Becoming A Wrestler

Triple H, sensing Vince's interest, straightened up and took the lead. "Sandro's been with FCW for a few months now, and he's already made a huge impact. He's not only winning matches but also connecting with the fans in a way that's rare for someone so new. He's built this 'Florida Dragon' persona that's really resonating with the audience, and his promos have been incredible. He's also got a sharp mind for the business side of things and gets recognition from bit Dusty and Steve."

Vince McMahon continued tapping his finger on the table, a rhythmic motion that seemed to echo through the room as Triple H and Stephanie watched him closely.

They knew Vince's way of thinking—a mixture of shrewd business acumen and an almost uncanny ability to gauge the potential of talent in the wrestling industry, but they didn't expect Vince to respond by saying that Sandro was either lucky or he was truly talented, lucky in his prediction, or truly could see the business in the future and what it needs meaning that he was still an unknown variable in the equation of this business.

Yet, they couldn't help but feel that his evaluation of Sandro as merely an "unknown variable" was a bit harsh. To them, Sandro had already proven that he was more than just a lucky newcomer; he was a force to be reckoned with, someone who had the potential to shape the future of the industry.

Triple H, known for his patience and strategic thinking, decided to choose his words carefully. "Vince," he began, his tone respectful yet firm, "I understand your hesitation. Sandro's young, and it might seem like he's just had a lucky streak. But I've seen a lot of guys come through this business, and there's something different about him. He understands the nuances of wrestling—both in and out of the ring. It's not just about his performance; it's about how he connects with the fans, and how he thinks about the business. That kind of awareness at such a young age is rare."

Stephanie nodded in agreement. "Sandro's vision isn't something you can easily teach. He has a natural ability to see the bigger picture, to anticipate what the audience wants before they even know they want it. The live voting, the way he built his persona as the 'Florida Dragon,' even his investment in the FCW Divas Championship—these aren't just random decisions. They're calculated moves that show a deep understanding of what makes this business tick."

Vince leaned back in his chair, his expression still unreadable. "Calculated moves, huh?" he mused, more to himself than to them. "Or maybe he's just playing the game like everyone else, trying to get ahead. You know how it is—everyone's got a plan until they get punched in the face. We've seen plenty of 'prodigies' come and go. Some burn bright and fade fast; others never make it past developmental."

There was a brief pause as Vince's words hung in the air. Triple H and Stephanie knew that Vince was right in a sense; the wrestling industry was notorious for its volatility. For every success story, there were countless tales of wasted potential. But still, they couldn't shake the feeling that Sandro was different.

Triple H took a breath and decided to push a little further. "Look, Vince, I get it. We don't want to get ahead of ourselves. But I think Sandro's more than just another guy trying to make it. He's shown a real knack for business. He's already made significant contributions to FCW in terms of fan engagement and innovation. And the reaction from the crowd? That's not something you can fake. It's genuine."

Stephanie chimed in, her voice steady. "And let's not forget the bottom line. FCW's numbers have been on the rise since Sandro started getting more involved. The live voting for the team name, and his involvement in promoting the Divas Championship—it's all translating to higher viewership, more website forum engagement, and, ultimately, more revenue. We should be thinking about how to harness that, not dismiss it as a fluke."

Vince stopped tapping his finger and finally met their gazes, his eyes narrowing as he assessed them both. It was clear he wasn't entirely convinced yet, but there was a hint of curiosity there, a glimmer of interest that hadn't been present before.

"You two seem pretty sold on this kid," Vince remarked, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "But here's the thing—WWE isn't FCW. The stakes are higher, the competition is tougher, and the spotlight is much brighter. If Sandro's going to make it here, he needs to prove he can handle that pressure. Right now, he's a big fish in a small pond. Let's see how he swims in the ocean."

Triple H and Stephanie exchanged glances, sensing that this was as close to approval as they were going to get from Vince at this stage. But they also knew that this was Vince's way of laying down the gauntlet. If Sandro was going to earn his place in WWE, he would have to do it the hard way, just like everyone else.

"We understand, Dad," Stephanie said, her tone resolute. "But we believe Sandro has what it takes to succeed on the main roster. He's shown that he can think outside the box and connect with the fans in a way that resonates. All we're asking is that you give him a chance to prove himself on a bigger stage."

Vince was silent for a moment, his gaze drifting back to the reports on his desk. Then, finally, he nodded. "Alright," he said slowly. "We'll keep an eye on him. But remember, one good idea or a few successful matches don't make a superstar. It's about consistency, about proving yourself week after week, year after year. If Sandro can do that, then maybe—just maybe—he's got a future here."

Triple H and Stephanie both nodded, satisfied with the outcome of the conversation. It wasn't a full endorsement, but it was a start. They knew that Vince was a hard man to impress, and getting him to even consider someone new was a victory in itself.

As they left Vince's office and walked down the hallway, Stephanie turned to Triple H. "You think Sandro's ready for this?" she asked, her voice thoughtful.

Triple H nodded without hesitation. "Yeah, I do. He's got the talent, the drive, and the smarts. But more importantly, he's got that X-factor—the thing that makes people sit up and take notice. If he can keep his head on straight and stay focused, I think he could be one of the biggest stars this company has ever seen."

Stephanie smiled at that, her confidence in Sandro unwavering. "Then let's make sure he gets the support he needs. We know how brutal this business can be, especially for someone with as much potential as Sandro. If we play our cards right, he could be a game-changer for WWE and maybe help us in more ways than one."

As they continued walking, both of them couldn't help but think about the future and what it might hold for Sandro. They had seen flashes of greatness in him, moments that hinted at something truly special. Now it was up to Sandro to prove that those moments weren't just flashes in the pan but the beginnings of a long and storied career.

Meanwhile, back in FCW, Sandro was completely unaware of the discussion taking place at WWE headquarters. He was still processing the events of the night, the emotions swirling within him as he sat in the locker room, his phone resting on the bench beside him. The message from April lingered in his mind, her words echoing in his thoughts as he tried to sort through his feelings.

He had always known that the wrestling business was tough, but he hadn't anticipated the personal challenges that came with it. The pressure to succeed, the need to maintain relationships, and the constant scrutiny from fans and peers alike—it was all part of the package. But tonight, with the success of Dragon Boom and April's championship win, he was beginning to feel the weight of those challenges more acutely than ever.

As he sat there, lost in thought, Kofi entered the locker room, a big grin on his face. "Yo, Sandro! Are you still here, man? We gotta celebrate! Dragon Boom's official now, and April's the new champ! This is our night, bro!"

Sandro looked up and forced a smile, trying to shake off the heavy thoughts that had been clouding his mind. "Yeah, you're right. It's been a huge night."

Kofi noticed the hesitation in Sandro's voice and tilted his head slightly, his smile fading a bit. "You good, man? You seem a little...off."

Sandro hesitated, unsure of how much to share. He trusted Kofi—they had become close friends during their time in FCW—but he didn't want to burden him with his personal struggles, especially not on a night that was supposed to be a celebration.

"I'm good," Sandro finally said, trying to sound convincing. "Just a lot on my mind, you know? Tonight was amazing, but it's also...a lot to process."

Kofi nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I get that. We're on the cusp of something big, Sandro. Dragon Boom could really take off, especially with the fans behind us like they are. But I know it's not easy. This business can mess with your head if you let it."

Sandro appreciated Kofi's words of wisdom. He knew Kofi had been through his own share of ups and downs in the wrestling world, and his perspective was valuable. "Thanks, Kofi. I think I just need to clear my head a bit. But you're right—this is our night. Let's make the most of it."

Kofi grinned again, clapping Sandro on the shoulder. "That's the spirit, man! Let's go find April and hit the town. We've earned it!"

As the two of them left the locker room, Sandro couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Kofi that went beyond just being tag team partners. They had each other's backs, both in and out of the ring, and that was something Sandro knew he could rely on as he navigated the complexities of the wrestling world.

Later that night, the air was filled with excitement as Sandro and his friends gathered at their favorite local pub to celebrate the evening's triumphs. The pub was buzzing, not just with patrons enjoying their usual drinks but also with an electric energy surrounding the group of wrestlers who had just left the FCW show.

Everyone was talking about April's historic win as the first-ever FCW Divas Champion, as well as Dragon Boom's advancement to the finals of the tag team tournament. This was more than just a night out—it was a night of celebration, camaraderie, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

Sandro, Nick, Kofi, Drew, Sheamus, Stu, April, Nicole, and Brianna all filed into the pub, greeted by a mix of friendly patrons and familiar faces. The bar had become somewhat of a hangout for FCW talent after shows, offering a relaxed atmosphere where they could unwind and reflect on their performances. Sandro looked around, soaking in the atmosphere. Tonight felt different, though—there was a deeper sense of pride in the air.

As the group settled into their usual corner, April immediately became the focus of attention. She was the first and inaugural FCW Divas Champion, a title that not only represented her talent but also the culmination of everything the women in FCW had been fighting for.

The others couldn't stop congratulating her. Nick raised a glass, his voice booming over the noise of the pub. "To April! The first-ever Divas Champion! You made history tonight!"

Cheers erupted as everyone clinked their glasses, and April couldn't help but smile, her cheeks flushed with both pride and a bit of embarrassment from the attention. She looked around at her friends, and her wrestling family, and felt a deep sense of gratitude. "Thanks, guys. It feels surreal, you know? I couldn't have done it without all of you. Especially you, Sandro," she said, locking eyes with him across the table.

_______________________

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