Becoming A Wrestler

Jack's response was calm but firm. "I appreciate the offer, son, but there's no need for you to come back. I've got a team handling the logistics, and we're currently gathering all the liquidity we can muster. In about a week, I'll be negotiating personally with UFC management and Marvel management to discuss the details."

Sandro was taken aback. It wasn't often that his father handled negotiations personally. The fact that Jack was willing to do so showed just how important this investment was to him—and how much he believed in Sandro's vision.

"Wow, Dad. I didn't realize you were going to handle it yourself. That means a lot," Sandro said, his voice filled with admiration.

"Well, this is a big deal, Sandro. And it was your idea. I want to make sure everything goes smoothly. Besides, it's not every day you get the chance to invest in something like this. I'm excited to see where it leads."

Sandro smiled, feeling both proud and grateful. "I'm sure it'll go great, Dad. You've got the experience, and I've got a good feeling about this. Thanks for going all-in on this."

Jack let out a hearty laugh. "You're welcome, son. Now, don't let it distract you from your own work. You're on the brink of something big too. Just keep doing what you're doing, and everything will fall into place."

"Will do, Dad. Thanks again. I'm really excited to see how this all turns out," Sandro said sincerely.

"Me too, Sandro. Me too," Jack replied before ending the call.

As Sandro put down the phone, he felt a mixture of emotions—excitement, pride, and a deep sense of responsibility. His father was moving forward with a massive investment based on his suggestion.

It was a significant step, not just for their family's financial future, but also for Sandro personally. It felt like a validation of his ideas and his potential beyond the wrestling ring.

With a contented sigh, Sandro finally headed to the bathroom for a shower. The warm water cascaded over him, washing away the physical exhaustion of the day while his mind continued to buzz with thoughts of the future. UFC and Marvel—two colossal entities in the entertainment world. If the investments paid off, it could open doors Sandro hadn't even imagined yet.

After the shower, Sandro ordered Chinese food, feeling the need to celebrate in his own small way. He savored the meal, each bite filled with a sense of accomplishment. The tangy orange chicken, the savory fried rice, and the crispy egg rolls were like a reward for the day's achievements.

Sandro leaned back on his couch after finishing his meal, feeling satisfied and a little drowsy. The anticipation of the coming days was heavy on his mind, and though he knew he needed rest, the excitement kept him alert.

Thoughts of his father's upcoming negotiations and the potential success of the investments raced through his head. Marvel and UFC—two powerhouse brands in the entertainment industry—were on the table, and the idea that his family could have a stake in their future was electrifying.

As he lay in bed, Sandro couldn't shake the conversation with his father. Jack's willingness to personally oversee the negotiations meant so much more than just a business transaction; it was a sign of trust and respect for Sandro's vision.

The responsibility weighed on him, but it was a welcome burden—a challenge that he was eager to take on. As the minutes ticked by, Sandro's thoughts gradually slowed, and he finally drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the possibilities that lay ahead.

The days passed quickly, with Sandro maintaining his usual routine—training, studying tapes, and working on his promos. He remained in close contact with his father, though Jack was tight-lipped about the negotiations, merely assuring Sandro that everything was on track. The days flew by, and before Sandro knew it, it was Friday—the night of the FCW House Show.

Though Sandro and Kofi weren't scheduled to wrestle that night, they made plans to attend the event with Nick, Drew, and Stu to support their friend Sheamus. Sheamus had been scheduled to face off against Jake Hager, the reigning FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion, in the main event.

Hager had held the title for over 220 days, ever since winning the inaugural championship in a match that had unified the FCW Southern Heavyweight Championship and the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship.

Sandro was especially excited for Sheamus. The Irishman had worked tirelessly to make a name for himself in FCW, and this match felt like the culmination of all his efforts. Though Sheamus hadn't outright said that he was going to win, his excitement and giddiness in the days leading up to the match suggested that something big was going to happen. Sandro could sense that this was going to be a turning point for Sheamus.

The group arrived at the venue early, grabbing seats near the front to get a good view of the action. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the night's matches. Sandro and his friends settled in, watching the earlier matches and enjoying the show as the excitement built towards the main event.

Finally, the moment they'd been waiting for arrived. The lights dimmed, and the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, introducing the main event of the evening, Sheamus versus Jake Hager for the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship.

Sheamus's music hit first, a rousing tune that blended traditional Irish sounds with the pounding rhythm of a rock anthem. The crowd erupted in cheers as Sheamus made his way to the ring, his pale skin almost glowing under the arena lights.

He looked focused, his eyes locked on the ring as he marched down the ramp, his muscles tense with anticipation. Sandro and the others joined the crowd in cheering for their friend, their voices adding to the overwhelming support for Sheamus.

As Sheamus entered the ring, he took a moment to soak in the crowd's energy, raising his arms to acknowledge their cheers. He was a clear favorite among the fans, his hard-hitting style and no-nonsense attitude earning him a loyal following in FCW.

Next came Jake Hager. His entrance was a stark contrast to Sheamus's, marked by an American anthem infused with a sense of arrogance. The crowd's cheers turned to boos as Hager strutted down the ramp, the championship belt slung over his shoulder.

He sneered at the fans, taunting them as he made his way to the ring. Hager had embraced his role as the heel, and the fans responded with loud jeers, creating a palpable tension in the arena.

Once both men were in the ring, the referee held up the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship belt for all to see before signaling for the match to begin. Sheamus and Hager immediately locked eyes, the tension between them evident as they circled each other, sizing each other up.

They met in the center of the ring with a collar-and-elbow tie-up, each man straining to gain the upper hand. Sheamus, with his superior strength, quickly gained the advantage, forcing Hager back into the corner. The referee stepped in to break them up, and Hager took the opportunity to deliver a cheap shot—a forearm to the face that caught Sheamus off guard.

The crowd erupted in boos, but Sheamus shook off the hit and retaliated with a series of powerful strikes, driving Hager back across the ring. The match quickly escalated into a brawl, with both men exchanging heavy blows.

Hager, known for his amateur wrestling background, tried to take the fight to the mat, but Sheamus used his brute strength to counter Hager's attempts, keeping the fight standing where he could unleash his powerful strikes.

The match was a hard-fought battle, with neither man willing to give an inch. Hager used every dirty trick in the book, from eye gouges to low blows, trying to wear Sheamus down. But Sheamus, fueled by the support of the crowd and his determination to win his first major championship in FCW, refused to stay down. Every time Hager knocked him down, Sheamus got back up, each time with more fire in his eyes.

The turning point in the match came when Hager, growing frustrated by his inability to put Sheamus away, attempted to finish the match with his finisher move, Red, White, and Blue Thunder Bomb which was a variation of the Spin-out Powerbomb.

He hoisted Sheamus into the air, but before he could execute the move, Sheamus used his incredible strength to break free, landing on his feet behind Hager. In one swift motion, Sheamus grabbed Hager and delivered his finish, the devastating FRH an acronym for The Fiery Red Hand, which was a Leg Trap Chokebomb or Chokeslam into a Side Slam catching Hager by surprise and causing him to be paralyzed.

The crowd exploded as Hager went down, the impact of the move echoing through the arena. Sensing that this was his moment, Sheamus quickly covered Hager, hooking the leg as the referee dropped to the mat to make the count.

"One! Two! Three!"

The referee's hand hit the mat for the third time, and the bell rang, signaling the end of the match. The crowd erupted into deafening cheers as Sheamus's music hit the speakers once again, signaling his victory. The referee handed Sheamus the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship belt, and Sheamus raised it high above his head, his face beaming with pride and joy.

Sandro and his friends were on their feet, cheering and clapping for Sheamus. They knew how much this victory meant to him, and they were thrilled to see their friend finally get the recognition he deserved. As Sheamus celebrated in the ring, Sandro couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for his friend. This was Sheamus's moment, and he had earned it through sheer hard work and determination.

After the match, Sandro and the others made their way backstage to congratulate Sheamus. The atmosphere was jubilant, with other wrestlers and staff members offering their congratulations as well. When Sandro finally reached Sheamus, he pulled him into a tight hug.

"You did it, man! I knew you had it in you!" Sandro exclaimed, his voice full of excitement.

Sheamus grinned, still catching his breath. "Thanks, Sandro. I couldn't have done it without you guys. Your support means the world to me."

Kofi, Nick, Drew, and Stu all chimed in with their congratulations, patting Sheamus on the back and sharing in the celebratory mood. The camaraderie among them was evident, their bond forged through shared experiences and a mutual respect's dedication to their craft.

As the group continued to celebrate, Sandro couldn't help but think about the parallels between Sheamus's victory and his own journey. Just like Sheamus had worked tirelessly to earn his spot as a champion, Sandro was working hard to carve out his own path in the wrestling world. And just like Sheamus, he knew that success wouldn't come without its challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on.

Later that night, as the celebrations wound down and the group began to head back to their respective homes, Sandro took a moment to reflect on the events of the evening.

Seeing Sheamus's triumph had reinvigorated his own sense of purpose. It was a reminder that hard work and perseverance paid off and that even when the odds seemed insurmountable, it was possible to achieve great things with the right mindset and support.

As Sandro drove back to his apartment, the city lights blurring past him, his thoughts drifted back to the upcoming business ventures his father was negotiating.

There was a sense of symmetry in it all—just as Sheamus had earned his championship, Sandro was working toward something greater, not just for himself, but for his family's legacy.

The next morning, Sandro awoke to the sound of his phone buzzing on the nightstand. It was a text from his father, Jack:

"Good morning, Sandro. I wanted to let you know that things are progressing well with both Marvel and UFC. I'll be heading into the negotiations early next Monday. I'm confident we'll come out of this with a deal that will set us up for the future. I'll keep you posted." Sandro smiled as he read the message. His father's confidence was infectious, and it only added to his growing sense of optimism.

_______________________

Name: Alessandro Zhang

Age: 18 (2008)

Birthplace: Orlando, Florida USA

Brand: FCW

Wrestling Style: Mixed Of All Style

Faction: None

Championship History: 0