55. Backstage Conversation

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The crowd exploded into cheers, the noise almost deafening as the words left Sandro's lips. Fans leaped to their feet, holding up signs, clapping, and shouting in approval. TLC—Tables, Ladders, and Chairs—was one of the most grueling and high-risk stipulations in wrestling, and everyone in the arena knew it meant chaos and excitement on an unparalleled level.

Dusty and Steve both grinned widely, clearly impressed by Sandro's choice. Steve slapped Dusty on the shoulder, his excitement mirroring that of the fans.

"You heard the man!" Steve shouted into his microphone, barely audible over the roar of the crowd. "TLC! Tables, Ladders, and Chairs, baby! This is gonna be a war!"

Dusty raised his arms, encouraging the crowd to cheer even louder, as if that were even possible. "That's what I'm talkin' about, Sandro! A TLC match is exactly what we needed! You and Kofi are gonna bring the fight, and I can't wait to see The Empire go down in flames!"

As the crowd's cheers continued, Sandro took a step forward, his expression serious now as he addressed Drew, who was still in the ring fuming. Drew's face was twisted in frustration, his anger growing with every cheer from the audience.

He knew that a TLC match played right into Dragon Boom's strengths. Sandro and Kofi were agile, innovative, and high-flying. A perfect combination for a match that involved ladders, tables, and the chaos that came with them. The Empire, while strong and physically imposing, wouldn't have the same advantage in a stipulation like this.

Sandro raised the microphone one last time, his gaze locked on Drew, whose expression had now shifted from anger to disbelief. "Drew, you've been talking for weeks about how The Empire is unbeatable, about how you'll do anything to win those tag titles. Well, now's your chance. In a TLC match, anything goes. Tables, ladders, chairs! Whatever it takes to get to those titles hanging above the ring. But I promise you this: Kofi and I are walking out of that match as the FCW Tag Team Champions. And there's nothing you or anyone else in The Empire can do to stop us."

The fans erupted again, their cheers nearly drowning out Sandro's final words. He tossed the microphone to Dusty, who caught it with a grin, before turning and heading backstage, the cheers still ringing in his ears.

As Sandro disappeared behind the curtain, Drew stood alone in the ring, seething with frustration. His mind raced with the realization that The Empire was now at a distinct disadvantage.

A TLC match required speed, agility, and creativity—qualities that Dragon Boom had in abundance. The crowd's enthusiasm only made it worse, as they clearly believed that Sandro and Kofi had the upper hand going into the match.

Drew clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he glared at the entrance ramp where Sandro had just exited. The road to the FCW Tag Team Championship had just gotten much more dangerous for The Empire, and Drew knew it.

He would need to come up with a new strategy—something underhanded, no doubt—to counter Dragon Boom's advantage. But for now, all he could do was stew in his frustration as the crowd continued to cheer for Sandro and Dragon Boom.

Backstage, Sandro found Kofi waiting for him, a broad smile on his face. "TLC, huh?" Kofi said, clapping his partner on the back. "I like it. The Empire's not gonna know what hit 'em."

Sandro grinned, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "We're gonna make sure this is a match they'll never forget. And when it's all over, we'll be the ones holding those belts."

The two men exchanged a nod of determination, their shared goal now clearer than ever. The road to the FCW Tag Team Championship was set, and Dragon Boom was ready to take The Empire down once and for all.

As Sandro and Kofi nodded in silent agreement, basking in the mutual determination that had settled over them, the familiar faces of FCW's top stars approached, joining them in celebration. Nick, the grizzled veteran known for his technical prowess, led the group, alongside the powerhouse Stu, a looming presence in his own right. Sheamus, the reigning FCW Heavyweight Champion, walked tall with his belt slung over his shoulder, while Nicole and Brianna, two rising stars in the women's division, smiled brightly, flanking April, who proudly wore the FCW Divas Championship around her waist.

"Now that's how you win a match!" Nick called out, clapping his hands together as he approached Sandro and Kofi. "You boys gave us all a good laugh with that Eddie tribute. Classic!"

April chuckled, adjusting her Divas Championship. "You really did channel Eddie there, Sandro. I don't think anyone saw that coming—not even Drew. Brilliant move."

Sandro grinned, modestly rubbing the back of his neck as the group surrounded him and Kofi. "Thanks, everyone. I just thought—why not? It felt right, you know? Eddie was such an inspiration to so many of us."

Nicole and Brianna exchanged glances before nudging Stu, who stood stoic but clearly amused. "So, Stu," Nicole teased with a sly grin, "how does it feel to know you're going to be facing Sandro and Kofi in a TLC match next week? Think you'll be able to keep up with their speed, or are you just going to use Drew as a human shield?"

Stu gave a low chuckle, crossing his arms. "Oh, don't worry about me. I've got a few tricks of my own." He leaned in closer, towering over the smaller Nicole. "I might just toss Kofi off a ladder if I get the chance."

"You'd have to catch him first," Kofi quipped with a wink, drawing a laugh from the group.

Before the banter could escalate, Drew pushed through the backstage curtain, his face still flush with frustration. The energy shifted slightly as everyone turned to face him. For a brief moment, tension hung in the air—Drew's loss was still fresh, and his pride had clearly taken a hit. But instead of bitterness, Drew surprised everyone by raising a hand in a show of surrender.

"Alright, alright," Drew said, his voice carrying a resigned but respectful tone. "I'll give credit where it's due." He walked up to Sandro, extending a hand. "That was one hell of a move out there, mate. I didn't expect you to literally pull an Eddie Guerrero on me. You got me, fair and square. Dusty and Steve don't brief me that it will literally be like that."

Sandro smiled, shaking Drew's hand firmly. "Thanks, Drew. I figured if you were going to try pulling off some classic Eddie tactics, I'd just have to beat you at your own game."

Drew smirked, but there was a hint of admiration in his expression. "It was genius, really. I've got to hand it to you. Not only did you win, but you paid tribute to one of the greatest minds this business has ever seen. Eddie Guerrero—he changed everything, not just for Lucha Libre, but for all of us."

Stu, standing beside Drew, nodded in agreement. "It's true. Eddie brought a style that none of us had ever seen before, and he wasn't just about the high-flying. He was about outsmarting your opponents, making them think twice about every move they made."

Sheamus, having been mostly quiet until now, stepped forward, the gleam of his FCW Heavyweight Championship catching the light as he did. "Eddie was a legend, no doubt. And tonight, Sandro, you reminded everyone why his legacy still matters. But don't get too cocky." He pointed at Sandro and Kofi with a grin. "Next week, that TLC match is going to be a war. Drew and Stu aren't going to hold anything back. And those ladders? Well, they're not just for climbing—they're for smashing skulls too."

April raised her eyebrows in mock concern. "Don't give them too many ideas, Sheamus. These boys are going to be in for a rough night as it is." She turned to Drew and Stu. "Just try not to send Kofi flying out of the arena, okay?"

"Can't make any promises," Drew replied with a playful smirk. "But seriously, Sandro—you earned it tonight. You've got The Empire's respect as in ring character and performer, not just because you are our friend."

The group fell into a more relaxed rhythm after that, the competitive edge easing as everyone shared in the moment. Even Drew seemed more at peace, his initial frustration melting away as the camaraderie of the locker room took over. As the conversation drifted from match tactics to personal stories about Eddie Guerrero's influence on their careers, it was clear that tonight's events had struck a chord with everyone.

Nick, always one to steer a conversation, chimed in. "You know, the TLC stipulation you guys picked—that's going to be a hell of a match. But it's more than just about tables, ladders, and chairs. It's about innovation. What are you going to do that no one else has done before? That's what Eddie was all about. He didn't just follow the rules—he rewrote them."

Sandro nodded, deep in thought as he listened. "That's exactly what Kofi and I were talking about earlier. We want to go into this match and do something that people will remember for years. Something that makes everyone stand up and say, 'That's Dragon Boom.'"

Kofi, ever the optimist, clapped his hands together. "And that's exactly what we're going to do. TLC is our playground. The Empire may be strong, but we're fast. We're smart. And we're ready to fly."

Brianna laughed, clearly enjoying the dynamic between the two teams. "I think we're all in for a show. But remember, boys—those belts hanging above the ring? They don't care how you win. They just care that you get up there first."

Nicole smirked, pointing at Kofi. "And no springboarding off the ropes to grab them, okay? We want an even fight."

Kofi raised his hands in surrender, flashing a wide grin. "No promises!"

As the teasing continued, the group's laughter echoed through the backstage area. But in the midst of the camaraderie, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. The TLC match wasn't just another bout on the card—it was a career-defining moment. Sandro and Kofi knew that this was their opportunity to prove themselves as the rightful FCW Tag Team Champions. The Empire, on the other hand, saw it as a chance to solidify their dominance and prove that their strength and cunning could overcome any obstacle.

Drew, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke up. "You know, this match—it's more than just for the belts. It's for pride. The Empire isn't going to go down easy. We've been through wars before, and we're not afraid of a little chaos."

Stu nodded in agreement. "Tables, ladders, chairs—we've been in hardcore matches before. This is just another challenge. But you two—" he pointed at Sandro and Kofi, "—you'd better be ready for the fight of your lives. Because when that bell rings, there's no turning back."

Sandro met Stu's intense gaze, his own eyes filled with determination. "We wouldn't want it any other way."

With that, the group began to disperse, each member heading in different directions to prepare for the week ahead. The air was thick with anticipation and a sense of looming battle. The next FCW pay-per-view was shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the promotion's history, with the TLC match at the forefront.

As Sandro and Kofi walked off together, their minds already racing with strategies, they knew that their journey wasn't over yet. The challenge ahead was immense, but with each step they took, their resolve grew stronger. They weren't just fighting for the titles—they were fighting to cement their legacy as one of the greatest tag teams in FCW history. And when the time came to climb those ladders and seize the belts hanging above the ring, Dragon Boom would be ready. Ready to fly, ready to fight, and ready to make history.

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Name: Alessandro Zhang

Age: 18 (2008)

Birthplace: Orlando, Florida USA

Brand: FCW

Wrestling Style: Mixed Of All Style

Faction: Dragon Boom (Tag Team)

Championship History: 0