Certain things should never be remade, but this cannot be said for American Gladiators. After an 11 year hiatus the show is back with more challenges, more muscle and more spandex. I spoke with a pumped-up William Romeo, aka Mayhem an NBC personality who definitely doesn’t need any writers.
How did you get the name Mayhem?
Basically through my audition. I’m a kick boxer from Texas so I went in kicking and screaming and doing 360’s in the air and just being the ADHD-afflicted-person I am. I was trying to get the name Predator or Wildcat, but NBC came up with Mayhem.
Besides being 6’6” and American, what qualifies you as a Gladiator?
I am a genetic freak. I can do any sport, anywhere, at any time. I’ll do pretty much everything. I have not tried ice skating yet, but give me about six months and I can probably catch on.
What are your specialties on the show?I like the Joust, and I like Power Ball because it’s physical. Also the Pyramid is great because these contestants try to come up and touch the top of the pyramid and I get to throw them back down. I like any event with physical contact.
Are there ever any injuries in the Gladiator Arena?
A few guys got hurt. If I’m not mistaken, one guy broke his leg in Power Ball. All the contestant’s knees are going out in Power Ball. They (NBC) said they might have to get rid of it, but viewers want to see a guy getting slammed into the ground by a Gladiator.
Those are your strengths, but what is your Achilles’ heel?
That damn wall. I cannot climb that damn fall fast enough to catch those guys who are climbing up. These contestants are fast and they are running for their lives.
If I start training today, what do I need to focus on to beat you?
You won’t, I’m sorry. You will never beat me. But I will tell you what, if you’re a nice guy, I’ll beat you with a smile on my face. How about that?
Deal. Have you gotten to square off against host Hulk Hogan?
No man, but Hulk is the master man. I would hate to go against him on the joust, he’s got some big arms.
What’s different about this version versus the American Gladiator’s from the '90s?
Everything is futuristic, everything is much more advanced. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the old show but we’re faster, we’re bigger, and we’re stronger. The set reminds me of that movie The Running Man. There are fewer pads too. Instead of falling into some pads after the Joust, you fall into a half-million gallon tank. No one wants to get wet, especially me. If I get my dreads wet they’ll weigh 20 pounds.
If you could go against any celebrity, who would it be?
I have a couple. I’d want to put Steven Seagal up there. I’d want to test out his speed and see if he’s still as good as he says he is. I’d put him on the joust. Also, remember Terry Tate, Office Linebacker? That’s my boy. I’d love to get him up in my house, the Gladiator Arena.
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