Ernest "The Cat" Miller was undoubtedly one of professional wrestling's most boisterous and colorful characters in the late 1990s and early 2000s during his stints with WCW and WWE. Despite being a low-to-midcard wrestler, the three-time world karate champion (yes, that was real!) and ISKA kickboxing champion had a strong connection to the audience with his perfect blend of charisma, flair, and heel tactics. Often emulating Muhammad Ali and referring to himself as "The Greatest," Miller won crowds over with his crazy James Brown-inspired dancing, but it was karate that initially brought him to professional wrestling.
Eric Bischoff Discovered Miller While He Was His Son's Karate Instructor
Ernest Miller was a high school football star at linebacker in the Atlanta area, before going on to become an All-American at Savannah State University. He participated in training camps for both the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots, but ultimately gave up football to pursue a career in karate. In addition to being a three-time karate world champion, Miller also took a lot of pride in the teaching aspect of the martial art. One of his students just so happened to be Garrett Bischoff, the son of WCW executive Eric Bischoff.
Bischoff, being a fellow karate man himself, saw a lot of promise in Miller as a potential pro wrestler. Miller refused Bischoff's offer multiple times, as he wanted to continue focusing on his karate career and help his crop of students achieve their black belts. He eventually signed with WCW in 1996 and began training at the Power Plant. He made his debut at Slamboree 1997, coming from the crowd to save Glacier from an attack from Wrath and Mortis. WCW commentators thought Miller was merely a fan that jumped the barricade, but then realized it was indeed the three-time world karate champ Ernest Miller. The Cat's professional wrestling career was off and running.
Ernest "The Cat" Miller Was Heavily Inspired By James Brown
After Miller split off from Glacier, he become a heel and aligned himself with manager Sonny Onoo. In addition to claiming to be the greatest, The Cat constantly bragged that he could beat anybody in under two minutes. And he often would, using his signature kicks and plenty of help from Sonny Onoo. While he was feuding with Glacier, The Cat would come out with a snow machine and to Glacier's music, which was purchased by Onoo. However, most of the time in WCW, The Cat's music was inspired by his biggest influence, legendary funk musician James Brown.
The Cat dressed like Brown, and even began wearing Brown's signature red shoes in his matches. He would often load said shoes with a foreign object to help him defeat opponents. Dancing was certainly one of the hallmarks of Miller's career, and he would even engage in the "dance off" of a lifetime with James Brown himself at Slamboree 2000.
Leading up to the event, Miller had promised that James Brown would be there. During a backstage interview, Mean Gene Okerlund questioned the whereabouts of The Godfather of Soul, but The Cat insisted he would be there. Being the great heel that he was, The Cat first brought out a James Brown impersonator, but then the real James Brown came out with his entourage. The two danced together with one of his biggest heroes in what was certainly a life and career highlight for Miller.
Ernest Miller Was A Rare Highlight In The Final Days of WCW
The Cat entered a program in 2000 where he was Eric Bischoff's assistant, and was eventually appointed WCW Commissioner. Although still a heel, The Cat brought a lot of humor to the role. As Bischoff's assistant he would mostly follow him around and repeat everything Bischoff said, and as Commissioner he was mostly concerned about ratings and impressing the higher ups at WCW. The Cat would ultimately lose and win back his commissionership multiple times, but his performances were typically highlights, while much of the WCW product was full of lowlights. He would even become a babyface because he would get cheered so much every time he came through the curtain.
Ernest "The Cat" Miller Goes To WWE And Becomes An Actor
While in WCW, The Cat would sometimes use the catchphrase, "Somebody call my momma," which he took with him when he joined WWE in late 2002. His entrance music would include the lyrics "Somebody call my momma" as he waltzed his way to the ring. However, that gimmick was recycled in 2012 and given to "The Funkasaurus" Brodus Clay, much to the chagrin of Miller. Clay would use the catchphrase and dance out to the ring with the "Funkadactyls." Miller felt he didn't get enough credit as being the originator, or enough opportunity in WWE to make the gimmick work.
One opportunity Miller did seize following his wrestling career was acting. He starred in the hit film "The Wrestler," as The Ayatollah, the nemesis of protagonist Randy "The Ram" Robinson. Miller's natural charisma shined through, and he nailed the role. Ernest "The Cat" Miller may not have ever been the most popular wrestler, but he sure made the most of every opportunity and entertained us every (dance) step of the way.