Becoming A Wrestler

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As Vince weighed Stephanie and Shane's words, he felt a familiar battle raging within himself. His instinct to maintain control clashed with the rational side urging him to accept that WWE needed new resources and perspectives to survive this economic storm. Cutting the budget would mean losing top-tier talent, diminishing production quality, and risking fan disappointment, but reaching out to an external entity—especially one as powerful as Nexum Core—meant surrendering a part of his empire.

The room was silent, eyes locked on Vince as he sat deep in thought. The control freak in him argued: Just create an exciting storyline, draw people in, and boost merchandise sales. WWE has weathered crises before. Yet Shane's words had struck a nerve.

If they tried to scrape by without the necessary funds, paying out wages and royalties alone would drain what little was left in WWE's operational budget.

This wasn't just a passing downturn; it was a financial chasm that could swallow them whole if they didn't take drastic action. Even his pride couldn't ignore the looming threat of WWE slipping into a dangerous debt spiral.

At last, Vince's rational side won. He let out a slow breath, looking around the room with renewed resolve. "Alright," he said, his voice steady but tinged with reluctance. "We'll reach out to Nexum Core. If Jack and his team are interested, we'll start discussions."

Stephanie, visibly relieved, exchanged a glance with Shane. Linda gave Vince an approving nod, and even Vince's inner control freak seemed to quiet down. After all, Jack had proven to be a visionary leader, not one to meddle needlessly.

Nexum Core's approach to Marvel, UFC, and other high-stakes investments was rooted in allowing companies to flourish in their unique ways, while providing the capital and resources to expand their reach from what Stephanie, Shane, and Linda had gathered.

As the meeting wrapped up, Vince assigned Stephanie and Shane to lead the preliminary conversations with Jack, both to gauge his interest and to outline WWE's current state of affairs. With that decided, he rose, signaling that the board meeting was adjourned. A blend of emotions surged within him—relief, apprehension, and a flicker of hope.

Meanwhile, back at his apartment, Sandro was still deep in conversation with Jack. They were in the midst of discussing Twitter's potential when Jack received an unexpected email notification at his computer. Glancing at his computer screen, he saw the subject line: Investment Opportunity with WWE.

Jack's curiosity piqued. WWE had always been an industry staple, a brand that commanded a massive following and pioneered sports entertainment as a mainstream industry.

Intrigued, he skimmed the email's opening paragraphs, which briefly outlined WWE's current financial challenges and Vince's willingness to explore a partnership.

"Sandro," Jack interrupted, his tone shifting from casual to serious. "I just got an interesting email. It's from WWE's board of directors. They're interested in a potential partnership with us."

Sandro's eyes widened. "WWE? Really? I didn't think Vince would ever consider bringing in an outside partner, considering he was well known for being a control freak, and it was an open secret that he ruled WWE with an iron fist."

Jack hummed his agreement, agreeing with what Sandro said. "It looks like they're facing financial strain. Ticket sales and merchandise are down, and their operational costs are straining their budget. Vince is exploring the idea of selling shares, and they reached out to us as a possible investor."

Sandro leaned back, his mind racing. WWE was legendary in the world of wrestling, and he knew firsthand the challenges and opportunities within the industry from his work with FCW. "If WWE is open to a partnership, this could be huge. But if we invest, we'll have to carefully navigate Vince's influence—he's not exactly known for sharing control."

Jack smiled. "That's an understatement. But, honestly, if we could leverage WWE's global reach and fan base with our resources, there's potential for an unprecedented expansion. WWE has always had its loyal followers, but with new tech and engagement strategies, we could bring it to an entirely new level."

Sandro considered this thoughtfully. "If we do go in, it would be crucial to respect WWE's identity while pushing its boundaries. They have a history of innovative storytelling and entertainment, but they haven't fully tapped into digital platforms, global fan engagement, and new media. The question is, do you think Vince would truly be open to adapting and sharing his control with us, Dad?"

Jack thought for a moment, knowing that Vince's pride could be both his strength and his weakness. "I think he's smart enough to know he needs help, and if we approach this as a partnership that preserves his vision, it could work. But it'll require finesse, and it's possible he'd want certain assurances."

"Assurances?" Sandro repeated.

"Yes. Vince may want to keep a controlling interest or demand veto power over certain decisions. It's a delicate situation, but one that could be beneficial if handled well. You've worked in wrestling and know the market's shifts better than most. I'd value your insights in this."

Sandro's heart quickened. The prospect of playing a role in shaping WWE's future was exhilarating. If they moved forward with this investment, he could bring his future knowledge and experience in wrestling creative storytelling and social media engagement from his past life, alongside the fan interaction he learned at FCW.

And, with a partner like Stephanie, Shane, and Triple H at WWE, there would be a chance to bridge traditional wrestling with modern, digital-driven entertainment.

Jack continued, "Let's set up a meeting. I'll take the lead with their board, but I want your insight on this. I know this world better than most, but I think your insight into younger audiences and digital engagement is what WWE will need if we're going to make a real impact."

Sandro agreed. "Absolutely, Dad. I will send you an email about my insight for you and the investment team, I think there's a lot of potential for cross-promotion and new initiatives that could draw in a younger crowd. But more than anything, we need to honor WWE's legacy while evolving its brand.",

The week following their initial outreach, a private meeting was arranged in Stamford, Connecticut, at WWE's headquarters. The mood in the room was charged with anticipation. Jack, flanked by a select team of Nexum Core's senior advisors, sat across from Vince, Stephanie, and Shane McMahon. Each side was acutely aware of the weight of this moment, as it represented the possible union of two industry titans, each bringing a distinct legacy to the table.

Jack began, his voice carrying a blend of respect and conviction. "Vince, thank you for considering us as a potential partner. Nexum Core sees tremendous potential in WWE, and we're confident that, together, we can amplify this brand on a global scale. We're prepared to provide the financial resources and support you need, but we also see an opportunity for WWE to grow beyond just financial stability."

Vince nodded, his expression steady and intent. "I've built WWE from the ground up, and I don't intend to compromise its core identity. But the landscape has changed. If Nexum Core can help us grow while staying true to what WWE stands for, then I'm open to exploring this partnership."

Jack leaned forward, meeting Vince's gaze. "Absolutely. Our goal is to enhance WWE's capabilities without disrupting the heart of what makes it unique. We're particularly interested in engaging global fans, expanding digital platforms, and enhancing storytelling in ways that resonate across media channels."

Stephanie interjected, her enthusiasm evident. "That's exactly what WWE needs. We've been successful with traditional media and live events, but there's so much more potential with streaming, interactive fan experiences, and digital marketing. The industry is evolving, and so must we."

One of Jack's team members, who had closely studied Sandro's insights, added, "In our experience with UFC, we've seen what happens when you embrace digital platforms fully—not just for streaming fights, but for fan interaction, real-time storylines, and behind-the-scenes content that keeps fans invested beyond the main events. WWE already has an incredible fan base, and they're ready for a deeper level of engagement."

Vince raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued but his caution unyielding. "UFC's approach might work for their audience, but WWE has its own dedicated fan base, with different expectations. How do you see Nexum Core supporting our traditional fans while bringing in new ones?"

Jack's response was calm and assured. "By respecting WWE's brand identity and audience while modernizing how they engage with it. Imagine interactive elements like real-time fan voting during key matches, where fans feel like they're part of the action. Or exclusive content channels for die-hard fans, allowing them access to exclusive content and storyline insights they couldn't get anywhere else. Our goal isn't to change WWE—it's to give it the tools to expand its reach in ways that elevate the fan experience."

The conversation grew more animated as they delved into specifics. They discussed logistics, levels of investment, potential revenue streams, and creative opportunities. Jack highlighted the importance of supporting WWE's long-standing traditions while also finding innovative methods to engage a new generation. He reiterated that Nexum Core had no interest in interfering with WWE's creative control—rather, their role would be to bring modern tools and strategic guidance.

After a particularly detailed pitch on how fan voting and exclusive digital content could drive engagement, Shane spoke up, clearly impressed. "I can see how that would work. Wrestling fans are intensely passionate, and I think offering them a way to engage on a deeper level could be a game-changer."

Stephanie nodded. "And if we can make our international reach even stronger, I think it's a win-win. WWE has a following across continents, but there's untapped potential, especially in Latin America and Asia. With Nexum Core's experience, I think we can bridge that gap."

Another one of Jack's advisors added, "Exactly. Imagine launching WWE with culturally tailored storylines or even multilingual content for specific regions. We've seen that a slight adaptation of content to fit the local culture can create a huge boost in engagement. WWE could become a truly global powerhouse, appealing to diverse audiences without losing its core."

Despite the promising ideas, Vince's control-driven nature remained a hurdle. He voiced one final concern. "I need assurance that WWE's legacy won't be compromised, and that any changes align with our values. We've built a brand that's unlike any other, and I want to protect that."

Jack met Vince's gaze with a steady resolve. "You have my word, Vince. We're here to be partners, not dictators. WWE will maintain creative control over its storylines, character developments, and overall direction. Our role is to provide the financial support, technological infrastructure, and strategic insight needed to take WWE to the next level without sacrificing its identity."

After hours of discussion, Jack suggested they move forward with a framework for their potential partnership. He proposed forming a joint committee that would include WWE's creative leads and Nexum Core's digital experts to design a sustainable growth strategy. This team would focus on maximizing WWE's profitability while preserving the brand's essence. Both Vince and Jack would retain veto power over any major decisions, ensuring mutual respect and alignment.

By the end of the meeting, Vince appeared more at ease, although the decision still weighed on him. The rational side of him recognized the sense of partnering with Nexum Core, but he couldn't completely quell his unease about sharing control.

Still, the vision Jack and his team had presented was compelling, and Vince knew that refusing it outright could mean a slow decline for WWE in the face of the evolving entertainment landscape.

Shane, seeing the deliberation on his father's face, leaned over and spoke quietly, "Dad, this is the right move. WWE needs to evolve to keep up with how fast the world is changing. We don't have to sacrifice what makes us unique, but we have to adapt to keep leading this industry."

Vince glanced at his son, then at Stephanie, whose expression was equally encouraging. Finally, he turned back to Jack and nodded. "Alright, let's proceed with the proposal. We'll draft the terms, and I'll work with Stephanie and Shane to ensure we're aligned at every step. But let's be clear—I want WWE's legacy to be at the forefront of this deal."

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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