Disclaimer: I do not own any of the WWE talent or their on screen names, announcers or the divas.

The Road to Wrestle Mania: One Man's Journey to the Top
Chapter I
The First Step

Every WWE superstar strives to compete in the main event of Wrestle Mania. To pass up that opportunity would be difficult under circumstances. But the list of individuals who have had that chance reads like a who's who of sports entertainment. Past legends like Andre the Giant, Roddy Piper, Bret Hart, Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan. There are current superstars such as Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, Undertaker, Mick Foley and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Now there are future legends like Batista, John Cena, Kurt Angle, Edge, Rey Mysterio, Christian, JBL, Eddie Guerrero and Randy Orton. This is merely a hand full of past, present and future stars of the WWE. But this is the story of one man's journey to the grandest stage of them all. His name is Drake Williams.

The fireworks went off as Friday Night Smackdown emanated from the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ. The voices of the Smackdown, Michael Cole and Tazz welcomed all to the show as they got set for the opening match. Meanwhile in the backstage area there sat a young wrestler who looked to have much on his mind. This was twenty-three year old Drake Williams and tonight marked his debut on Smackdown. He was to face off against Orlando Jordan so he had reason to be concerned. As Drake stared down at the floor two black boots came into view, and Drake picked his head up to stare into the eyes of the WWE United States Champion, Chris Benoit.

"You nervous, kid?" Benoit asked. "I wouldn't blame you; Orlando's one tough bastard." Chris knelt down in front of Drake. "But I've see you in action, Drake." He said before putting his hand on the boy's shoulder. "You'll do fine."

"Thanks, Benoit." Drake said. "I needed that."

Chris Benoit stood and walked away before saying, "Good luck out there."

"Something tells I'm gonna need it." Drake whispered to himself.

Drake decided he wasn't getting anywhere by just sitting around so he got up and looked around for a monitor to watch the first match up. When he did find one, Drake watch as the Tag Team Champions, Road Warrior Animal and Heidenreich dismantled two jobbers in the ring. Within minutes the match was over, and Drake enjoyed seeing the champs dominate as only they can. Drake had no idea though that Orlando Jordan was standing behind him. The newcomer turned to see his opponent face to face.

"So, Drake Williams isn't it." Jordan asked. "Hope your ready, cause tonight, I'm a knock you out, kid." Drake started breathing very heavily until he finally said, "I've wanted to ask you, Orlando. How many times did you tap out?"

Orlando didn't take too kindly to that remark as Drake walked away now feeling pretty confident with himself as the show went to a commercial. Back from the brake, Drake Williams was in the ring awaiting his opponent. Speak of the devil. The music of Orlando Jordan hit the arena as he made his way to the ring. Orlando climbed in hoping to get Drake but the referee held him back as Drake simple smirked at Jordan.

The bell sounded and the match got under way. They locked up in the center of the ring and Orlando got Drake in a headlock, but Drake threw Orlando to the ropes only to get knocked down. Drake rolled to his gut as Orlando ran the ropes then leaped over his head before bouncing off the ropes and giving Jordon a shoulder block, knocking him down. Orlando looked stunned as he rolled to his gut while Drake ran the ropes. Orlando leaped just as Drake did before and ran under him but stopped behind Orlando. Once Jordan turned around, Drake slapped him clear across the face.

Orlando could not believe what just happened and went on the attack. He threw a right hand but Drake blocked it and came back with rights of his own. Orlando eventually rolled out of the ring with Drake following him before rolling into the ring. A rookie mistake for Drake when he rolled back in as Jordan stomped on him. Jordan picked him up to deliver a suplex and covered for a two count. Jordan picked Drake up for another suplex and got it, but Drake kicked out again. Orlando locked in a headlock with Drake on the mat. Drake eventually got up and gave Jordan a back suplex which went into a pin and a two count.

As the match wore on, Orlando had control over Drake, taking him down and covering him but Drake kept kicking out. Jordan started getting frustrated and argued with the referee. A big mistake as Drake used the chance to mount an offense but Jordan cheated with a thumb to the eye. Jordan threw more right hands before launching Drake into the ropes. Jordan bent over hoping for a backdrop, but Drake struck first with a face buster.

Drake started getting fired up and went on the attack with hard clotheslines and then a hit a spine buster for a two count. Orlando got another thumb to the eye and bounced off the ropes, but Drake back dropped him. Drake decide to take a chance and climbed the turnbuckle; that proved to be another rookie mistake as Orlando Jordan tripped Drake. Jordan set up for a superplex and hit it, but Drake somehow rolled up Jordan and got the three count. Drake Williams has won his first match on Smackdown.

Ring announcer Tony Chimal got up and said, "Here is your winner, Drake Williams."

Orlando could not believe it and attacked Drake after the match. Drake could not even defend himself from the assault as Orlando was irate. As the attack went on, Chris Benoit made the save and caught Orlando in the Cross face and Jordan tapped out before rolling out of the ring. Benoit's music hit as he helped Drake back to his feet and shook and raised his hand, celebrating Drake's first win on the big stage of the WWE.

Author's note: Drake Williams is my origin character or my CAW if you will. Review please.