Chapter 158: 149. Before An Unkown High Stakes Match
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After his shower, Sandro slipped into comfortable clothes and prepared a light dinner: grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, and a small bowl of quinoa. He ate slowly, savoring the quiet of his apartment, the only sounds coming from the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional car passing by outside. By the time he climbed into bed, his body felt heavy with fatigue but his mind was at ease. Sleep came easily, bringing with it a restful, dreamless night.
The sunlight streaming through the blinds woke Sandro early. He stretched in bed, feeling refreshed after a solid night's sleep. After dressing in athletic gear, he grabbed his watch and stepped outside for his usual morning run.
The crisp morning air filled his lungs as his feet pounded the pavement. This daily ritual was more than just exercise, it was a mental reset, a way to clear his head and set the tone for the day.
As he ran through familiar streets, he allowed himself to reflect on the progress he'd made, both in his wrestling career and his personal life. The run ended with Sandro feeling invigorated, his mind sharp and ready for whatever the day had in store.
Back at his apartment, he prepared a healthy breakfast, an omelet loaded with spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese, accompanied by a smoothie packed with protein, bananas, and mixed berries.
Sitting at his kitchen counter, he enjoyed the meal while scrolling through his phone, catching up on messages and social media. Fans were already buzzing about the War Games match, their enthusiasm a reminder of why he loved what he did.
With the rest of the day free, Sandro decided to take it easy. He spent some time watching old wrestling matches, studying the techniques and storytelling of legends who had come before him. Their ability to captivate audiences inspired him to continuously refine his craft.
After a few hours, he shifted gears, picking up a book on leadership and business strategies. Though his focus was on wrestling, the lessons within seemed applicable to any endeavor, including his potential future role within Nexum Core, should he choose to be more involved than he already is.
The following day, Sandro arrived at the FCW Headquarters early. The familiar buzz of activity greeted him as wrestlers and staff moved purposefully through the building.
Today was all about preparing for his upcoming tag team title defense alongside Kofi against Tyler and Moxley. The four competitors met in the training ring, exchanging greetings and sharing a laugh before diving into their rehearsal.
The atmosphere was a blend of camaraderie and professionalism. While they were opponents in the storyline, behind the scenes they worked together seamlessly, each bringing ideas to the table to ensure the match would be memorable for the fans.
Sandro and Kofi's synergy as a team was evident as they brainstormed spots that would highlight their strengths while also making Tyler and Moxley look like formidable challengers.
"What if we start with a sequence that shows off Moxley's aggression?" Sandro suggested, gesturing animatedly. "He can dominate me early on, but then Kofi comes in and turns the tide with some high-energy offense."
Tyler nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "And then we can build to a spot where I cut off Kofi and slow things down. That'll give the crowd time to catch their breath before we ramp it up again."
The four of them worked through the psychology of the match, crafting a narrative that would keep the audience invested from start to finish. They practiced counters and reversals, refining each movement until it felt natural and impactful.
Mind games and character moments were woven into the fabric of the match, ensuring it wasn't just a display of athleticism but also a compelling story.
Dusty and Steve, unbeknownst to them, observed the rehearsal from the sidelines, occasionally offering feedback but remaining tight-lipped about the outcome of the match.
Whether Sandro and Kofi would retain the titles or Tyler and Moxley would emerge victorious was still undecided, adding an element of unpredictability that kept everyone on their toes.
"Whatever happens," Kofi said during a break, clapping Sandro on the shoulder, "let's make sure this is a match people talk about for years."
Sandro grinned, his competitive spirit shining through. "Absolutely. Let's steal the show."
The rehearsal stretched into the afternoon, with the four wrestlers fine-tuning every detail. They ran through sequences repeatedly, adjusting and adapting as needed to ensure the match flowed seamlessly.
Despite the physical and mental demands, there was a shared sense of satisfaction in the work they were putting in. This wasn't just about winning or losing; it was about creating something special, something that would resonate with the fans and solidify their legacies.
As the session wound down, Dusty approached the group, his ever-present smile betraying none of the decisions yet to be made. "Y'all did good today," he said, his voice warm and encouraging. "This is gonna be one hell of a match. Just remember, it's not about the finish. It's about the story you tell in that ring. Make the fans believe, and they'll go home happy no matter what."
The wrestlers nodded, absorbing Dusty's words like sponges. His advice was a reminder of why they'd chosen this path, why they pushed themselves to their limits day in and day out.
As they packed up their gear, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Tomorrow's match would be a culmination of their hard work and creativity, a chance to showcase their talents on one of the biggest stages FCW had to offer.
The next day, the afternoon sun hung low over the FCW arena, casting a golden glow over the throngs of fans milling about outside. The energy was palpable, an electric buzz of anticipation as people speculated about the night's big tag team match on tonight's main event.
Signs bearing slogans like "Dragon Boom Forever" and "Tyler + Moxley = Champs" peppered the crowd. Fans debated fervently on social media and the FCW official forum, each side passionately arguing their case for who would leave the arena with the FCW Tag Team Championships.
Some fans argued that Dragon Boom, Sandro and Kofi, had the momentum and chemistry to retain despite their recent grueling War Games match. Others pointed out that while Moxley was also part of that brutal encounter, Tyler was fresh and eager to take advantage of the situation. That wildcard element fueled speculation that tonight could mark a changing of the guard.
Inside the building, the atmosphere was equally charged. Wrestlers and staff moved purposefully through the hallways, preparing for the show. In a private office near the back, Sandro and Kofi stood alongside Tyler and Moxley, facing Dusty and Steve. All four wrestlers were already dressed in their ring gear, their championship belts, or determined glares reflecting the fluorescent lights above.
Dusty leaned back in his chair, his iconic drawl commanding attention. "Alright, boys, tonight's gonna be a big one. The crowd's on fire for this match, and it's up to y'all to deliver. We've made our decision about the finish, but remember, the journey is what matters. The story y'all tell out there, that's what's gonna stick to them."
The four men exchanged glances, their faces unreadable. Dusty continued, "Sandro, Kofi, Tyler, Mox, I trust each and every one of ya to give the people something unforgettable. Whatever happens, let's make sure we leave it all in the ring."
Steve nodded in agreement, adding, "This ain't just about the titles. It's about showing the world what FCW is made of. We've thought long and hard about this, and the decision wasn't easy. But remember, whatever happens out there, you're all professionals. Make it count."
The outcome was shared with the wrestlers, and the room fell silent as each man processed the decision. Dusty's gaze swept over them, looking for any sign of dissent. But there was none. Sandro and Kofi exchanged a subtle glance, both nodding in silent understanding. Moxley leaned back in his chair with a small smirk, while Tyler, looked determined and ready.
When the meeting ended, the wrestlers shook hands, a mutual respect evident despite the competitive stakes. As they left the office, their expressions remained stoic, not betraying an ounce of emotion.
Those who passed them in the hallway whispered and speculated, especially after seeing the brief bro hugs exchanged among the four. Whatever had been decided was a closely guarded secret, something that except the six men involved currently knew about the finish, not even the referee knew the finish of the match.
Sandro and Kofi walked down the corridor together, their championship belts slung over their shoulders. Kofi turned to his partner, breaking the silence. "You ready for this, man? It's a big night."
Sandro nodded, his calm demeanor masking the adrenaline bubbling beneath. "Yeah. It's part of the business. We do what we've gotta do, and we make it count."
Kofi smiled, holding out his fist. "Damn right. Let's show 'em why we're the champs and leave a big impression on the fans."
Sandro bumped Kofi's fist with his own, their mutual confidence shining through. The two then headed to the locker room to finalize their preparations, while the buzz in the arena grew louder as showtime approached.
As the evening arrived, the FCW Arena was packed to capacity. The energy from the crowd was electric, with chants and cheers echoing through the venue. Signs for both Dragon Boom and Tyler & Moxley were scattered throughout the audience, a testament to the excitement surrounding the match.
After a series of matches, from opening to before the main event, the fans were satisfied with tonight's card and performances from the other wrestlers, both men and women. But when it's near time for the main event, they could wait to see what kind of spectacle they would see, and who would come out on top.
Backstage at the gorilla's position, Sandro and Kofi stood near the curtain, going over their final preparations. Across the way, Tyler and Moxley were doing the same. There was no trash talk, no animosity, just a shared focus on the task at hand.
The crowd erupted as Dragon Boom's music hit. Sandro and Kofi stepped through the curtain, their signature entrance combining high energy and showmanship. They played to the crowd, holding their titles high as they made their way to the ring. The chants of "Dragon Boom!" filled the arena, a clear indication of who the fans were rooting for.
Moments later, after Sandro and Kofi got into the ring, the mood shifted as Tyler and Moxley's music blared. The duo emerged, their contrasting styles on full display. Tyler's practical and calculating smirk was tempered by Moxley's intense, unpredictable aura. Together, they exuded a sense of danger they had never before that made the fans sit up in their seats.
The arena was buzzing with anticipation, the air thick with the excitement of a crowd on the edge of their seats. The lights dimmed slightly as the camera panned over the raucous crowd, their energy palpable. Some fans held signs high, others screamed and cheered for their respective teams, but one thing was clear, that is everyone was ready for a spectacle.
In one corner, Sandro and Kofi stood tall, their backs straight, expressions focused, the FCW Tag Team Championship belts draped over their shoulders. On the opposite side of the ring, Tyler and Moxley stood in their own corners, exuding an aura of danger and unpredictability. The contrast between the two teams was stark, yet both carried an undeniable presence, an aura that electrified the crowd.
As the camera zoomed in on the wrestlers, the buzz in the air grew louder, and the energy in the arena surged to a fever pitch. The commentary team, sensing the crowd's excitement, began speculating on the outcome of the match.
They couldn't help but acknowledge the overwhelming support for Dragon Boom, with the fans chanting their names, and their loyalty echoing throughout the building. Yet, there was no shortage of respect for Tyler and Moxley. Both teams had earned their place in this high-stakes showdown, and everyone knew that anything could happen once that bell rang.
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Name: Alessandro Zhang
Age: 19 (2009)
Birthplace: Orlando, Florida USA
Brand: FCW
Wrestling Style: Mixed Of All Style
Faction: Dragon Boom (Tag Team)
Championship History: 1x FCW Tag Team Champions