"I told you this was the right choice."
This is all I said to my manager when he called me, following my win against Knox on Mayhem. Just like I said, it did not matter what Knox tried or how he attempted to evade me, because I was going to defeat him. I was going to prove to him what we already knew. That just as football had passed him by, wrestling has as well. That I am the star he wished he could be. He did give me a good workout though, so I appreciate that. He went out there and made me earn the win, that's for sure. Just as I asked him to. It was the only way I could make sure that the message was heard loud and clear. That the fans could see for themselves that I'm not just another flash in the pan. That I'm not one and done but the real deal and the name that they need to be watching out for both now and in the future.
Knox was just the first domino to fall.
I'm not going to sit here and tell you that the task is complete though. Far from it. I know there's still a bridge between where I am now and where I want to be. To where I can be considered as "in line" for championships and marquee matches, but trust me... it's not a case of if I ever cross that bridge, but when. Even if that means I have to go into the ring each and every week, body bagging people and making sure they are simply at my feet, then I will do just that. It won't matter to me who they are or what their prestige is, they are all the same to me.
Victims.
Speed Bumps and walls, there to be run over and through, so that when the time comes, I cannot be denied the top billing. The all star status that I deserve. My name at the top of the mountain, with everybody else trying to climb up and meet me there. Just as they do with John Cavanagh. It's why I am here. It's why I made the decision to step into the ring and to me, it's what we all should be striving for. It's not about the money. It's not about fame. It's about the influence as Clay Aiken once said. The ability to influence a generation. To show them that you can make it. That you can go out and accomplish anything that you set your mind to that motivates me. That keeps me grinding each and every day, making sure I'm at the top of my game each and every match.
Letting them know that they can't outwork me.
Nobody can. Nobody will. That includes the champion himself. I know that, he knows that and you know that too. Don't lie, because just as I showed against Knox, I'm not taking this lightly. I'm not just stepping into that ring and doing the bare minimum. I plan on being the bar setter. The one who goes out there and makes sure that everybody knows the level they have to be at in order to match me. I say match, because there's no way that you're going to be able to exceed the blood, sweat and tears I plan on leaving between the ropes. Don't let that stop you from trying though, because it'll make it all the more fun to watch when it hits you. It isn't enough. That the fans see right through you and realize that you aren't him. That you aren't what you say you are, but rather just another man who reached for the stars, only to fall on your face.
That is especially true for the two men who will be sharing the ring with me this coming Mayhem. Two men who are a step above the level of Knox but will face the same fate as he did come Mayhem. It doesn't matter that one of them is preparing for a United Kingdom title shot at K2S and sees this as being a tune up, or that the other is a running buddy of the world champ, who is hoping to use this to showcase his own abilities and show just why the crew he runs with are the alphas in the pack. I'm not scared. I'm not intimidated by all that noise and how you guys are supposed names everybody has on their lips, because the tide is shifting. People are starting to wake up and take notice. Realize that it's not just talk about me anymore, but that I am every bit the talent. The star. The future champion that I claim to be.
"When I said I wanted them to keep the seat warm, I meant it. Each day, it keeps heating up, waiting for me to sit atop it."
That is the statement I made when Michael Morrison came to me after the Knox match, waiting for a soundbite for Netflix. Something I was more than happy to give him because it's the goddamn truth.. Each day, the seat awaits me. Being warmed to the point where it will be at its most comfortable by the time I reach it. To me, this week is just another step toward it. Another opportunity for me to show I'm not playing around. Max, Andy, I hope neither of you want to play around either and step up to the challenge, because I want this one to be left with an exclamation mark.
I'm the one standing between you and where you want to be.
I'm not the sort of roadblock you'll be able to simply run through, either. I'm the roadblock that will leave you flat on your back, seeing stars and wondering where you went wrong. Why you weren't able to pass through as easily as you had assumed. I'm the concrete wall that you'll bang your head against over and over, without as much as leaving a single scratch on it, whereas you're simply paper mâché. Flimsy and waiting for me to tear right through you and leave you scattered in my wake.
Mayhem is where that will be exposed.
Just as it was for the match against Knox, I hope everybody else in the back and in the stands is watching, because it will be your turn sooner rather than later. The freight train will be headed your way, so now is the time to watch. Prepare. Brace yourself for when it runs you over.
The scene opens to a gym on the outskirts of Paris, where the pungent aroma of leather and sweat combines to attack the nose, scaring away anyone that is unfamiliar with it. The equipment, including treadmills. bench presses, punching bags, stationary bicycles and weight stations are positioned around the room as the hardwood floor begins to splinter underneath, in need of repair and polish. Gray metallic lockers make up the back wall of the room, in between the entrance to the two changing rooms and with oaken benches in front of them. It is there that a black gym bag can be seen on the floor, unzipped and with a blue polyester towel spread out at the top. Sitting on the bench slightly to the right of the bag, is Deandre Williams. Attired in a black singlet with the Nike swoosh in the middle of the chest, black basketball shorts and white/red Nike Air Force 1 sneakers. A focused, intense look on his face, beads of sweat glisten as they run down his face, some dropping down onto the wooden floor as his breathing steadies.
Deandre: I did exactly what I said I was going to do against Knox. I went out there and dominated. I went out there and proved that it never mattered that he had the Purge. Or that he had actually made it to the NFL whereas I hadn't. All that mattered is what was going to happen in that ring at Mayhem. Which was, me taking him down and taking his place on the mountain. Something that nobody who watched that match can deny. He thought he could walk in and assume that I would lie down for him. Help him find his way and prove himself, without understanding that's not who I am. That I don't care if they throw him out or if he comes to the realization that wrestling isn't for him. I'm too busy trying to get to the top. Get to where I belong and he stood in the way of that.
Therefore, he had to be taken down.
He was simply an example. A message to everyone else that when you step to me. When you get into that ring and look into my eyes, you're not looking into the eyes of somebody who wants to make you look good or wants to let you eat. You're stepping toe to toe with somebody who wants to take your food. Who wants to leave you in the ring, down and out. Wondering if you're really as prepared or ready for the limelight as you thought you were. Unsure of if the business is truly for you, if you cannot scale the mountain. If you cannot measure up to the name that is soon going to be at the top.
He flashes a smile, as the intensity of his words flows throughout the air.
Deandre: Realizing that maybe they were right about you. Maybe it is better off if you step aside and let the top dog. The alpha wolf ascends at your expense. Don't worry, I promise the sooner you accept it. The sooner you embrace that reality, the less it will hurt when it comes for you and you are right in the headlights of the freight train. Waiting to be steamroller over before it moves onto its next destination and the next person to find itself on its tracks. After all, that is what you signed up for when you entered the sport. You knew eventually, there was going to become somebody who is everything you claimed to be. Who steps into that ring and simply puts you to shame. It's why it is known as a dog eat dog world. You come in and pick up those weaker than you, then fall the moment somebody stronger and more primed comes around. Evolution 101.
His eyes narrow as he slides himself forward, so that he is sitting on the edge of the bench, glaring forward.
Deandre: That is where I come in. I am that stronger, faster, superior being that is here to take your place. The one who is going to step into that ring and not just tell you he's better than you, but show you in the ring too. The one who walks the walk as well as talks the talk, something I know irks most of those in the back, as they want to believe I'm not a threat. That I'm just another multi-sport athlete who bit off more than they can chew and will be put back in his place, only to be shocked when it doesn't happen and I'm knocking on your door like the grim reaper. Ready to leave a trail of blood as I take you down and leave you where you lay. Broken and seeing for yourself what it means to be the man. To be the one nobody can match, no matter how hard they work. No matter how much they grind.
No matter how much you wish to deny the reality of it.
This Mayhem will just be the next step. The next two people stepping up to the plate and attempt to offer resistance. Attempt to show that I'm not primetime yet. That I still don't have what it takes to be the alpha. The one who runs the show, and that there is still a lot to learn in this business. I already know what they're going to say. "You can't walk into our sport and take our place." "You're still young and 'green'. Not ready for the lights to shine on you." If I were in their shoes, I'd be saying the same things, because I am still young. I am still new to the business compared to both of them, but that just means I'm hungry. That just means I have a point to prove in the ring. A chip on my shoulder that they cannot and will not repress. A thirst that will not be quenched until the two of you are on the mat, bathed in your own misery and understanding of the truth that just plowed its way through you.
Scowling, he reaches down and grabs the towel from his bag, using it to wipe the sweat from his face before resting it atop his lap.
Deandre: It doesn't matter if you're gunning for gold at K2S or if you're one of those running with the champion. I don't care about your status or if you think that this is supposed to be your chance to leave an imprint or send a message to those who are holding what you desire and that this is simply something for you to do while you wait. You can treat this like that though, because it'll make it all the more fun when you realize that something you saw as just a means to an end became the thing that spelled your own end loud and clear. That knocked you down and sent you spiraling, grasping at the momentum you thought you were holding, only for it to go up in a cloud of smoke. Vanishing before your very eyes.
A smile crosses his face, as he wipes his face with the towel once more, catching the beads that had begun to run down his face.
Deandre: I saw your match against Liam, Max. I know what you're capable of between those ropes. That there's a good reason why you're in line to take home gold for yourself at K2S. Why this to you, is your way of being able to visualize Fred in the ring. Seeing both myself and Andy as him to motivate yourself and bring out the rage you hold toward him. Let him know what he should expect when the time comes and he has nowhere to run or hide from you. Yet Fred isn't the one that's stepping into the ring against you this week. He isn't the one whose eyes you're going to have to look into and see when you stare into the two opposing corners. All he is this week, is a distraction. Someone who is sitting rent free inside of your head, messing with your focus and taking it from where it should be.
That being on me.
I'm the one you should be planning for. The one who should be at the forefront of your mind, even more so than Andy. More so than Fred, even if the lure of gold attracts you to that line of thought, because I promise... if I sense your focus is anywhere else at Mayhem. If I even get a whiff of your blood in the water, I'm striking and ripping you to shreds. I'm exposing you as nothing more than a man who just so happened to strike gold because I wasn't here at that time. I wasn't in that ring when you got named as the challenger. Giving the blueprint on how to not just beat you, but dominate in the process. I know that's not what you want to happen. I know you want to prove that you're capable of ascending to the throne of UK champion. Of being the gatekeeper people have to go through if they want that belt for themselves, so go out there and show it. Prove that Fred isn't consuming your mind. Prove that this match is just as vital to you as the impending K2S match.
Doing anything else will be a failure.
Not just to the fans or to myself and Andy, but to yourself. Deep down, I know it'll eat away at you to lose when you're within reach of the gold. When your aspiration and mission is so close to being successful, I promise that is what is going to happen if you are distracted. If you let Fred divert you from the lights and the marquee at Mayhem. It's your decision on if you want that to happen or if you want to try and be the one to take me down. Give me the "welcome to the big leagues" moment people talk about.
He chuckles, having always enjoyed when analysts use that statement.
Deandre: Which Max are we going to get at Mayhem? The one who is focused and driven on this match, or the one who is letting himself get blinded by K2S?
Exhaling, he then leans back.
Deandre: Don't think I'm forgetting about you though, Andy. You are just as much on my radar as Max is going into this match. Especially as you are working with the World Champion, acting as his bodyguard and reinforcement. You know what we call those sorts of people in the football world? Waterboys. There to fetch water and then stand aside once the real men begin to play. Only useful to carry the bottles out and the bags of the stars of the show. Is that what you want to be known as? Is that truly the status you want when people look at you? The coattail rider of the champion, who caters to him and struggles when it comes time to stand on his own? Left behind and exposed to the world when the lights are on him and him alone? You call yourself the "Heir Apparent" but we both know you're not an heir.
You're a lackey.
I know it probably hurts hearing somebody say that. I know it's bursting that little bubble you allow yourself to live in, where you believe that you are truly next in line. That you're going to be able to get the opportunities on the table. That John will make sure you're fed like he has been, but we both know that isn't true. We both know that the crumbs he gives you are just to keep you happy and at his tail, just like it is when the coach gives the guy sitting at the bottom of the depth chart some snaps to appease them. Keep them in the palms of their hands. That's you. Sitting there, believing that coach sees something in you, when in reality... he just doesn't want to deal with you being a whiny little child if you don't get on the field. This Mayhem, you get the chance to step into the ring. To go out there and make the most of the opportunity, yet sadly for you... I'm the one on the other side. The star man. The starter. The one who is making sure you remain buried on the depth chart, and it's not because of nepotism or bias.
It's because I'm simply better than you.
It's just the facts of the matter. There isn't any secret force holding you back. There isn't anybody out there making sure you don't get your shine... you're just not built for the spotlight. You're just not as gifted or talented as you think, even if you have been doing this all your life. Even if you have been a top dog somewhere else or even here in the IIW, it doesn't change the truth that in the current climate. In the landscape as it is now, you are nothing more than the back up. The reserve and that's okay. Every good roster needs those who can fill in those spots. Offer competition but fall when the stars come out. When the truly top tier guys, the ones being built around need to shine. That's what Mayhem is. You simply playing your role and giving me a reputable name to showcase that it wasn't just Knox who didn't stack up. It was you too. Same as with Max.
I want you to go out there and bring the fight to me. Show that even though you are the waterboy, that there is some bite to you. That you're prideful in making sure John is untouched and able to fend off anyone who might be thrown in front of you. Use this as bulletin board material. It won't matter a damn thing.
Placing the towel back in the bag, he stands, grabbing the bag and slinging it across his shoulder as he prepares to leave the gym. Having finished his workout forty five minutes ago and needing to head back to his hotel and shower up.
Deandre: It's not personal, Max and Andy. It's just business and you two are the next names on my list.
His steps echoing throughout the gym, he walks through the glass door and out to the carpark. Making sure that everything is mentally checked off so that he can head to the next commitment.
The scene changes to one of a hotel room, where Deandre can be seen sitting on an oaken chair. Attired in a white polo, black pants and chocolate brown loafers, he stares across at a woman who appears to be his age, if not slightly younger than him. Her chocolate brown hair tied into a ponytail, she is wearing a sky-blue t-shirt with a dolphin leaping out of the ocean emblazoned on the right breast, denim jeans with a silver buckled light brown belt and black leather boots. Her ocean blue eyes stare at him, as a milk white manila folder sits on the table in front of her.
Deandre: So, what's up Melanie? I know you didn't just fly out all this way just to shoot the shit.
The woman, his personal assistant Melanie Bennett, laughs, smiling at Deandre in a manner that confirms she hadn't just come to talk with him.
Melanie: You're right. I actually came to talk to you about the social media hype surrounding your match with Knox and the upcoming main event with Max and Andy. Let you know what people online are saying about it.
It's Deandre's turn to laugh, as he shakes his head.
Deandre: You know I don't care about all that. I just go out there and do my thing. That's why I hired you and Mark... that's your area of expertise, not mine.
Melanie: I know, but think of it this way. The more they talk about you, the more motivation you can get. The more people you can influence in between the ropes and show them they can be part of the new generation. The stars of the future. Plus, who knows... maybe there's some material you can use to motivate you in the ring.
Deandre sighs, knowing she has a good point. Even if he doesn't need it, having that motivation there and proving them wrong is always nice. Just as it was when he was on the football field.
Deandre: True. I don't need it, but it's fun to watch their faces when they realize they've been sleeping on you.
Melanie: You want me to show you?
Deandre: Yeah.
Melanie opens the folder, sliding it across to Deandre, with the messages atop a piece of paper she had printed out. Each one color coded and timestamped to make it easier for him to follow.
WrestlingManic @wrestlemanic
DeAndre has all the tools to be great. The size and power is there. I'm just not sure he's able to take the next step and match up with Max Stone at Mayhem. Maybe I'll be proven wrong, but for now... Max is the man to beat.Mina Kimes @mina_kimes
DeAndre is him. Unfortunate not to get a spot on the Dolphins roster but has shown that he is just as capable in the ring as he was on the football field. The reason I tune into Mayhem.The Wrestling Shield Podcast @wrestling.shild
There's no question Deandre is talented in the ring. This week might be a step too far this early in his career though. I just hope he doesn't flame out and let the rush get to him.Furrowing his eyebrows at each message, Deandre closes the folder, sliding it back across to Melanie as his expression turns colder and his eyes narrow.
Deandre: They don't get it, do they?
Melanie gives him a questioning look, humming.
Melanie: Get what?
Deandre: The fact that I was born for the spotlight. That I live for the big time moments. The opportunities to feast upon the top stars and show them they are just placeholders. There until I decide it's time to step up and take their place. They'll learn at Mayhem though. That's a promise.
Melanie" See? I told you there might be bulletin board material in there. Max is the star to them, so if you want to send a message. If you want to not only promote your brand but prove to them you're ready for this step, you need to go out there and beat him. Silence them and let them know you're as much him as you were in the match against Knox.
Deandre: Oh, I will. Max is the first name I have in my sights for this match. I know Andy's there too but Max is the one who has more to lose. He's the threat and I plan on taking him out. Knocking him down a peg and showing that he is a human. He is just another man to take down and leave in the wake of my storm.
Noting the focus and intensity within Deandre, Melanie smiles. Knowing that the right buttons have been pushed inside of him and that he is locked in on the match. Just like he was last Mayhem.
Melanie: I know you will. Just remember, try not to get ahead of yourself. Both Andy and Max are top competitors and I'm sure they're not going to hesitate to shut you down if you allow yourself to think you've already won. Just as you have bulletin board material, they'll have it as well. It's like the Georgia Bulldogs. You don't need to poke the bear more than needed, otherwise you'll be the one embarrassed and with their brand damaged.
Deandre: Don't worry. I'm not about to let that happen. It doesn't matter how much motivation they have. They're not going to beat me. They're not going to outwork me and they're sure as hell not going to use me as their own little statements. I've got everything covered in that ring.
Melanie: I know you do. Just want to make sure you don't take your eyes off the ball.
Deandre laughs.
Deandre: I won't. Trust me.
Melanie's smile widens. This is exactly what she wanted to see from Deandre and why she told Mark she would fly here to see him. Keep him focused and on the path toward greatness, especially with how big the match is for him. Especially this early into his career.
Melanie: Between you and me, I know you're ready for this step. I know you're built for these sorts of moments... it's just up to you to prove me right and open their eyes.
Deandre: Of course. That's why I got into this sport. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't want to open their eyes. Show the world that this is my domain now and that they're just living in it.
This is what I live for,
All eyes on me. Waiting to see me bring my A-game to the table and shine. This is what separates the superstar from the role player. The number one from the number ten. I know IIW sees it the same way too. Otherwise why would they give me a match like this right now?
Melanie: You're not wrong there. I know they were very happy with the ratings you brought in with the First take interview and your appearances on social media. Just make sure you're not just talking though.
Deandre can't help but chuckle at that statement.
Deandre: You know I walk it. I wouldn't be talking if I couldn't back it up.
Melanie nods, before looking down at the silver watch on her wrist. Her eyes widen when she notices the time.
Melanie: Shit. I forgot I needed to make a call.
Deandre: Alright. I'm just about to head back out anyway. Planning to hit a restaurant for dinner then the gym again.
Melanie: Alright. I'll email you tomorrow about the photoshoot.
Deandre: Sounds good to me.
Melanie stands up, picking up the folder before making her way to the door as Deandre arises, making his way toward the chocolate two-seat leather sofa about eleven feet from where he had been sitting, preparing to relax before he heads out again. Keep himself in the same mindset he intends to be in for the match with Max and Andy. The primetime main event of Mayhem and his chance to make a massive statement early in his career