บท 8: Mr. Gibson's Thoughts

Andrew Gibson, the owner, and CEO of LWC was in quite a pickle these days. When he had acquired the deal from Breeze TV at the recommendation of his friend Simon, he had hoped that things would turn for the better.

And like always, things have taken a turn for worse.

When he began LWC with the aim to train and nurture young talents in the world of professional wrestling, he didn't have any idea about running a promotion at all. He just wanted to train budding talents and see them grow into great wrestlers.

However, when the young ones he trained faced closed doors and rejection in the world of professional wrestling due to politics, he was heartbroken. His exit from AWF was not without drama.

In fact, he had been tired of the various office politics and had clashed with several influential people backstage. As a result, he had been sidelined by several people joining hands. Unwilling to work in such an environment, he left the company to do what he loved doing.

Unfortunately, while he was able to let go of the past, his past refused to let go of him. His enemies were not just content with driving him away. They also didn't want him to turn over. Steven had been the only one understanding of his plight.

So, when he saw that his disciples were being blocked from their future due to their association with him, in a fit of rage, he tried to book a show to showcase their talents.

The result was pretty good.

Having a base in Longham City ensured that his product always had some demand in the market. Thus, what began as a way to promote his disciples turned into a small wrestling promotion on its own.

While unintentional, LWC had the approval of fans and with his experience in the industry, he was able to make even with the costs that he invested. It was really going well.

While he didn't make a large profit, he was able to make a small profit with each show and help a lot of young talents out there. It had been a fulfilling three years for him.

Then came the TV deal with Steven's recommendation.

The initial show had sold out causing him to see a bright future. The following shows also had good attendance. While they weren't sold out, the turnout was good and it looked like LWC can become a stable wrestling promotion. Even the TV station executives were happy with the ratings for the first two months.

Emboldened by the success, he brought in new talents to showcase some variety and keep the interest in the show going. When he put out the special event, it too sold out causing a huge surge in his confidence.

But, that was also the beginning of his headache.

Ever since then, there had been a steady decline in TV ratings and live attendance. He understood the main reason for it. His roster didn't have enough depth. While AWF can put out matches by rotating the available talent, small promotions like his didn't have enough depth to go that route.

Even mid-sized promotions were struggling to maintain their place. And, once the show went outside of Longham City, the interest in wrestling was very small. For TV programs with a small interest group, there is always the danger of being cut off.

So, he was forced to invest more to bring in more talents.

Even then, he was not able to invite top talents as they didn't have enough money to attract those kinds of wrestlers. To him, it was cost-effective and more fulfilling to bring in more new talents who were hungry for opportunity than to spend a large sum of money to invite established veterans.

And this also caused friction between him and Robin.

Robin was of the mind that investing in a big star would help them tide over the difficulties and also earn them big bucks. He was firmly opposed to the idea of giving new wrestlers a chance as they didn't have any fanbase, to begin with, and thus not able to bring in money.

While this was practical and had a root in reality, Andrew had started this promotion in the hopes of showcasing new talents. If he went the same route as other promotions, then the meaning behind starting LWC would be lost.

So, he was unwilling to do what Robin had suggested.

Desmond had no opinion on either side. He was content to direct scenes from backstage and set up shows, leaving other headaches to the two of them. So, without a deciding factor, the contrast between him and Robin grew sharp as time progressed.

Now, over six months into the TV deal, Breeze TV had stated unequivocally that they would not renew the contract if the ratings don't pick up in the subsequent months. This was a huge blow to Andrew as he was in a bind at the moment.

As he had invested heavily in the company and had signed contracts for multiple years with the wrestlers hoping to take advantage of the TV deal and earn big bucks, Andrew would truly end up bankrupt if things didn't pick up in the next few months.

So, now Andrew had two options.

The first option was to listen to Robin's advice and choose the stable path of inviting famous veterans to wrestle for his promotion despite the huge cost it needed. While the investment was high, the return would also be stable. At the least, if he invited a few famous wrestlers he would be able to obtain the TV deal renewal.

To others, this may seem to be a viable option. Considering the minimal risk and chance of turning over this option was more than palatable to many people. However, Andrew was not like other people. Even if he left the reason behind establishing LWC aside, this option had another huge hidden danger.

Being a veteran of the industry, Andrew knew that inviting these famous veterans into the company was akin to inviting white-eyed wolves into one's own home. The huge contracts and exorbitant amount of signing fees notwithstanding, their introduction into the company will also bring infighting and politicking into LWC.

Until now, LWC has run like a tight ship under his control. With him at the top of the power, both Robin and Desmond splitting equal power under him, there haven't been any mishaps or scandals until now. But, introducing the veterans will naturally upset the power balance within LWC.

Already a sharp contradiction exists between him and Robin. Until now, it hasn't progressed to an irrevocable state. While he knew that Robin was eager to obtain more power, Andrew was unwilling to give it to him.

His experience in AWF has taught him a lot. Even if he was the owner of the company, allowing Robin to obtain more power was detrimental to his status in the company.

Bringing in these veterans would only increase Robin's power. With how much Robin was pushing for this move, it could already be inferred that Robin already has plans to consolidate his power with the help of these veterans.

So, helping his potential opponent to become more threatening to him was an unwise solution. Unless it was a last resort, Andrew was unwilling to use the first option.

That left Andrew with only the second option to go with. It was to bring in change and generate more interest in LWC among casual fans. And he had the perfect person in mind for that.

Rob Williams.

When Steven had recommended the kid, Andrew had been intrigued as to what Steven saw in that kid. The interview with the kid was a way to gauge him. And he had to say, Rob Williams' bold ideas impressed him a lot.

However, that didn't mean that he would give such power to a wet-behind-the-ears kid and take such a gamble. Who didn't know that the booker had huge power and influence in any promotion?

The kid's naivety to think that he would be handed such a position was nothing but a joke!

And yet, he didn't want someone else to take such a gamble and use the kid to improve themselves. While Andrew despised playing politics in a promotion, that didn't mean that he had no political sense. Denying the competition a good resource was a common business tactic.

So, he had offered the kid a job and wanted to keep him under his control. Not that the kid had anything to complain about as he had opened the door for the kid into the world of pro wrestling.

And the kid had indeed jumped at the opportunity. Ever since then he had kept a discreet eye on the kid. Rob Williams had the required passion for the business. It was clear from his actions. He had watched the kid grow exponentially from the day he set foot in his company.

There was a thirst in the kid. A kind of hunger, to do something monumental and leave his name in the history books. It was gratifying to watch the kid grow every day. He had even hinted to Desmond to allow the kid more responsibilities. And the kid had thrived under the pressure.

Even he didn't expect the kid to build a good rapport with his wrestlers within just six months. There were several people in the business who hadn't managed what the kid had done in six months. The kid was akin to a monster. And it was immensely satisfying to see the kid fulfill his potential.

And wonder of wonder, Robin had let such a monster kid slip through his fingers. At that time, the contradictions between him and Robin hadn't erupted and everyone was working to make sure everything went right with the TV deal. So, he hadn't thought much about putting the kid under Robin's oversight.

But, Robin had carted him off to be Desmond's problem in his usual slick manner when he realized that the kid had no experience. Soon the kid began thriving under Desmond much to the surprise of both Robin and him. Even he hadn't known the kid to have such potential.

Unlike Robin, he had been keeping an eye on the kid's progress for a long time. So when he realized his potential, he let the wind out, spreading rumors about the kid's interest in being a booker, making sure Robin heard of it. By then, the kid was firmly under Desmond and Robin couldn't do anything to him openly.

He watched as Robin's contradiction with the kid grew day by day, but never interfered. As a result, without even him doing anything the kid's relationship with Robin had become strained. And if he had read the kid right, then the kid would not let off Robin when he came to power.

Also, if he was one that gave the kid the power he craved, then the kid would be on his side regardless of any actions Robin might take. This way he had earned both a supporter with great potential and deprived Robin of a possible powerful ally. He had shot two birds with one stone.

With all this in mind, it was only natural that Andrew chose the second option. While this was indeed a huge gamble, if it worked out, the payoff will be huge. This would not only make LWC create history, but also establish a unique image in the world of wrestling that solely belonged to LWC.

So, with a contended smile Andrew let Desmond know that he wanted to meet the kid. He would first test out the kid's plan. If it worked out, it will bring him unimaginable benefits. If it did not work, then he always had the option of bringing in established veterans to boost ratings during the final two months.

If that happened, he would see how things go and adapt accordingly. Maybe, pulling in a few of his old friends might even counteract Robin's plans. That way he could neutralize Robin's threat to the minimum.

"Well, Rob Williams, I have huge expectations towards your ideas. I will give you this chance. And if you disappoint me, hmmph, I will let you fade out of this business entirely," Andrew murmured looking at the setting sun.

Tomorrow, he would meet with Rob Williams and give him the chance that he had always desired. Everything else was out of his hands. Still, backup plans need to be made.

Needs must! Wants must!

*****

Meanwhile, Rob was meticulously polishing how he would go about executing his revolution in the world of pro wrestling. He knew that his chance had finally come and if he missed it, who knew how long it would take to obtain yet another opportunity like this?

"I must first create a comprehensive plan. Instead of biting off more than I could chew, I need to make sure that there is at least a 70% chance for it to work. So, I can't naturally take more on my plate," Rob said with a clear gaze as he eyed the setting sun through the window in his apartment.

"Let us start small. One program, leading to a long feud between wrestlers. So, there must be a heel turn. That's a must. My entire idea will hinge on this, so I need to make sure that the heel turn is both shocking and effective. It must also move the story forward."

"Do I create a chicken-shit heel or an arrogant heel? The people in this world had never seen a chicken-shit heel before. It would be novel. And interesting… but, there is a high chance that it wouldn't work. The people will need some time to warm up to the new changes. I can't just throw them into a deep end."

"In that case, I can only slowly build. But, LWC can't afford a long delay. The TV station might stop the telecast at any time. So, whatever impact I need to make must be done soon. In that way, I can't build a long story arc. That would take away the backbone of the story and will feel rushed."

"Aargh, I can't give up on either option," Rob mumbled as he scratched his head in frustration. "I need to calm down and think about it from another angle. Let me list my requirements first. Then I will be clear on how to proceed."

"I need to combine these two things and make them blend in seamlessly. In that case, I need to add something new," Ray said as he began thinking deeply.

"I got it, why don't I add a gimmick match or just something new? There are tons of ideas available to me. I just need to choose the best possible way and try to include them appropriately."

As Rob planned, the sun began to set. When the dawn arrives, the wrestling industry on this planet would usher in a new era and this would all happen in the hands of a 20-year-old youngster.

And his name will be Rob Freaking Williams!!!

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