Yes, you read that right. Another Delawarean is slated to be on national television for their chance at winning big on a game show.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen a 13-year-old boy from Smyrna become a “Wheel of Fortune” champion and a University of Delaware student “come on down” to the stage and win it all on “The Price is Right.”
Now, Newark resident Derrick T. Lewis, 44, will try his luck on “Wheel of Fortune” during a special WWE Week episode airing today.
What to expect during WWE Week
During the special, Lewis will be paired up with a WWE Superstar to take on the competition tournament-style.
“It was almost like a kid waking up on Christmas morning having all these toys, the fact that I get to be around wrestling, which I’ve been around almost my entire life, and a game show, which I’ve enjoyed my whole life,” said Lewis of the experience.
As “Wheel of Fortune” celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Lewis considers his appearance on the show a “surreal experience,” as he has been watching it since the 1980s. Being able to spin the big wheel and play onstage with host Pat Sajak while filming on Feb. 21 was exciting, he said.
Early call times and long days on set have nothing on Lewis, but he did get a bit nervous about all the strategizing and quick decisions needed to be successful on the show.
“It’s a constant thinking game, so you can’t get too caught up about it,” he said.
UD junior wins big:University of Delaware student competes on ‘The Price is Right,’ takes home top prize
‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode reunited friends
One of the biggest surprises about being on “Wheel of Fortune” was that his WWE Superstar partner turned out to be Sonya Deville, a longtime friend.
Neither of them knew the other was going to be on the show, or that they would be paired up, but getting to catch up with someone he admires meant the world to Lewis.
“Just being teamed up with Sonya, man, it was special. Just seeing her grow. It wasn’t so much about me; it was about her,” he said. “She’s the star. … The idea of sharing that spotlight with her, it was an honor.”
It’s not every day that WWE personalities are on one of America’s most beloved game shows, but the world of wrestling is just another day in the life for Lewis.
Lewis has been in the wrestling business as an announcer for almost five years. He is also a podcaster, actor and recording artist.
His love for the wrestling industry is what prompted him to apply to be on “Wheel of Fortune.” Although he no longer gets star-struck when meeting pro wrestlers, thanks to his announcing career, being able to spend time with the stars and talk to them while filming was a “unique experience,” Lewis said.
Contestants shared a bond
Without giving away any spoilers, one of his favorite parts of the experience was meeting the other contestants who love WWE as much as he does.
Delaware teen on TV:Smyrna 13-year-old wins ‘Wheel of Fortune’ for his great-grandmother during Teen Week
The group meshed so well, they took a photo after the show and sent it to production staff to thank them for their hard work and hospitality while filming.
The contestants still talk frequently, said Lewis.
“I made a bunch of friends that I didn’t even think I was gonna make,” he said. “That there was 11 other people that I didn’t know when I flew to L.A. and now I have 11 new friends … it was incredible just to share that common bond.”
Check out the episode to root for Lewis and see if he can bring the win home to Newark.
