Becoming A Wrestler

Chapter 215: 200. Training Before The Gauntlet Match



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Billy nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but it's not gonna be easy. This is gonna test everything he's got."

Dusty looked at Sandro, his expression serious now. "This is a big opportunity, Sandro. It's gonna elevate you to even greater heights if you can pull it off. But it's also gonna be the toughest challenge of your career. You up for it?"

Sandro didn't hesitate. He met Dusty's gaze with a determined smile. "I'm in. Let's do this."

Dusty's grin returned, and he clapped his hands together. "That's what I like to hear. Now, let's talk details."

Over the next hour, Dusty laid out the plan for the gauntlet match. Sandro would face each opponent one after the other, with no breaks in between. The order of the matches would be determined later, but the stakes were clear: Sandro had to win all four matches to retain his title. If he lost even one, the championship would change hands.

The room was filled with a mix of excitement and tension as the wrestlers discussed the logistics. Nick, Ryback, Gavin, and Billy all had their own ideas about how to approach the match, and Sandro listened carefully, taking mental notes. He knew he'd need every advantage he could get.

As the meeting wrapped up, Dusty stood and addressed the group. "Alright, fellas. This is gonna be one hell of a night. Sandro, you've got your work cut out for you. But I know you've got what it takes. The rest of you, bring your A-game. This is gonna be a match no one forgets."

The wrestlers nodded, their expressions serious but excited. As they filed out of the office, Sandro lingered for a moment, his mind still processing everything. Dusty noticed and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"You've got this, kid," Dusty said, his tone firm but kind. "This is your chance to prove you're not just a champion, you're one of the best we've ever had."

Sandro nodded, his determination solidifying. "I won't let you down, Dusty."

As Sandro left the office and headed back to the locker room, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. The gauntlet match was going to be the toughest challenge of his career yet, but it was also an incredible opportunity. He knew he'd have to dig deep, push himself harder than ever before, and rely on every ounce of skill and resilience he had.

But Sandro wasn't just fighting for the title anymore. He was fighting to prove himself, to show the world that he was more than just a champion, he was a champion warrior. And no matter how brutal the gauntlet match turned out to be, Sandro was ready to face it head on.

As Sandro walked down the hall, his mind was still buzzing with everything Dusty had told him. A gauntlet match for the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship. Four opponents. No breaks. This wasn't just another title defense, it was a proving ground. A chance to cement his status as the best in FCW.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice calling out from behind.

"Yo, Sandro!"

He turned to see Nick Nemeth jogging up to him, his ever present smirk firmly in place. "What's up?" Sandro asked, crossing his arms as he waited for Nick to catch up.

Nick clapped a hand on Sandro's shoulder, his grin widening. "Listen, man. You got a hell of a challenge coming up in, what, three days? Technically two, if you don't count Monday itself."

Sandro nodded, already curious about where this was going. "Yeah… what about it?"

Nick leaned in slightly, as if he were about to let Sandro in on some grand secret. "So, I was thinking. Since you've got this gauntlet match, why don't we all help you train for it? Me, Drew, Sheamus, Stu, Taylor, even Bray. We each have different styles, and different movesets, kind of like the opponents you'll be facing. If we all take turns running drills with you, we can help boost your stamina and sharpen your adaptability."

Sandro raised an eyebrow. "That's… actually a damn good idea Nick."

Nick scoffed. "Of course it is. You know I'm a genius in this business, right?"

Sandro rolled his eyes, but he was already nodding. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. But seriously, that would help a lot. I mean, facing four guys back to back isn't just about endurance, it's about ring awareness, knowing how to handle different styles without getting caught slipping."

"Exactly!" Nick said, pointing at him. "And we can also study tapes, get some insight into your opponents' tendencies. I mean, I already know what I'm gonna do when I get my shot, but the others? Might be useful to figure out their weak spots."

Sandro smirked at Nick's casual confidence. "Oh, so you already think you're making it to me?"

Nick put a hand to his chest in mock offense. "Please. Like it's even a question."

Sandro chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. But yeah, I think that could be a real game changer. Let's set it up. Where are we doing this?"

Nick clapped his hands together. "FCW training area, tomorrow morning. Bright and early. Be there or be unprepared."

Sandro sighed dramatically. "Of course, you'd make it early, it's just so you."

Nick winked. "Championship stamina, my dude. See you there."

As Nick walked off, Sandro let out a deep breath. Training with a mix of guys who each had their own unique style? That was exactly what he needed. It wasn't just about lasting through the gauntlet, it was about winning. About keeping that title.

And he'd be damned if he let it slip through his fingers.

The next morning, Sandro arrived at the FCW gym just before sunrise. The place was mostly empty except for the few night owls still wrapping up their workouts.

By the time he finished stretching and warming up, the others started arriving. Drew, Sheamus, Stu, Taylor, and Bray all strolled in together, looking half awake but ready to work.

Nick, of course, was already there, looking way too energetic for this early in the morning.

"Look at that," Nick said as he stretched his arms. "Sandro actually showed up. I was half expecting him to sleep in and arrive late."

Sandro smirked. "And miss a chance to whoop y'all's asses? Not a chance."

Drew chuckled. "We'll see about that, lad."

Sheamus clapped his hands. "Alright, let's get this going, fella. You're gonna be facing four guys in one night, so we're gonna run drills where you fight each of us in rounds. No breaks, just like in your match."

Sandro nodded. "Sounds perfect. Who's up first?"

Bray cracked his neck and stepped forward. "Let's start with a little unorthodox offense, you know this is a good way for me to get some training as well."

The first session kicked off with Bray, who used his size, agility, and unpredictability to keep Sandro on his toes. Bray's movements were erratic, one moment he'd be charging like a freight train, and the next he'd be slipping out of reach like a ghost.

Sandro had to constantly adjust, trying to predict Bray's rhythm, countering when he could, and absorbing hits when he couldn't.

When their round ended, Sheamus stepped in. His style was completely different, brutal and straightforward, all heavy strikes and ground-based offense. The contrast forced Sandro to change gears, shifting from countering mind games to withstanding raw power.

After Sheamus, Taylor took his turn, his amateur wrestling background forcing Sandro into a more technical exchange. Stu followed with a mix of European style grappling and hard-hitting brawling.

Then came Nick.

Sandro was already drenched in sweat, breathing hard, but Nick wasn't about to let up.

"You tired, champ?" Nick teased as he circled him.

Sandro smirked. "Nah. Just waiting for you to do something impressive as usual."

Nick grinned. "Oh, you ass—"

The two launched into a fast paced sequence, counter for a counter, move for move. Nick was one of the quickest wrestlers on the roster, but Sandro had trained with him and faced him enough times to anticipate a lot of his tricks.

Still, by the time the round was over, Sandro was gasping for air, his muscles burning.

Drew clapped him on the back. "That's what we like to see. You just ran through five different styles. Feel like you're ready for Monday?"

Sandro wiped the sweat from his forehead. "I feel like I need to drink a gallon of water and then sleep for twelve hours."

The group laughed, but there was an air of respect in the room. They had pushed him to his limit which was something none of them had ever seen before, well since he arrived at FCW, and he had kept up.

Nick smirked. "Alright, we'll let you recover. But tomorrow? We do this all over again."

Sandro groaned. "Y'all are relentless."

Taylor grinned. "That's the point."

Sunday was more of the same, intense training, tape study, and last minute game planning. By the time it was over, Sandro felt sharper than ever.

As he sat in the locker room, unwrapping his wrists, Nicole and April walked in.

"Look at you," Nicole said, crossing her arms. "All exhausted and still trying to act tough."

April smirked. "So, you ready for tomorrow?"

Sandro exhaled. "Yeah. It's gonna be brutal, but I'm ready."

Nicole stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're gonna kill it. Just do what you do best."

April kissed his cheek. "And if anyone tries anything shady, you know we got your back."

Sandro smiled, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. "Thanks, you two."

Nicole smirked. "Of course. Now, let's get you home before you pass out right here."

As Sandro left the training area with his girlfriends, he knew one thing for sure. Come Monday night, he was walking into that ring as the FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion. And no matter what, he was walking out the same way.

The next day, Sandro woke up feeling refreshed. The past few days of intense training had pushed him to his limit, but today was the day, it was time to put everything to the test.

As he stirred, he quickly realized that he was trapped. Nicole and April had practically cocooned him in their sleep, their arms draped over his torso, their legs tangled with his.

Sandro smirked, shaking his head. Guess I really was out cold.

Carefully, he worked his way free, doing his best not to wake them. Nicole shifted slightly, murmuring something incoherent before settling back into her pillow. April sighed softly but remained asleep.

Once he was free, he slipped into the bathroom, turning on the shower. The warm water helped loosen his muscles, easing the lingering soreness from the past two days of drills.

As he stepped out, he wiped the fogged up mirror and stared at himself. This was it. Today wasn't just another match, this was the biggest test of his FCW career.

Shaking off the weight of that thought, he dressed in some comfortable training clothes and headed to the kitchen. He wasn't about to let his girlfriends wake up to an empty stomach, especially after how much they had supported him throughout all of this.

He whipped up a light but protein-packed breakfast, eggs, toast, and some fruit on the side. Nothing too heavy, but enough to fuel them all for the long day ahead.

With the plates set, he walked back to the bedroom and leaned down, pressing soft kisses on both of their cheeks. "Hey, wake up," he murmured.

April groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. "Five more minutes…"

Nicole cracked one eye open, smirking as she stretched. "Mmm, this is nice. Waking up to kisses and breakfast? I could get used to this."

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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 & 1 FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion


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