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"I can oversee the initial setup," Sandro offered. "I know a few people who can handle video production and editing, and I can work with some of the wrestlers on promo content. Once we get it rolling, we'll need a dedicated team, but I can handle the early phases."
Steve and Dusty shared another look before nodding.
"Alright," Steve said. "Let's do it."
Sandro grinned. This was just the beginning.
After receiving Dusty and Steve's greenlight, Sandro pulled out his iPhone and scrolled to his father's contact. He pressed the call button, and after a couple of rings, Jack picked up.
"Hello, son. What a surprise," Jack greeted, his voice warm but teasing. "It's rare for you to call me first. Usually, it's your mother telling me what you're up to."
Sandro chuckled. "Come on, Dad. It's not that rare. I mean, okay, maybe I call Mom more often, but that's just because—"
Jack interrupted with an amused hum. "Because she spoils and worried about you more?"
Sandro laughed. "Hey, I'm not confirming or denying that. But listen, I actually have a serious favor to ask you."
That caught Jack's attention. "Oh? What kind of favor are we talking about?"
Sandro leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "I just got approval from Dusty and Steve to launch a dedicated YouTube channel for FCW. WWE already has their own, but FCW needs one too. It's a way to showcase our wrestlers before they even hit the main roster, build hype, and grow a global fanbase. I know you could see how much potential this has, social media is the future, and FCW needs to take full advantage of this, especially since YouTube have become such big part of people in all ages."
Jack listened intently. "Sounds like you've put a lot of thought into this."
"I have," Sandro confirmed. "And that's where you come in. I need your help finding people, top tier professionals or experts, for video production and editing. People who can handle high quality content for the channel. We want this to be more than just match highlights. We need promo videos, behind the scenes content, vignettes, and character.driven storytelling. WWE has a massive production team, but FCW doesn't have that luxury yet. If we bring in the right people now, we can shape the brand's identity from the ground up."
Jack was silent for a moment, considering. Then, he let out an approving chuckle. "I have to say, son, you never fail to impress me. This is a smart move. Wrestling is all about storytelling as it's core, and digital platforms are the key to future growth. I'll find the right people for you. Consider it done."
Sandro exhaled in relief. "That's great, Dad. I really appreciate it."
Jack wasn't finished. "And one more thing, .tell Dusty and Steve not to worry about paying for the production team. I'll cover the costs myself. Think of it as an investment. If FCW thrives, so does WWE, and as the second.largest shareholder, Nexum Core benefits too. More exposure means better ratings, sponsorships, and merch sales down the line."
Sandro grinned. "I knew you'd say that. I'll let them know right away. Thanks again, Dad."
"Of course. Just keep making moves like this, and before you know it, you'll be running things yourself," Jack said, his voice carrying a hint of fatherly pride. "Keep me updated."
"I will," Sandro promised before ending the call.
He turned back to Dusty and Steve, who had been quietly watching, waiting to hear the outcome.
"Well," Sandro began, "good news. My father's on board. He's going to personally bring in a team of professionals for production and editing, and here's the kicker, he's covering all of the costs himself, well Nexum Core technically cover it for him."
Steve blinked in surprise. "Wait, he's paying for it?"
"Yep," Sandro confirmed. "He sees this as an investment in FCW's future."
Dusty let out an appreciative whistle. "That's mighty generous of him."
Steve, however, scratched his chin. "I appreciate the offer Sandro, but we can afford to pay these guys ourselves. FCW has its own budget, and we ain't exactly broke with how we are red hot since many of the storyline you helped introduce, and the championships tournaments."
Sandro held up a hand. "I get that, Steve, but hear me out. FCW is part of WWE, which means it's indirectly part of Nexum Core's interests. If this works out, we'll see returns through increased engagement, better ratings, and more attention on the talent coming through FCW. That translates to more sponsorship deals, higher merch sales, and an overall stronger developmental brand which was to the interest of Nexum Core."
Dusty nodded in agreement. "He's got a point. WWE's future depends on the pipeline we build here. If we can make stars before they hit the main roster, Vince'll be more inclined to trust our judgment."
Steve let out a sigh, then smirked. "Fine. We'll take the help. Just don't let your dad start running the show down here, or else I w9ukd be out of job right away."
Sandro laughed. "Don't worry, he's got bigger things to manage like Nexum Core. This is just him giving us a push in the right direction."
With that settled, they spent the next hour discussing how to structure the channel, what kind of content to focus on, how often to post, and which wrestlers to feature first. As the evening rolled on, Sandro made a few more calls, setting the foundation for the YouTube project.
Meanwhile in the FCW training area, Thoruf and Brodie had wasted no time getting to work with Bray. The three of them were holed up in the corner of the training facility, brainstorming their new personas.
Bray leaned back in his chair, his intense gaze moving between the two men. "This ain't just about throwin' on some creepy masks and calling ourselves a faction. This is about belief. Even if we have to wear mask, it have to have some meaning"
Thoruf, now learning and embracing the transition into the character that would one day be known as Erick Rowan, nodded. "So what's the core of it? What's the message we're sending?"
Bray's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Salvation. We are the outcasts, the forgotten, the ones society threw away. But we don't need society. We have each other. We build our own world, where we see the truth they refuse to see."
Brodie, like Thoruf, learning and embracing Luke Harper, stroked his beard. "I like it. It's not just a gimmick, it's a philosophy. Something fans can get sucked into."
Bray nodded. "Exactly. The best characters in this business ain't the ones that feel written. They're the ones that feel lived. We're gonna make people believe in what we say, even if they don't understand it. Even if it scares 'em. Something that they can't understand but compeellingalways attract the fans."
Thoruf smirked. "So how do we introduce this? Me and Brodie can't just show up in the ring one day acting different."
Bray grinned. "We let 'em see the transformation. We could do vignettes, eerie footage, cryptic messages and promos. We make the fans feel like something's coming before they even know what it is."
Then time passed by and Monday morning came faster than expected. The Florida sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden glow over the FCW headquarters as Sandro arrived, stepping out of his car with a careful glance around.
He wasn't alone, April and Nicole were with him, but the three of them had developed a system by now. They arrived together, but entered through the entrance separately, and made sure not to draw any attention.
It wasn't that they were ashamed of their relationship, but the last thing they needed was some eager fan or nosy paparazzi snapping a photo and causing unnecessary drama and attention to them.
Sandro pulled the hood of his sweatshirt up, keeping his head low as he made his way inside. Once he was in the clear, he headed straight for the locker room, where he tossed his gym bag onto the bench with a quiet thud.
His FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship was carefully placed beside it, the polished gold reflecting the dim overhead lights. He rolled his shoulders, sighing as he unzipped his bag to change into his workout gear.
As he was lacing up his sneakers, the door creaked open, and in walked Ettore Ewen, his massive frame nearly filling the doorway. The young man had an easy smile on his face, his energy always upbeat, even early in the morning.
Sandro smirked as he straightened up. "Another day to train and work out, huh, Ettore?"
Ettore chuckled as he set his own bag down. "Yup. Gotta keep myself fit and ready. Bench press, heavy lifting, you name it. Gotta increase my muscle mass and strength."
Sandro nodded, crossing his arms. "That's good, but don't forget to give your muscles time to rest. Overtraining can mess you up. You don't wanna risk an injury before you even get your shot."
Ettore appreciated the advice, giving a thoughtful nod. "Yeah, I hear you. Just wanna make sure I'm always prepared, you know?"
"You will be," Sandro assured him. "I believe you'll pass your training contract soon. Just keep putting in the work, and when your time comes, you'll be ready."
Ettore grinned at the encouragement, and with that, the two left the locker room together, heading to the training and workout area.
By the time they got there, more familiar faces had started trickling in. Kofi Kingston, Drew McIntyre, Stu Sanders, Taylor Rotunda, Sheamus, and Nick Nemeth, Sandro's closest friends in FCW, all showed up, either to train, work out, or just hang around before the long day ahead.
The gym was alive with movement, the sound of weights clanking, treadmills humming, and conversations filling the air.
Sandro and Ettore got to work, going through their warm ups before moving on to heavier exercises. Every now and then, they'd glance up and see the others joking around, pushing each other to lift heavier, or debating the latest developments in FCW.
It was Nick who finally spoke up, looking at the group with a curious expression. "Hey, you guys heard, right? Tonight's opening match is Rebecca versus Nicole for the Divas Title. Think Dusty and Steve are gonna switch things up, or is Nicole holding onto the belt?"
That sparked a discussion among the group. Kofi was the first to chime in, rubbing his chin. "Hmm, it could go either way. Rebecca's been gaining momentum and it was clear she was being pushed, but Nicole's got the experience. Dusty and Steve might wanna see her reign go longer."
Sheamus shook his head. "I dunno, fella. I got a feelin' they'll pull the trigger on Rebecca. The fans are startin' to rally behind her, and a title change could shake things up and bring more attention."
Drew leaned against a bench press, arms crossed. "But it's FCW. They might wanna keep the title on Nicole just a bit longer to build anticipation. Plus, she's got that 'heel champion' thing going for her."
Nick turned to Sandro. "What about you, man? What's your take?"
Sandro smirked, taking a sip from his water bottle. "Title's changing hands."
Nick raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? And why are you so sure?"
Sandro simply shrugged. "I just know." Then, seeing the way Nick and Kofi exchanged glances, he quickly added, "And no, before you two say anything, I didn't hear anything from Dusty or Steve. I don't know their plans."
Nick and Kofi immediately reacted, acting dramatically flabbergasted. "Wow, Sandro! We would never suggest that!" Nick said, feigning innocence.
Kofi shook his head in mock disappointment. "Man, the lack of trust hurts."
The group burst into laughter, the playful banter making the early morning training session feel lighter. Then, Stu turned toward Sandro with a knowing grin. "So, are you ready for our match tonight?" Sandro's confident smirk returned as he met Stu's gaze. "Of course I'm ready."
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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