Becoming A Wrestler

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(A/N: I have created a new novel called Red Dead Redemption 2: From Gaming To Cowboy, come and read give me your suggestions! I know I know I have to many novels but I just can't stop my head from bursting with ideas!)

Nicole nudged him. "You do realize we're all still part of that generation, right? And Ashley technically was older than you as well."

He grinned. "Hey, gotta start thinking like a veteran eventually."

Hearing this, April shook her head, amused. "Come on, let's go grab some food. I think we all earned it."

After saying that, the three of them went to the cafeteria area to order some food and eat together. Except for those who already knew about their relationship, which was not many, to the eyes of others, they were only friends having lunch together.

As they ate, Sandro leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice just enough so no one around them could eavesdrop. "So, I've been thinking about my persona. My real-life background is out now, and I want to use that to my advantage. But I also don't want to fall into the typical 'rich guy' trope where I'm just another JBL or Million Dollar Man."

April tilted her head in interest. "Okay, so you want to take inspiration from them but not copy them outright? What exactly are you aiming for?"

Sandro nodded. "Exactly. Both JBL and Ted DiBiase were heels because their wealth made them arrogant, manipulative, and condescending. It worked for them, but I want to flip that concept and make it work for a face character. Someone who isn't just flaunting their wealth but actually using it in a way that fans can get behind."

Nicole tapped her fingers against the table, thinking. "So, like a philanthropist but with an edge? Because if you go too soft with it, it might come off as corny or fake."

"Yeah, I don't want to be just 'good guy rich dude' either. There has to be an element of swagger to it. Like, I know I have money, but instead of making people feel beneath me, I use it to challenge the system. Like, 'I have the power to change things, so let's shake things up.'"

April's eyes lit up. "Wait, what if you use your wealth to disrupt the status quo? Like, you're the guy who steps in when management tries to screw over the wrestlers. Not just someone who hands out money like a gimmick, but someone who strategically uses it. Like, if a heel GM tries to stack the deck, you buy out their stipulation or fund a rematch so someone gets a fair shot."

Nicole snapped her fingers. "Oh, that's good. You'd be like a modern-day Robin Hood but in a way that actually makes sense for wrestling. You don't just throw money around, you use it to make sure justice is served. The fans would eat that up."

Sandro grinned. "That's exactly what I was thinking. I could call out corrupt authority figures, expose backroom deals, and use my influence to level the playing field. But at the same time, I wouldn't be a pushover. It's not about 'saving' people, it's about proving that power doesn't have to be abused."

April leaned back in her chair. "It's a fine line, though. You'd have to be careful not to make it seem like you're just buying your way to the top. Maybe emphasize that your wealth gives you options, but your skill in the ring is what really makes the difference."

Sandro nodded. "Right, I still have to be the guy who fights his own battles. My money just lets me play the game differently. Like, if someone tries to cheat me, I'm the guy who can afford to have footage reviewed from different angles or pay for an extra referee to ensure a fair match. Stuff like that."

Nicole smirked. "And you could throw in a little flair. Like, not over the top 'money showers' or anything, but show that you live the high life in a way that makes people wish they could be part of it. Not rubbing it in their faces, but making them feel like you're the cool rich guy they'd actually want to hang out with."

April grinned. "That's the key. You make being rich look fun, not obnoxious. That's what separates you from JBL or Ted DiBiase. They made people hate them because they used money or their power as a weapon against others. You'd be using it as a tool for justice."

Sandro sat back, thinking it all over. "I like it. Now I just need a name or a catchphrase that ties it all together."

Nicole chuckled. "Well, what's the message behind it? What do you want fans to chant when you walk down the ramp?"

Sandro thought for a moment before a smirk slowly spread across his face. "How about something like… 'Wealth is power, and power is justice'?"

April raised an eyebrow. "A little long. Maybe something shorter, like 'Money talks, but I fight.'"

Nicole grinned. "Oh, that's good. Simple, catchy, and makes it clear you're not just buying victories."

Sandro nodded. "Alright. 'Money talks, but I fight.' That might be the perfect way to sum up the whole character. A guy who isn't afraid to use his resources but proves his worth in the ring." He leaned back, feeling a rush of excitement. "I think we might have just created something really special."

April and Nicole clinked their drinks together in a silent toast. "Now all you have to do is bring it to life."

Sandro smirked. "Oh, don't worry. I plan to."

After that, they cleaned up their trays and headed back to the training area. Sandro, even though satisfied with the result of the discussion with April and Nicole, still felt that it lacked flair or something that couldn't make him feel fully connected to the persona. But he couldn't quite put his finger on what it lacked.

So, he decided to share this with his friends Kofi, Taylor, Nick, Bray, Drew, Stu, and Sheamus, hoping to get their opinions and insights. Maybe they had their own perspectives, especially since, except for Taylor and Bray who had just started their careers, the others were veterans in their own right.

When they all gathered in the training area, Sandro explained his idea in detail, outlining the persona he had discussed with April and Nicole. "So, what do you guys think?" he asked, looking around at the group.

Kofi was the first to respond. "I like the concept, man. A rich guy who's actually for the people instead of against them? That's fresh. But I think the key is making sure you don't come off as just another authority figure, even if you're disrupting the system. Fans love rebellion, but they hate someone who seems like they're just another boss."

Sheamus nodded in agreement. "Yeah, ya don't want to come off like another Vince or Triple H-type who uses power to keep things in their favor. The best way to make this work is to make sure you still feel like 'one of the boys,' ya know? A man of the people, not above 'em."

Drew folded his arms, deep in thought. "What's your motivation, though? Why is your character doing this? If you don't want to be a villain, you need a personal stake in it. Maybe you've seen people get screwed over before and now that you have money, you're making sure it doesn't happen to others. That way, fans can connect to your purpose rather than just seeing it as a gimmick."

Bray, always thinking outside the box, leaned forward. "Money ain't the thing that defines you, man. It's what you do with it that matters. If you wanna be a face, then your wealth shouldn't be your power, it should be your weapon against those who abuse theirs. But there's got to be an edge to it. You should have a bit of an outlaw spirit, almost like an old school gambler who knows how to play the game better than everyone else. That keeps it from feeling too clean cut."

Nick, looking at it from a pragmatic point of view, rubbed his chin. "Yeah, and you need a signature move, something that physically represents this character in the ring. Not just your wrestling style, but the way you present yourself. Maybe a unique way of entering, or a signature moment where you 'outplay' an opponent using strategy, not just skill."

Taylor, being newer to the business, was taking it all in but still chimed in. "I think you could mix a little of all that. You're not just some noble guy who's trying to help people, you're a guy who knows how the game is played and uses his influence to turn the tables when needed. That keeps it interesting."

Sandro nodded, taking all of their points into consideration. "You guys are making a lot of sense. It's not just about having money, it's about how I use it. And making sure the fans see me as someone who's on their side, not another authority figure." He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I guess what I'm still struggling with is making it feel real to me. Like, something that truly fits."

Stu, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke up. "Dusty."

Everyone turned to look at him.

"Dusty," he continued. "He feuded with the Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase himself. He was the 'Common Man' who stood against the rich villain. If there's anyone who could help you refine this, it's him. He knows this dynamic better than anyone."

Drew nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Dusty worked that angle before, and if anyone can help you figure out the heart of this character, it's him. He'll know how to make it work in a way that connects with people."

Sandro smiled, already making up his mind. "Alright then. Time to have a talk with Dusty about this. Thanks for your insight guys, really appreciate it."

The guys smiled and said it was no problem. For them, Sandro had helped them in many ways and was always kind to them, so helping him was one of the best ways to reciprocate his kindness.

After that, Sandro headed toward Dusty's office, where he knocked on the door first. When he heard Dusty's voice telling him to come in, he entered the office and saw Dusty looking up from his desk with a smile. Seeing that it was Sandro, Dusty gestured for him to come in and have a seat.

Sandro sat down, taking a breath before speaking. Dusty leaned forward slightly, noticing that the young man had something serious on his mind. "What can I do for you, kid?" Dusty asked, his tone warm but curious.

Sandro immediately launched into an explanation of everything that had happened, the brainstorming session with April and Nicole, the discussion with the guys, and the concept he was trying to build for his persona.

He outlined his idea in full detail, explaining the rich but righteous angle, his desire to stand apart from the classic heelish wealthy characters like JBL and Ted DiBiase, and how he wanted to use his resources to fight against corruption rather than contribute to it. But despite all the work put into it, something still felt off to him, like there was a missing element he couldn't quite put his finger on.

Dusty listened intently, nodding along and occasionally rubbing his chin. When Sandro finally finished, he leaned back in his chair and let out a thoughtful hum.

"You got somethin' real special here, kid," Dusty said. "But I get why it ain't clickin' for ya yet."

Sandro raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"

Dusty nodded. "The heart's there. The purpose is there. But the soul? That's what you're missin'. You know who you wanna be, but you ain't feelin' it yet because you're still thinkin' about how the character should act instead of how you would act in that character's shoes."

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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