Jack paused for a moment before responding, clearly weighing his answer. "I've thought about it," he said carefully. "But we're not quite ready for that yet. We don't have majority control in those companies, and if we tried to pull them under Nexum Core now, it could raise some eyebrows and attract attention we don't want. People would start asking questions, and that could lead to backlash from the other shareholders."
Sandro nodded, understanding his father's caution. They weren't just playing a simple game of stocks and investments—they were building something much bigger, and with that came a need for careful strategy. "So, we wait until we have more control?"
"Exactly," Jack replied. "Once we've secured majority control, we can start moving those companies under the Nexum Core umbrella. That's the endgame. But we need to be smart about this. We're not trying to make waves, at least not until we're ready. When the time comes, we'll do it right, and no one will be able to stop us."
Sandro could feel the weight of his father's words. This wasn't just a business venture but they were playing the long game, building something that could potentially disrupt industries. The idea of being part of something so monumental made his heart race with anticipation.
"Got it," Sandro said. "I'll keep focusing on my wrestling for now, but I'm here whenever you need me for the business side. Just let me know what I can do."
"You're doing more than enough already," Jack said warmly. "You're bringing attention to the family name with your wrestling career. That's worth more than you realize. The more eyes on you, the more eyes on Nexum Core. Keep doing what you're doing in the ring, and I'll handle things on this end."
Sandro felt a sense of pride swelling in his chest. His wrestling career wasn't just about winning titles or making a name for himself. It was part of a larger plan, a plan to secure his family's future. He had always known that his journey would extend beyond the ring, but hearing his father lay it out so clearly made it feel real in a way it hadn't before.
"Thanks, Dad," Sandro said, his voice full of gratitude. "I'm really excited about where all of this is going."
"You should be," Jack said, his voice filled with encouragement. "We're just getting started. Nexum Core is going to be huge, Sandro. But don't forget to take care of yourself, too. I know wrestling can take a toll on you, both physically and mentally. Make sure you're getting rest and keeping yourself healthy. We've got a long road ahead, and I want you in top shape for it."
"I will," Sandro promised. "I've been pushing hard lately, but I'm managing. I'll make sure to take care of myself."
"Good. And don't forget, you promised your mom you'd come visit soon. She's holding you to that."
Sandro laughed. "I know. I won't forget. I'll try to come home in the next couple of weeks, once the schedule calms down a bit."
"Looking forward to it," Jack said. "We'll have a lot more to talk about by then, I'm sure."
After they hung up, Sandro leaned back in his chair, his mind buzzing with everything that had just happened. The excitement of the night's match had been exhilarating, but this conversation with his father was something else entirely. Nexum Core Enterprise was now a reality, and the potential for what they could accomplish together seemed limitless.
Sandro stood up and stretched, to stretch his body from the match earlier. But the exhaustion didn't matter. He was fueled by something deeper now, a drive to succeed not just in the ring, but in building a lasting legacy for his family.
As he looked out the window, the city lights reflecting off the glass, he felt a sense of calm settle over him. The road ahead wouldn't be easy but he was ready for it. He had his family by his side, a strong support system that believed in him as much as he believed in them.
Sandro took a deep breath and sat back down at his computer, the hum of the machine steady beneath his fingers. He pulled up his list of investments and began reviewing them again, making notes, thinking about the next moves he and his father could make with Nexum Core.
The next morning, Sandro woke up early, still feeling the rush of the previous night's match and the conversation with his father. Today was an important day for Dragon Boom, as Dusty Rhodes had called him and Kofi to the FCW Headquarters to discuss their next big storyline with The Empire. This would shape the path toward their potential tag team championship match, and Sandro could feel the weight of it settling on his shoulders.
He grabbed a quick breakfast and headed out, the familiar feeling of excitement and nerves bubbling up inside him. The FCW Headquarters was a modern, sleek building that stood tall amidst the city's skyline.
When he arrived, he spotted Kofi already in the lobby, chatting with a few staff members. They exchanged a fist bump as Sandro approached, their camaraderie built not just on teamwork but on the shared understanding of the battles they had fought together.
"Ready for this?" Kofi asked, his usual smile stretched across his face.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Sandro replied, though he knew that these meetings often came with a level of unpredictability. Dusty Rhodes, the legendary mind behind many of FCW's storylines, always had a way of keeping everyone on their toes.
They made their way upstairs to Dusty's office, where Drew and Stu, the duo that made up The Empire, were already seated. Drew gave them a nod as they entered, and Stu raised a hand in acknowledgment. Despite the fierce rivalry portrayed on-screen, all of them were best friends. After all, they were all in this together, working toward the same goal: creating unforgettable moments for the fans.
Dusty, with his signature cowboy hat and a grin that spoke of years of wrestling wisdom, sat behind his desk with Steve, one of FCW's top creative minds, by his side. The room had an air of intensity, but there was also a sense of excitement as everyone settled in.
"Alright, boys, let's get down to business," Dusty said, his voice booming. "What you did out there last night was magic. Dragon Boom and The Empire, y'all tore the house down. The fans are eating this rivalry up, and we're just getting started. But we've gotta keep that momentum going."
Steve nodded in agreement. "This next step is crucial. We want to keep building the heat between you guys, but we need to do it in a way that raises the stakes. Something that'll get the fans even more invested."
Dusty leaned forward, his eyes scanning the room. "Here's what I'm thinking: we do a best-of-three's first. First team to win two matches gets to choose the stipulation for the tag team championship match. It'll give the fans something to chew on, and it'll make that title match even more meaningful."
Sandro and Kofi exchanged a quick glance. It was a solid idea, one that added layers to their rivalry with The Empire. Winning that stipulation would give them an edge going into the championship match, and they both knew how important that could be.
"I like it," Sandro said, speaking up. "It gives us something to fight for beyond just pride. It raises the stakes for both teams."
Kofi nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it'll keep the fans guessing too. They'll be wondering what kind of match we're gonna throw at The Empire if we win."
Drew and Stu, seated across from them, listened intently. Drew, ever the strategist, spoke up next. "I think it works. But what are the matches going to look like? Are we talking tag team matches, or individual bouts?"
Dusty smiled, clearly pleased with the question. "Good question, Drew. We're gonna mix it up a bit. The first two matches will be singles matches—one from each team. Whoever wins those matches will face off in the third and final match. The winner of that last match gets to choose the stipulation for the tag team championship."
There was a brief pause as everyone let the plan sink in. It was a simple but effective way to build tension, ensuring that each match carried weight. It wasn't just about individual performances—it was about representing your team and securing an advantage for the ultimate prize.
Dusty continued. "The first match will be Drew versus Kofi next week. After that, we'll have Sandro take on Stu. And for the final match, it'll be between the winners of those two. So, if Drew wins his match and Sandro wins his, they'll go head-to-head to decide who gets to pick the stipulation."
Kofi scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I'm down for it. But I have a feeling Drew won't make it easy for me."
Drew smirked. "You know it. But no hard feelings, right mate?"
Kofi laughed. "No hard feelings. Until we're in the ring, anyway."
Sandro nodded, feeling the familiar pulse of excitement that came with planning out these big storylines. "Sounds good to me. I'll be ready."
Stu, who had been relatively quiet during the meeting, finally spoke up. "Just remember, it's not just about winning. It's about how we do it. We've gotta keep the fans on the edge of their seats."
Dusty clapped his hands together. "Exactly! That's what I like to hear. We're not just putting on matches—we're telling a story. And this is gonna be a story the fans remember for a long time."
With the plan set in motion, Dusty and Steve spent the next few minutes hashing out some of the finer details. They talked about timing, promos, and how to build the tension leading into each match. By the time the meeting wrapped up, everyone in the room was buzzing with energy, eager to get started on the next chapter of the Dragon Boom vs. The Empire saga.
As Sandro and Kofi left the office, they talked strategy. The first match between Kofi and Drew would set the tone for the rest of the series, and they both knew how important it was to keep the momentum on their side.
"You think Drew's gonna pull something shady?" Kofi asked, half-joking.
"Without a doubt," Sandro replied with a grin. "But we'll be ready for it."
The week flew by, and soon it was time for the first match of the best-of-three series: Kofi versus Drew. The arena was packed, the crowd buzzing with anticipation as the two teams made their entrances. The tension was palpable, and as soon as the bell rang, the action was fast and furious.
Kofi held his own against Drew, using his agility and speed to keep the larger man off balance. But true to form, Drew wasn't about to play fair. As the match neared its climax, Drew distracted the referee long enough for Stu to slide a steel chair into the ring. With the ref's back turned, Drew smashed the chair into Kofi's midsection, knocking the wind out of him.
By the time the referee turned back around, Drew had tossed the chair out of the ring and was pinning Kofi for the three-count. The crowd erupted in boos as Drew celebrated his victory, while Sandro fumed at ringside. It was a dirty win, but a win nonetheless.
Backstage, Sandro and Kofi regrouped, frustrated but not defeated. They knew they had to win the next match to keep the series alive, and Sandro was determined to get payback on Stu for his team's underhanded tactics.
The following week, it was Sandro's turn to step into the ring with Stu. The atmosphere was electric, the fans eager to see if Dragon Boom could even the score. From the opening bell, Sandro was relentless, using his strength and technical skills to overpower Stu at every turn.
Despite a few close calls, Sandro managed to avoid any interference from Drew, keeping the match clean and fair. In the final moments, he hit Stu with his finisher move, the Dragon's Shot, and pinned him for the three-count.
The crowd exploded in cheers as Sandro stood tall, having evened the series at one match apiece. Now, everything came down to the final match: Sandro versus Drew. The stakes couldn't have been higher. Both teams knew that the winner of this match would have the power to choose the stipulation for the tag team championship match.
_______________________
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