Title: Convergence

Pairing: Mike Mizanin (The Miz) and Alex Riley (Kevin Kiley, Jr.)
Rating: M
Summary: A hyperrealistic vision of what Mike and Alex experienced behind the scenes. Begins in the summer of 2010 when the two are paired together for NXT. New chapters posted on Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays.

Warning: Just so it's clear, this is a love story between two men.

Started: 07/22/12
Finished: 08/10/13

Disclaimer: Though this story is fictitious, parts of it are inspired by real life events, WWE storyline (only those directly pertaining to The Miz and Alex Riley from the time period of May 2010-April 2012), real life people and if applicable, their WWE counterparts. I own nothing but the fictitious aspects of the labor of love that is Convergence along with the order in which the words are arranged (unless it's dialogue used from the show, etc.). I mean no disrespect to the real Mike and Alex. It's not their fault they have so much chemistry and created such a beautiful template for a love story. No disrespect to any other real life person portrayed in this story, such as (but not limited to) superstars and friends & family members of superstars. This is purely meant for entertainment purposes.

A/N (1): Words will never be able to express how much I love Mizley, but that didn't stop me from writing 100,000 of them.

A/N (2): Two years ago today, I finished my first Mizley fanfic, it was actually the first story I ever wrote (and I'm sure that was quite obvious lol). So with that in mind, I thought it only fitting to post the first chapter of this behemoth today in honor of the story that started it all.

A/N (3): I can't believe I'm finally posting this! This was one of the most difficult and draining things I've ever done, but worth every second. I really hope this is as fulfilling to read as it was to write.

PART I

01. The Hook

A fight could break out at any second. It's in the air. It's palpable, predictable. A discussion turns into an argument and then someone decides to throw a punch. A fist connects with a jaw and suddenly it's a full on brawl.

That's the scene thousands in attendance have grown to expect when two men confront each other in the center of a wrestling ring.

Perched in a chair, atop a stage in a packed arena, Mike watches as a similar situation begins to unravel. One of the men has brought bodyguards to the ring with him, so a fight isn't just expected, it's imminent. Mike balls up his fist, knuckles white. He has more invested in what's going down than even those physically involved.

It all started a couple months ago when he was asked to be a mentor on WWE's newest competition show called NXT. The televised program would pull wrestlers from the obscurity of the developmental stage up to the next level. It was about exposure, giving them a chance to test their skills, to break out of the box. In short, it would be a giant sieve. Those who succeed would be slated to move on - to be incorporated into the active roster - and those who fail would either be released or sent back to the training facility in Florida. NXT would be the last stop in a massive assembly line meant to churn out new product, and the product Mike was assigned to was a young upstart named Daniel Bryan.

Mike was hesitant to sign onto the project at first, mainly because he's spent the better part of his twenties trying to escape association with reality television. His ardent critics have argued that the only reason he was hired by the world's premier wrestling enterprise in the first place, was in large part due to his affiliation with a popular reality show he appeared on in college. Almost a decade later, that particular stigma still follows him around. It certainly doesn't help matters to still be receiving television offers on a regular basis, NXT only being the latest in a long string. However, since it's in-house and he has a constant need to get his name on the lips of every man, woman and child on the planet, it was hard for him to refuse.

Much to Mike's chagrin, personalities clashed the minute mentor met rookie. But given that he'd already heard about Bryan through locker room chatter, Mike already expected it was going to be an uphill battle, and he was more than ready for the challenge. He welcomes anything the company wants to throw at him because ever since he was a kid, all he's dreamt about is being a wrestler - a sports entertainer as they're more commonly referred to these days. And for the past six years he's been working to make that dream a lasting reality, tirelessly climbing the rickety scaffolds on the most competitive and volatile stage the world of professional wrestling has to offer.

It took time, dedication and determination, but over the years he's carved out a spot, made an impression; he's made a good life for himself. Though he's yet to reach his ultimate goal of becoming the WWE Champion, he's proud of everything he's achieved, and everything he has. All of it from the prestige of multiple title reigns, to the impressive two story condo he rents in L.A., right down to the growing collection of custom made suits hanging in his closet.

Needless to say, when someone like Daniel Bryan is sent his way, and flat out refuses to accept advice on every aspect of the craft Mike adores, he gets angry. Luckily for Mike though, he has an outlet for that anger. The audience might not respond in a way he wishes they would, not even tonight in his hometown of Cleveland, but that's the way it's supposed to be. He's a bad guy on the show – a heel – he's The Miz.

So, when The Miz leans forward in his chair, peering down on an escalating argument; when The Miz clenches his fist so tight it causes his knuckles to turn white, people take notice. They know he's not going to sit idly by for long.

As if on cue, Daniel Bryan drops his mic to the mat and takes a swing at the prominent announcer he'd been excoriating. Mike watches with gritted teeth as Daniel narrowly escapes the bodyguards, whose only collective job was to hold him back. The already eliminated contestant jumps out of the ring, attacking the aggrieved announcer again. Finally, he's pulled away and escorted up the ramp.

Mike jumps out of his chair and walks over to the guy with authority. Accosts him in an eerily reminiscent manner. "Get out of here! You don't deserve to be here!" He has plenty more to say, but his mouth is suddenly silenced with a powerful right hook. Mike is enraged and attacks his former rookie.

Two of the bodyguards pull Mike off of his aggressor, but they can't compete with the rush of adrenaline coursing through Mike's veins. Luckily, the other two are able to wrangle Daniel in just long enough to drag him backstage.

After the show, Mike's approached by one of the producers. "Vince wants to see you in his office."

Mike rolls his eyes, can't believe he's going to be reprimanded for defending himself. He makes his way through the maze of hallways and thinks he's finally found his boss' office. All he can do is knock to find out for sure, so that's what he does.

"Come in!"

Yep, Mike would know that gravely voice anywhere. He takes a deep breath, then opens the door and steps inside. Looks around at the latest setup. It's so different from the last time he was in Vince's office, but that's to be expected. It changes with every city they perform in.

"That was perfect!"

"Excuse me?"

"You and Bryan out there. I knew you wouldn't be able to resist butting in at some point."

Mike furrows his brow. "Wait, you knew he was gonna hit me?"

"Of course. Whose idea did you think it was? All you've done these last few months is complain about the kid needing personality, and you were right, so I gave him one."

"He attacked me out there!" Mike shouts, holding his still aching jaw with one hand and furiously pointing to the door with the other.

"That's right! It's called ratings, Mizanin!"

"I'm all for ratings, sir, but you basically threw me under the bus. And now I'm helping put someone over who's been a thorn in my side? No way. Since day one, he's been nothing but disrespectful and-"

"And to make it up to you, I promise next time'll be different. You'll have no problems with your next rookie, I assure you. You want charisma? Well, this kid's got it in spades."

Mike shakes his head. With the year already half way through, he's been knocked off course long enough. He made a promise to himself that he wouldn't allow anyone to rope him into NXT for another three months. He has to get back on track. He has to start working towards becoming WWE Champion; no more unnecessary pit stops.

However, if he thinks about it strategically, dissention isn't exactly the way to get to the top; it's how people find themselves in the crosshairs of the most powerful man in the industry, or worse, how they get themselves fired and he's heard the rumors, seen the proof. But principle, it's a matter of principle. "I'm honored, but I just don't think-"

"Listen," Vince says, cutting Mike off, "you're the only pro from season one that we want back and the kid we have lined up for you is top of the line. He's a much better match for you."

"It's just that-"

"His name is Kevin Kiley. He goes by Alex Riley in the ring. Maybe you've heard of him. He's been making a big splash down in Florida. He's got unlimited potential and a personality that I think will…" Vince pauses for a moment as he searches for just the right words, "…complement you. I can see you coming out on the other side shining even brighter than you do now."

Mike contorts his mouth, not doing a very good job at masking his agitation. Can't tell if Vince is hinting at something or just trying to twist his arm. Either way, his gut tells him he really doesn't have a choice in the matter. If he's completely honest, it's somewhat of an ego boost to have been the only one they've asked back…or maybe the others were asked too, but they were smart enough to say no. Mike wonders about the possibility. But that's neither here nor there.

After a long moment of silent consideration, Mike gives in. Best to toe the line this time. "I guess I can do one more season."

Vince enthusiastically grabs onto Mike with a slap, sandwiches his reliable employee's stinging hand with his free one, shaking firmly. "You won't regret this."

All Mike can do is force a smile and hope the man is right.