Mittelstaedt was inspecting an electrical power plant when a stray bolt of lightning struck a faulty generator and bathed him in electricity. When he emerged from his coma weeks later, he found that he could summon lightning at will to wield as a weapon. He decided to use his power in the name of democracy.
Blitzkrieg was chosen by the Grandmaster during the Contest of Champions. He was unable to defeat Storm. He later assisted Captain America (Steve Rogers) during the contest.
Blitzkrieg was one of many heroes across the globe who battled the Dire Wraiths, buying enough time for Forge and Rom to banish them. Blitzkrieg later joined the Schutz Heiligruppe and began their pursuit of the Red Skull.
