I miss it — I choose my kids.”

Mike Mizanin, 44, echoed his wife’s sentiments, sharing how fatherhood has changed his perspective. “I love my kids to death. And I try to find that healthy balance of fulfilling our dreams — but also because we want to show our kids if you have a dream, go after it and do what you have to do,” he said. “But you also have to be that parent and that dad.”

The couple, who married in 2014, are parents to daughters Monroe Sky, 6, and Madison Jade, 5. Mike joked about his children’s playful attitude toward his fame. “To them, I’m not The Miz, I’m Dad,” he said. “And Dad doesn’t get anything. It’s funny though, when people will come to me and ask for a picture, they’ll go, ‘Is that because you’re The Miz?’ They’re five and six and they’re already roasting me.”

Maryse has previously spoken about the challenges of parenting, including the pervasive feeling of “mom guilt.” “I’m with them all day, every day, but I sometimes feel like it’s never enough,” she told PEOPLE in a past interview. “The mom guilt is really something that not many moms talk about. You leave your house for an hour and you feel guilty about it.”

In addition to their wrestling careers, the couple starred in the reality show “Miz & Mrs.,” which aired on the USA Network from 2018 to 2021. During the recent Raw event, Mike teased the possibility of a new reality show featuring the family. “Well, I think we can’t really … We can tease it,” he said. “So maybe. Maybe you’ll hear about some things. Keep your eyeballs open for a new show with the Miz and Maryse.”

Maryse, who underwent a hysterectomy in 2024 as part of her treatment for a health condition, has made only sporadic wrestling appearances since her return to WWE. While fans have speculated about a potential in-ring comeback, Maryse made it clear that her focus remains on her family. “I choose my kids,” she reiterated.

WWE’s Monday Night Raw airs live every Monday on Netflix at 8 p.m. ET.