Chapter 125: 118. Changing The Course Of The Faction Storyline
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Sandro felt a surge of pride but also a deep sense of responsibility. "This is just the beginning, Dad. Now we have to make it work." Jack chuckled. "That's the right mindset. Keep refining your ideas. WWE is a world of opportunities, but it's also a world of challenges. Stay sharp." As the call ended, Sandro sat back at his desk, staring at his notes. The road ahead would be tough, but he was ready.
Sandro sat in his apartment, still absorbing the monumental news from the board meeting. Meanwhile, in Stamford, Stephanie McMahon picked up her phone to make an important call. As the line connected, she heard the familiar, jovial voice of Dusty Rhodes.
"Stephanie! To what do I owe this pleasure?" Dusty's southern drawl was as warm as ever.
"I have good news," Stephanie began, unable to suppress a smile. "Dad's approved the War Games concept. It'll start in FCW as a pay-per-view, and if it succeeds, really succeeds, it could become an annual event. And if we hit all the right notes, it might even move to the main roster."
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Dusty let out a hearty laugh, a sound that seemed to reverberate with genuine joy. "Well, I'll be damned! Thank you, Stephanie. I know this wasn't easy to push through with your dad. But you tell him this: I'll make sure War Games is a home run. He won't have a choice but to make it a staple."
Stephanie chuckled. "I'll hold you to that, Dusty. Dad's watching closely, so this needs to be flawless. Let me know if you need anything from corporate."
"You got it, darlin'," Dusty replied warmly. "Now, I gotta get moving. This kind of news calls for some quick planning."
After exchanging a few more words, the call ended, and Dusty immediately shifted into action. He dialed another number, Steve, the owner and head booker FCW.
"Steve, it's Dusty," Dusty said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "War Games is happening. Vince gave it the green light for FCW. We've got the go-ahead for a pay-per-view, but here's the catch: it has to deliver. No room for mediocrity. We need the best damn show FCW's ever put on."
Steve's reaction was equally enthusiastic. "That's incredible news, Dusty! I've been waiting to hear this. So, what's the plan? How do we make this the spectacle Vince can't ignore?"
Dusty grinned, already formulating ideas. "Let's tie it to that faction storyline we've been building. The two teams, three members each, are already at each other's throats. What if we add two more members to each side and make War Games the climax of their feud? It'd be the perfect way to introduce the match to the fans."
Steve considered it for a moment before nodding, even though Dusty couldn't see him. "That's genius. The faction rivalry's already got the audience hooked. Adding War Games as the payoff would blow the roof off. We can do backstage segments where the teams scout and recruit their additional members. It'll build anticipation while introducing the concept to the audience."
"Exactly," Dusty said. "And we've got to make sure the cage itself is a spectacle. War Games isn't just a match; it's an experience. The dual-ring setup, the steel cage, it has to feel larger than life."
Steve agreed wholeheartedly. "Leave it to me. I'll start coordinating with the production team right away. We'll need to ensure the cage is built to spec and that the logistics for the dual-ring setup are seamless. And we'll need to rehearse with the talent to make sure everyone's comfortable with the environment."
"Good man," Dusty said. "Now, let's talk about the main event. Who do you think should headline this thing? The faction feud's a given, but we need to stack the deck with some big surprises. If we can get a couple of cameos from main roster talent or legends, that'll put us over the top."
Steve hummed thoughtfully. "I'll make some calls. Maybe we can get one or two names to appear as special enforcers or announcers. It'll give the match more weight and grab attention from fans who might not usually watch FCW."
Dusty grinned again, his mind already racing with possibilities. "That's the spirit. This isn't just about War Games, it's about putting FCW on the map. If we do this right, Vince won't just approve War Games as an annual event; he'll be begging to bring it to the main roster."
The two men spent the next hour hashing out details, their excitement palpable. They discussed potential recruits for the factions, how to pace the buildup of weekly programming, and strategies for marketing the event. By the time they hung up, both men were buzzing with ideas and determination.
The next morning, the energy at FCW Headquarters was electric. Dusty Rhodes and Steve were abuzz with excitement as they prepared for an important meeting with some of the brand's top talents.
Inside a large briefing room, a whiteboard was set up with charts and notes scrawled in Dusty's bold handwriting. Sandro sat quietly in the corner, reviewing his notes, while the rest of the group, Kofi, Taylor, Drew, Stu, and Creed, filed in one by one, their expressions a mix of curiosity and confusion.
"What's this all about, Dusty?" Kofi asked as he took a seat. The others murmured similar questions, looking around the room for clues.
Dusty raised a hand, his signature grin spreading across his face. "Calm down, boys, calm down. We've got some big news, and it's gonna change the course of the faction storyline, and maybe even FCW as a whole."
The wrestlers exchanged intrigued glances. Steve stepped forward, his tone more measured but no less enthusiastic. "As you all know, the original climax of the faction storyline was set to be a six-man tag match. Sandro, Kofi, and Taylor were going to win the final bout, bringing this feud to a satisfying close. But... plans have changed."
"Changed?" Taylor raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Steve glanced at Dusty, who stepped in with his usual charisma. "Well, the six-man tag was solid, no doubt about it. But we've got somethin' bigger in mind. Something that'll blow the roof off the place and make Vince McMahon himself sit up and take notice."
The wrestlers leaned in, curiosity piqued. "We're listening," Drew said, folding his arms.
Dusty's grin widened. "The climax of this feud is no longer just a six-man tag. Instead, we're takin' it to the next level with War Games."
The room went silent for a moment before Stu broke it. "War Games? What's that?"
Dusty took a deep breath, his eyes sparkling with nostalgia. "War Games is somethin' I created years ago in the old days. Two rings, side by side, enclosed by a steel cage. Two teams, four or five members each, enter one at a time in intervals. The match doesn't officially begin until all members of both teams are in the ring, and then it's a battle to the finish—submission or surrender only. No pinfalls. No escapes."
The wrestlers' eyes widened as Dusty described the match. Kofi leaned forward, his excitement evident. "Wait, we're doing that? Here in FCW?"
Dusty nodded. "That's right. Sandro here pitched the idea of reintroducing War Games as the ultimate payoff to this faction feud. Vince approved it as an FCW-exclusive event to test the waters. If it's a success, it could become an annual tradition and maybe even make its way to the main roster."
All eyes turned to Sandro, who shifted slightly in his seat but met their gazes with a humble smile. "It's Dusty's creation," he said, "but I thought it would be the perfect way to give this feud the epic conclusion it deserves."
"Epic?" Creed laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Sandro, this is more than epic. This is next-level stuff. I can't believe you pitched this."
Kofi slapped Sandro on the shoulder. "Man, you're full of surprises. First, you're leading the faction, and now you're bringing back a legendary match type? Respect."
Taylor grinned. "I'm with Kofi. This is incredible. But how are we gonna make it work? Two teams of five... we'll need more members."
Steve chimed in. "That's part of the story buildup. Over the next few weeks, we'll show both teams scouting and recruiting additional members. It'll be woven into backstage segments, promos, and matches. By the time War Games rolls around, the fans will be fully invested in who's on which side."
Drew nodded thoughtfully. "And the match itself? How do we prepare for something like this? A steel cage with two rings isn't exactly something we've done before."
Dusty waved a hand. "Don't you worry about that, Drew. We're bringing in the best production team to set it up. We'll have rehearsals, walkthroughs, and time to get used to the setup. You'll all be ready for War Games."
Stu leaned back in his chair, a grin forming on his face. "I'm sold. This is gonna be insane. The fans are gonna lose their minds."
Dusty's grin returned. "That's the idea, Stu. War Games ain't just a match; it's a spectacle. And we're gonna make sure it's one for the history books."
The wrestlers erupted into excited chatter, throwing around ideas for how their characters could contribute to the buildup. Sandro felt a swell of pride as he watched the group come together, their enthusiasm palpable.
Dusty raised a hand, quieting the room. "Now listen, y'all. This is more than just a big match. This is a chance to elevate FCW to a whole new level. Vince is watchin'. If we deliver, War Games could become a cornerstone of this brand and maybe even WWE as a whole. So let's make it count."
The room buzzed with energy as the meeting wrapped up. Dusty and Steve stayed behind to answer questions and discuss logistics, while Sandro lingered, watching his fellow wrestlers leave with renewed purpose.
Kofi stopped by on his way out, clapping Sandro on the back. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, man. War Games? That's genius. Can't wait to see how this plays out."
Sandro smiled. "Thanks, Kofi. Let's make it unforgettable."
As the door closed behind the last of the wrestlers, Dusty approached Sandro, his expression one of fatherly pride. "You done good, kid. This War Games idea of yours, it's a game-changer. Thank you for reintroducing the old idea this old man had in the past."
Sandro nodded, his resolve firm. "It's a team effort, Dusty. Let's show the world what FCW is capable of." Dusty grinned. "Damn right, son. Let's make history."
After the meeting, the wrestlers headed to the training facility, brimming with excitement. Dusty and Steve had lit a fire under them with the announcement of War Games, and they were determined to channel that energy into their preparations.
The ring echoed with the sound of boots hitting the mat and the thud of bodies taking bumps as the team dove into drills. Sandro led the charge, working alongside Kofi and Taylor as they practiced sequences and strategized. Across the ring, Creed, Drew, and trained with equal intensity, their camaraderie and friendships were evident despite their on-screen rivalry.
The intensity of the session was undeniable. Each wrestler felt the weight of the opportunity Dusty had handed them. This wasn't just about a single match—it was about proving FCW could deliver a spectacle worthy of Vince McMahon's attention.
The next Monday, FCW's live television broadcast opened with a tense promo segment that would set the Faction storyline where it would set the direction of the story slowly to the six man tag tea match, and then slowly War Games. The arena lights dimmed as Creed's entrance music hit, the crowd erupting into boos. He sauntered to the ring with a smug grin, Drew and Stu flanking him, their matching Empire jackets glinting under the spotlights.
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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