If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
___________________________
"That's good to hear," Stephanie replied, satisfaction evident in her voice. "I appreciate it, Dusty." Dusty smiled, "No problem, darlin'. Now, was that all, or was there somethin' else on your mind?"
"Well, since I have you, I wanted to say, I really like the idea of the new mid card title you're introducing. It's fresh, unique, and gives FCW something that stands out in the indie scene."
Dusty grinned. "Glad to hear it. We wanted somethin' different, somethin' that makes guys hungry to fight for it. Ain't just another belt, it's a chance to make a name for yourself."
"And that's what makes it special," Stephanie agreed. "I think it's going to help elevate a lot of talent."
"That's the plan," Dusty said. "And if things go the way I'm thinkin', it's gonna shake things up in a big way."
Stephanie chuckled. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Dusty."
They wrapped up the call, and Dusty sat back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Things were moving fast, and with Sandro's persona coming together, the new title on the horizon, and eyes from WWE keeping a close watch, FCW was about to enter a whole new phase, and Dusty wouldn't have it any other way.
Days passed, and for Sandro, those days were filled with relentless training, deep introspection, and a gradual embodiment of the persona he had crafted with Dusty's guidance.
It wasn't enough just to say he had a new character, he had to feel it, live it, breathe it until it became second nature. Every training session in the ring wasn't just about improving his technical ability, it was about refining the way he moved, the way he carried himself, the way he reacted to situations like the man he wanted to be inside that squared circle.
He spent hours in front of a mirror, testing different facial expressions, the way he spoke, the way he delivered lines, making sure it wasn't a performance but a natural extension of himself.
He even paid attention to his presence outside the ring. When he walked into a room, when he interacted with others, how would his persona respond? Would he be the calm and calculated type, someone who made his words count? Or would he be the kind of guy who used his influence and wealth in unexpected ways, subverting expectations?
The more he immersed himself in the character, the more natural it became. The hesitation started to fade, replaced by an instinctive understanding of who he was meant to be. And as the persona became clearer, Sandro knew it was time to figure out how to introduce it to the world.
That's why, in between the grueling training sessions, Sandro had managed to schedule a meeting with Dusty and Steve Keirn. He didn't want his character to debut in some forced, inorganic way.
He didn't want to just walk out with a new attitude and expect fans to immediately buy in. He wanted authenticity. He wanted them to feel like the change wasn't a gimmick but something real, something they could believe in.
So now, sitting in Steve's office, Sandro leaned forward, resting his forearms on the desk, his eyes serious as he spoke. "I don't want this to feel artificial," he said. "I don't want to just show up one night and expect people to accept this change. I want them to experience it. I want them to feel like they're a part of it."
Dusty nodded, arms crossed over his chest. "That's the right way to go about it, kid. If you shove somethin' down the fans' throats, they're gonna reject it. But if they see it happen naturally, if they can believe it's real, they'll invest in it."
Steve, who had been leaning back in his chair, stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So, the question is… how do we do that?" he mused. "How do we make the audience feel like they're discovering this alongside you?"
Sandro exhaled, thinking. "I've been working on how I carry myself, how I talk, how I react to things. But I don't want it to just be about me acting differently. I want the fans to see why I'm different."
Steve snapped his fingers. "Then we need a moment. Something that changes the way they see you. Something that makes them stop and think, 'Wait… this guy isn't the same Sandro Zhang we've been watching.'"
Dusty grinned. "Now we're talkin'. But it can't just be a single promo or a random match. It has to be a story."
Sandro nodded. "Exactly. And it has to be built up in a way that feels like a shift, not a sudden switch."
The three of them spent the next hour throwing around ideas, debating the best approach. Maybe it started with a slow change in behavior, subtle at first, small actions that hinted at something different. Maybe there was an in ring moment, something that forced Sandro to reveal this evolution in real time.
One idea was an opponent who represented everything Sandro's character opposed, someone who embodied corruption, greed, or the abuse of power. A match where Sandro, instead of just fighting to win, made a point. Not just physically, but through the way he carried himself, the choices he made, the message he sent with every action.
Or maybe it started outside the ring. A backstage segment where Sandro took a stand on something, using his influence in a way that caught people off guard. Something that made the fans realize, this isn't the same guy they thought they knew.
"Whatever we do," Dusty said, "it has to be gradual. Fans need to connect the dots themselves. They need to feel like they've watched this transformation, not that it was handed to them."
Steve nodded in agreement. "We also need to keep it quiet until the moment's right. No leaks. No hints. Just let it unfold naturally."
Sandro took a deep breath. This was it. The beginning of something real. "Alright," he said. "Let's do this." The plan was set but it could change anytime. Now, all that was left was execution.
Sandro leaned back slightly in his chair, letting out a deep breath. The meeting had gone exactly how he hoped, thoughtful, strategic, and focused on authenticity. He was feeling good about the plan for his new persona, knowing that Dusty and Steve shared his vision.
But just as he was about to rise from his seat, Dusty raised a hand, stopping him. "Hold on there, kid," Dusty said with a knowing grin. "We got somethin' else to run by ya."
Sandro blinked, settling back in. "Oh? What's up?"
Steve leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Alexis and Ashley," he said simply.
Sandro's brow furrowed slightly before realization hit. They were talking about the two promising young women who had been training in FCW, women who, in the future, would become known to the world as Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair.
Sandro had been keeping an eye on them, not just because he knew their potential from his unique knowledge of wrestling's future, but because he genuinely respected their work ethic.
Alexis had a natural charm and an underdog energy that made people want to root for her, while Ashley had that unmistakable Flair presence, dominant, athletic, and with an aura that demanded attention.
"They're gettin' close, kid," Dusty continued. "Real close. Their ring work is damn good, better than a lot of folks who've been at this longer. Promos could use some polish, but that comes with time and experience. We're thinkin' about pullin' the trigger on their debut soon."
Sandro sat forward, intrigued but cautious. He was honored that Dusty and Steve valued his input, but this was a major moment for Alexis and Ashley. A debut could make or break a career, and while he knew they had bright futures ahead, it was still important to get it right.
"What's the plan for them?" Sandro asked, wanting to know how Dusty and Steve envisioned their introduction.
Steve smiled. "Glad you asked. We don't wanna just throw them out there with no direction. Alexis has that scrappy, underdog quality, small but fiery. We could lean into that, make her the unexpected fighter who earns people's respect through sheer grit."
"And Ashley?" Sandro prompted.
Dusty chuckled. "She's a damn Flair, ain't she? She's got the genes, the look, and the skills to back it up. But we don't want her ridin' on Ric's name too much, she needs to stand on her own. She's got that natural heel charisma, but we're thinkin' of startin' her off in a way that lets her show just how damn good she is before she ever has to say it."
Sandro nodded, already envisioning the possibilities. "I like that. Alexis as the tenacious rookie fighting for respect, and Ashley as the prodigy who already knows she belongs. They contrast each other in a good way."
"Exactly," Steve said. "Question is, do you think they're ready?"
Sandro paused. He already knew that, in the long run, both of them would go on to become champions, icons in their own right. But that knowledge wasn't what mattered right now. What mattered was whether they were prepared now, at this moment.
He took a moment to think before responding. "Their ring work is solid, you said that yourself. Promos… yeah, they could be stronger, but that'll come with experience. I think the real question is whether they feel ready. Have they been asking about a debut? Do they seem confident?"
Dusty and Steve exchanged glances before Dusty spoke. "They're hungry, that's for sure. Both of 'em are itchin' to get out there. They ain't greenhorns who'll freeze under the spotlight, but you know as well as I do that confidence in the ring and confidence under the pressure of a live audience ain't the same thing."
Sandro nodded. "I get that. But honestly? Yeah. I think they're ready. They've got the talent, the drive, and they've been training under the best. If we bring them in the right way, I don't see a reason to wait much longer."
Steve smirked. "That's what we were hopin' to hear."
Dusty grinned. "Alright, then. We'll start puttin' things in motion. And since you're already in deep with us on creative, we might just have you involved in how they debut."
Sandro chuckled. "You're gonna keep piling more responsibilities on me, aren't you?"
Dusty shrugged with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Hey, you wanted to make an impact. This is how you do it."
Sandro smiled, shaking his head. He wouldn't have it any other way.
Over the next two days, as Sandro continued training and preparing for his own shift in character, he also kept an eye on Alexis and Ashley. He watched their practice matches, observed their promo work, and made a point to talk to them whenever he had a chance.
One afternoon, after a particularly intense session, Sandro found Alexis sitting on the ring apron, catching her breath.
"Hey," he said, sitting next to her. "How're you feeling?"
Alexis wiped sweat from her forehead and let out a small laugh. "Like I've been hit by a truck, but in a good way. You know what I mean?"
Sandro chuckled. "Yeah, I do. Word is, you and Ashley might be making your debut soon."
Alexis' eyes widened. "Wait, for real?"
Sandro smirked. "You didn't hear that from me. But yeah, the higher ups think you're ready. The question is, do you think you're ready?"
Alexis exhaled, thinking for a moment. "Honestly? I'm nervous as hell. But… I want this. I know I can do this. I just don't wanna mess it up, you know?"
Sandro nodded. "That feeling never really goes away. Even after years in the business, there's always that pressure. But you've put in the work, and that's what matters. Just trust yourself."
She smiled. "Thanks, Sandro. That means a lot."
Later that evening, he found Ashley in the weight room, finishing up a set of squats.
"Hard at work as always," Sandro said, leaning against the wall.
Ashley racked the bar and smirked. "You know me. No off days."
Sandro crossed his arms. "So… ready to make an impact?"
Ashley's smirk widened. "I was born ready."
He laughed. "That's what I thought."
The wheels were in motion. Soon, FCW's landscape would change, not just with his own evolution, but with the arrival of two women who would go on to change the business. And Sandro knew he was witnessing the beginning of something special.
___________________________
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