Chapter 161: 152. Reaction & In Between Moment
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The commentary team speculated on the implications of Joe's challenge to Sandro, their voices were laden with speculation and tension as they dissected the night's events wondering if this could be the turning point for Dragon Boom, especially for Sandro as this is once of a lifetime opportunity for him and the stakes couldn't be higher.
"If Sandro can overcome Joe's challenge," one commentator mused, "he'll not only prove that he's more than just second best, but he'll also earn the opportunity of a lifetime! A shot at the prestigious FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship."
"Let's not sugarcoat it," the other commentator added. "If Sandro loses, it's not just a loss, but it's an admission that everything Joe said tonight was true. And for Sandro, the dream of ever holding the top title in FCW would be gone forever."
The cameras panned to Sandro, Kofi, and Taylor standing united in the ring. The crowd's chants of "Sandro! Sandro!" echoed through the arena as the trio soaked in the support. Even in defeat, Dragon Boom's bond remained unshaken, a testament to their resilience and the respect they commanded from the fans.
As the broadcast faded to black for viewers at home, social media exploded with reactions. On Twitter, the words Dragon Boom trended within minutes. Fans were polarized, their opinions flooding timelines with heated debates.
"I can't believe Dragon Boom lost the titles! After War Games, I thought they were untouchable. What a shocker. Still in my opinion they were the rightful champs"
"Tyler and Moxley deserved that win. They played it smart and outwrestled Dragon Boom tonight. #NewChamps"
"Sandro HAS to beat Joe. This is his moment to prove he's a top-tier talent and receive the chance to challenge for the FCW Florida Heavyweight title. Let's go, Sandro!"
"Joe's right and I absolutely agree with all he had just said. Sandro's always been second best, and he's about to get crushed."
The official FCW forum meanwhile was a hotbed of discussion. Threads dissected the match, Joe's challenge, and what it meant for Sandro's career.
One fan wrote:
"Joe is a master manipulator. He knew exactly how to get under Sandro's skin, and now Sandro was walking into a trap that he had carefully created. I hope he proves me wrong, but this feels like a no-win situation for Sandro."
Another fan responded:
"No way. Sandro thrives under pressure. This could be the defining moment of his career. He's going to shut Joe up and take that title from him."
The divided opinions added to the anticipation. Meanwhile, FCW's official Twitter account capitalized on the buzz, tweeting a poll:
"Who will win when Sandro faces Samoa Joe next week?! Vote now on FCW Official Forum!"
The results shifted rapidly as fans rallied behind their favorites. Early votes showed Sandro with a slight edge, but Joe's supporters quickly narrowed the gap with both wrestlers locked in a tight race on the polls.
On the other hand, as the fans watching live began to file out of the arena, the energy lingered. They discussed the shocking events of the night, Dragon Boom's title loss, the promo at the end of the show between Sandro and Joe, and the implications of the high-stakes challenge.
Meanwhile, inside the venue, Sandro, Kofi, and Taylor made their way backstage, their faces still a mixture of exhaustion and determination. Despite Sandro and Kofi losing their title, they don't feel that sad, well Sandro and Kofi already knew they would lose while Taylor doesn't so he feels a bit melancholy.
When they arrived backstage, they were met with an unexpected sight. Joe with his title on his left shoulder, alongside Dusty and Steve, stood waiting for them. Unlike the sneering, arrogant persona he had displayed earlier, Joe wore a wide smile. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and extended a hand to Sandro.
"You killed it out there, man," Joe said warmly as they shook hands. "You've truly shown how incredible ring awareness you had, and the way you kept up with me during that impromptu promo was impressive. Not everyone can do that."
Sandro smiled, his tension easing slightly. "Thanks, Joe. Honestly, you caught me off guard, but I just tried to stay in the moment. You're the one who was a master at this, some of the words you had just said would never be shown on any promo script, since it was filled with your signature way of doing promo."
Kofi and Taylor stood nearby, watching the interaction with curiosity as they wanted to know what would unfold. Dusty chimed in next, his trademark charisma lighting up the room.
"Sandro," Dusty began, clapping a hand on his shoulder, "what you did out there tonight was nothing short of spectacular. You went toe-to-toe with Joe, no script, no prep, and you held your own. That's not just talent, son, that's confidence, instinct, and heart."
Steve Keirn nodded in agreement. "Dusty and I knew we had to capitalize on the wave of support you've been getting from the fans after War Games. We didn't plan to throw you into the deep end like that, but seeing how the crowd reacted to you tonight, we had to seize the moment."
Dusty took a step closer, his tone turning apologetic. "I'm sorry we didn't loop you in beforehand. This decision was made on the fly, but we had faith in you. And, brother, you delivered it spectacularly."
Sandro's initial surprise gave way to a sense of pride. "I appreciate that, Dusty, Steve. I'll admit, it was a curveball, but I understand why you did it. The fans deserve moments like that, and I'm glad I could give it to them."
Joe crossed his arms, his smile now tinged with admiration. "You know, Sandro, moments like these are what separate the good from the great. You've got the tools to be a top guy. Next week, we're going to make magic in that ring, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the two of us can bring once again."
Taylor, who had been quiet up until now, spoke up. "It's crazy seeing how much support Sandro's getting from the fans. He's got this, no doubt."
Kofi nodded. "Sandro's got the heart of a champion. Joe might be one of the toughest people here in FCW, but if anyone can rise to the challenge, it's him."
Dusty grinned. "That's the kind of camaraderie I like to see, not just on screen but off screen as well. Dragon Boom may have lost tonight, but this ain't the end of the story. Sandro, you've got a golden opportunity presented before you here, don't let it slip through your fingers."
Sandro stood tall, taking in Dusty's words as if they were a blessing. "I promise I'll give it everything I've got," he said, his voice steady and filled with resolve. "This opportunity you and Steve have given me won't go to waste."
Dusty nodded with approval, a proud smile spreading across his face. "That's what I like to hear. Make me proud, kid. We'll be watching."
Steve added, "Remember, Sandro, just do your best and focus on what was put in front of you. Make the fans believe in you and continue to build connections with them. That's what being a top star is all about."
The two veterans patted Sandro on the shoulder before excusing themselves to tend to other responsibilities. As they walked away, Sandro felt a renewed sense of purpose. He turned back to Joe, who had been silently observing.
"Well," Joe said, breaking the silence, "we've got a lot to work on if we're going to steal the show next week."
Sandro nodded. "Agreed. Let's map out our training and rehearsals. I want this to be something the fans remember for so that their interest and support will be behind us."
Joe smirked. "Good. That's the attitude I was hoping for."
The two began hashing out ideas for their match. Joe emphasized the importance of pacing and storytelling, while Sandro chimed in with ideas to highlight his strengths and play into the emotional weight of their feud. They discussed spots, timing, and even moments where the audience could feel the tension.
"You've got to let the crowd breathe during the high spots," Joe advised. "Give them a chance to process what's happening. The quieter moments are just as important as the big ones."
Sandro took mental notes, absorbing every piece of advice like a sponge. "Got it. I want the fans to be fully invested in this, from the opening bell to the finish."
As they were finalizing their plans, Tyler and Moxley walked up, the FCW Tag Team Championships draped over their shoulders. Despite their triumphant aura, they approached with genuine respect and friendship. Spotting Sandro and Joe deep in conversation, Tyler turned his attention to Kofi and Taylor instead.
"Hey," Tyler said, extending his hand to Kofi. "Hell of a match out there. You guys pushed us to our limits."
Kofi smiled as he shook Tyler's hand. "Same to you, man. You and Moxley deserve the win. You earned those titles."
Moxley, on the other hand, clapped Taylor on the back. "Kid, you've got fire. Keep that up, and you're going places. Don't let tonight get you down."
Taylor, still slightly dejected from Sandro and Kofi's loss, managed a small smile. "Thanks. It sucks to see Sandro and Kofi lose, but I'm glad it was to guys who won the title from them."
Kofi nodded in agreement. "We're all here to make the product better. No hard feelings, just mutual respect."
Tyler looked over at Sandro, who was still engrossed in his discussion with Joe. "And what about him? Is he ready for next week on the match with Joe? That was truly a surprise announcement."
Kofi chuckled. "Sandro's always ready. He's got this. Trust me."
After some time, Joe and Sandro finished outlining their rehearsal schedule and training plan for the week. Both agreed that their match should tell a story of resilience, doubt, and ultimate triumph or heartbreak.
"We need to play up the idea that you're fighting for validation," Joe explained. "The fans are already hooked on the idea that you're the underdog. Let's make them feel every moment of that struggle."
Sandro nodded. "What about the finish? I want it to feel earned, no matter what the outcome is."
Joe smirked. "Let's save that for the ring. Sometimes, the best endings are the ones that come naturally."
They shook hands, sealing their commitment to delivering a performance that would elevate both of them in the eyes of the fans.
Over the next few days, Sandro and Joe met frequently to rehearse key spots and sequences. Joe was methodical, explaining the psychology behind every move and how it should tie into the story they were telling.
Joe's guidance was invaluable, pushing Sandro to refine his craft while ensuring their match would resonate deeply with the fans. Each day, Sandro's resolve grew stronger, his focus sharpening as the enormity of the opportunity before him became clearer.
"Here's the thing," Joe said during one session. "The crowd needs to feel like you're on the brink of collapse. But just when they think it's over, you come roaring back. That's what gets them out of their seats."
Sandro worked tirelessly to perfect every detail, often staying late at the training facility to review footage and practice on his own. Kofi and Taylor supported him throughout, offering advice and encouragement.
"You're going to kill it," Kofi said after one grueling session. "Just remember, this match isn't just about proving something to not just Joe and everyone, it's about proving something to yourself."
But amidst the grind of preparation, Sandro received a call that would inject a personal and emotional layer into his already intense week. It was Windham, the first wrestler that he met in his life, well soon to be as he hadn't become the wrestler he would become in the future. The two had shared countless dreams about professional wrestling, and hearing Windham's voice now brought a wave of nostalgia and excitement.
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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