Chapter 188: 176. Photo Shoot & Talking With Friends
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Stephanie smiled, relieved. "It will be. He's already proving he's a star and a future big attraction for us." As they left the screening room, Vince couldn't help but glance back at the screen one last time. Sandro's image, battered but victorious holding his title high, lingered in his mind.
Meanwhile, as Stephanie McMahon and Triple H walked down the hallways of WWE Headquarters, the faint buzz of late night activity filled the air. While the screening room's intense atmosphere had dissipated, the weight of their conversation with Vince lingered. Stephanie, always poised but determined, broke the silence.
"Well, that was something," she said, glancing sideways at Triple H. "I don't think I've ever seen Dad show that level of interest in an FCW talent so quickly."
Triple H nodded, his hands casually in his pockets. "It's rare, for sure. But Sandro earned it. That match with Joe? It wasn't just a great developmental match, it was a great wrestling match, period. Vince has been waiting for someone from FCW to deliver at that level after FCW becomes our developmental brand."
Stephanie smiled, her thoughts racing. "Do you know what this means, Paul? If we play our cards right, Sandro isn't just going to elevate himself, he's going to elevate FCW as a brand. And if that happens, my position overseeing developmental becomes even more crucial."
Triple H smirked, understanding exactly where her mind was heading. "You're thinking long-term influence. If Sandro becomes the centerpiece of FCW's growth, your role in shaping his rise puts you in a prime position to expand your own responsibilities in WWE."
Stephanie nodded, her stride purposeful. "Exactly. Dad's interest in Sandro isn't just about Sandro, it's about opportunity. For me, for FCW, and for the future of this company. If I can use this momentum to produce even more top tier talent, it strengthens my argument for a bigger seat at the table."
Triple H stopped, leaning against the wall and folding his arms. "You're not wrong. But we have to tread carefully. Vince is intrigued now, but his expectations will skyrocket. If Sandro stumbles, or if FCW doesn't deliver consistently, it could backfire."
Stephanie met his gaze, her confidence unwavering. "I know, Paul. But I believe in Sandro. He's not just a great wrestler; he's a great story. The son of a major investor, breaking out on his own terms, proving he's more than his connections? That's gold. And if we give him the right support, he won't stumble. He'll thrive."
Triple H chuckled softly, impressed as always by her strategic thinking. "Alright, Steph. I'm with you. Let's make FCW the breeding ground for not just the next big stars, but the next era of WWE. And Sandro? He's going to be the one leading the charge."
As they continued down the hall, Stephanie couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. For years, she'd worked tirelessly to balance the legacy of her family with her own ambitions. Now, with FCW poised to rise and Sandro emerging as a key player, the opportunity to solidify her influence was closer than ever.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains of Sandro's apartment, casting a warm glow on the room. Sandro stirred awake, his body still aching from the grueling match two nights ago, but his heart was full. Turning his head, he smiled at the sight of April and Nicole still fast asleep beside him. Their faces were serene, and a sense of peace washed over him.
He leaned over, planting a soft kiss on each of their cheeks before carefully slipping out of bed. The cool tiles of the kitchen floor greeted him as he decided to prepare breakfast. He gathered ingredients for a classic American breakfast, some scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee.
The rhythmic sound of sizzling bacon and the sweet aroma of pancakes wafted through the air, soon stirring April and Nicole awake.
Moments later, they appeared in the kitchen, their hair slightly disheveled, but their eyes full of affection. April crossed her arms, feigning irritation. "Really, Sandro? You just had one of the most intense matches of your career, and here you are cooking breakfast like nothing happened?"
Nicole chimed in, her tone was equally playful. "You should be resting, not flipping pancakes. What are we going to do with you?"
Sandro laughed, his smile disarming. "Come on, what harm could cooking a small breakfast do? Besides, I'm feeling fine. The least I can do is thank you both for taking care of me."
The two women exchanged exasperated but fond looks, shaking their heads in unison. "Fine," April said with a grin. "But next time, you're staying in bed, champ."
They sat down at the table, and the three of them enjoyed the breakfast Sandro had prepared. The room was filled with light conversation and laughter, a perfect contrast to the chaos of the wrestling world.
Two days later, it was Monday morning, and Sandro found himself at the FCW Headquarters. The disbelief of being the new FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion still lingered in his mind. Every time he held the title, though, the weight of it reminded him that this was real. He wasn't just a contender anymore, he was the guy.
Today was dedicated to a photo shoot. Sandro stood in the center of the photo room, the Florida Heavyweight Championship gleaming under the bright lights. The creative team directed him to strike various poses, the belt hoisted high above his head, slung over his shoulder, and even laid gently across his waist.
Each click of the camera captured his proud but humble demeanor, ensuring the promotional materials would highlight his authenticity as well as his championship status.
"Alright, Sandro," the photographer called out after the final shot. "That's a wrap. Great work!"
Sandro nodded, thanking the team before stepping out of the room. As he walked through the halls of FCW Headquarters, a staff member approached him. "Dusty wants to see you in his office," they informed him. Sandro's pulse quickened slightly; meetings with Dusty were always meaningful, often filled with wisdom and direction.
He knocked lightly on the door before stepping in. Dusty was seated behind his desk, the room filled with memorabilia that told stories of wrestling's golden eras. He looked up with a warm smile. "Come on in, kid. Close the door behind ya."
Sandro did as instructed and took a seat across from Dusty, the championship belt resting on his lap. Dusty leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with pride. "How ya feelin', champ?"
"Honestly?" Sandro replied, chuckling. "Still getting used to it. Feels like a dream of becoming a heavyweight champ."
Dusty grinned. "It's a hell of a dream, ain't it? But now that you've got that gold, you're not just Sandro, the wrestler. You're Sandro, the face of FCW. That comes with responsibility, kid."
Sandro nodded, his expression serious. "I'm ready for it, Dusty. Whatever it takes to represent this brand and elevate it."
Dusty leaned back, crossing his arms. "Good. Because it's not just about what you do in the ring anymore. You're gonna be goin' to interviews, talk shows, charity events. Hell, we'll probably even have ya throwin' the first pitch at a baseball game or two, of course, if there were any offers available. All of it's gonna shine a light on FCW, and you're the one holding that torch."
The weight of Dusty's words settled over Sandro. He'd dreamed of being a champion, but now he realized it was about more than just personal glory. It was about using his platform to lift the entire brand.
"I won't let you down," Sandro said, his voice steady.
Dusty smiled. "I know you won't. But remember, you're still human. Don't be afraid to lean on the people around ya. April, Nicole, Kofi… even me. You've got a hell of a support system. Use it."
Sandro nodded, a sense of gratitude welling up in his chest. "Thanks, Dusty. I appreciate that."
Dusty stood, walking around the desk to place a hand on Sandro's shoulder. "You're gonna do great things, kid. I've seen a lot of wrestlers come and go, but you? You've got something special. Just don't forget where you came from, and don't let that ego get too big for your boots."
Sandro laughed, standing up as well. "I'll keep that in mind."
After leaving Dusty's office, Sandro felt a mix of emotions, excitement, responsibility, and a quiet determination to live up to his new role as the face of FCW. Instead of heading home, he decided to swing by the training area. While he wasn't planning to train himself, he wanted to catch up with some of his friends who were working hard to improve their craft.
As he walked into the facility, the familiar sounds of grunts, weights clanking, and enthusiastic coaching filled the air. He adjusted the Florida Heavyweight Championship belt on his shoulder, its shine catching the light and drawing attention.
Inside, he saw a group of his closest friends here in FCW, Kofi Kingston, Taylor Rotunda, Windham Rotunda, Sheamus, Nick Nemeth, Drew McIntyre, and Stu Sanders, all engaged in a variety of exercises and training.
Windham was at the center of their attention, going through drills as part of his training contract period. The group had banded together to help him improve his scores, offering advice and encouragement. When Sandro entered, their focus momentarily shifted.
Kofi was the first to notice him, breaking into a broad grin. "Look who it is! The champ is here!"
The others quickly followed suit, cheering and clapping as they crowded around him.
"You're lookin' good, mate," Drew said, patting Sandro on the back. "Not too banged up from that war with Joe, I hope?"
Sheamus smirked. "I still can't believe you kicked out of that Muscle Buster, fella. That was unreal."
Nick, ever the jokester, gave an exaggerated bow. "Ladies and gentlemen, our champion have arrived. Don't let the gold blind ya all here."
Sandro chuckled, his face lighting up. "Alright, alright, calm down. You're gonna make me blush." He shook hands with each of them, his gratitude genuine. "Thanks, guys. And yeah, I'm still sore, but I've been through worse. Honestly, it still feels surreal."
Windham, catching his breath from a drill, approached with a shy smile. "Congrats, man. I didn't get to tell you last night, but I watched the match. It was incredible. You're inspiring me even more, you know that right?"
Sandro smile and pat Windham on the shoulder. "Appreciate it, kid. But don't get too starstruck, I'm still the same guy who made you eat three plates of catering mac and cheese last week."
The group burst into laughter, the camaraderie filling the room. They spent the next hour catching up, with Sandro sitting on the edge of a bench as the others continued their workouts.
They traded stories, cracked jokes, and shared insights about their matches and training sessions. It was moments like these that reminded Sandro why he loved the wrestling business. The ring might be where the magic happened, but the bonds forged behind the scenes were just as important.
At one point, Kofi paused his workout to ask, "So, are you gonna be on tonight's daily show? We've got a solid card lined up."
Sandro nodded, his smile turning sly. "Yeah, I've got a promo tonight to solidify myself as the champ. But that's not all, I've got a little surprise planned, something Dusty already gave his blessing to."
The group perked up, curiosity evident on their faces.
"A surprise?" Taylor asked, raising an eyebrow. "Come on, you can't just drop that and not give us a hint."
Sandro shook his head, laughing. "You'll just have to wait and see, like everyone else."
Drew smirked, crossing his arms. "Alright, but it better be good. You're setting the bar high, champ."
"It'll be worth it," Sandro promised. Later that evening, the atmosphere at the FCW arena was electric. The crowd was buzzing, and anticipation filled the air as fans packed the seats, eager to see the fallout from the weekend's events. Sandro stood backstage, the championship belt gleaming under the lights as he prepared for his promo.
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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