Let The Fire Burn (Tiffany Stratton X Male Reader)

Chapter 3 - Smart Thinking

The next day, Y/N L/N woke before dawn, the soft light of early morning filtering through his apartment windows. The city outside was just beginning to stir, but he was already up and moving. He had a packed schedule ahead and wanted to start the day on the right foot.

After a quick shower and a hearty breakfast, Y/N donned his training gear and headed out to the gym. It was still early, and the streets were relatively quiet. The cool morning air was refreshing, helping him clear his mind and focus on the tasks ahead.

The gym was a familiar sanctuary for him. As he entered, he was greeted by the rhythmic clanking of weights and the sound of steady footsteps on the treadmill. The facility was bustling with serious athletes, all focused on their own routines. Y/N appreciated the energy; it fueled his determination to push himself even harder.

He began with a rigorous warm-up, stretching his muscles and preparing his body for the intense workout ahead. Today, he was focusing on strength training and agility-key components for any professional wrestler. He moved through a series of exercises: deadlifts, bench presses, and squats, each rep executed with precision and intensity. Sweat dripped down his brow, but he remained focused, driven by the anticipation of his meeting with Regal later in the day.

After an hour of strenuous training, Y/N took a moment to cool down and hydrate. He could feel the adrenaline still coursing through his veins, a stark contrast to the calm demeanor he would need for his upcoming discussions. He glanced at the clock; he had enough time to grab a quick bite before his meeting.

He chose a nearby café, a cozy spot known for its hearty breakfasts. As he enjoyed his meal-an omelet and whole-grain toast-he reviewed his notes and mentally prepared for his conversation with Regal. He wanted to be sure he could articulate his vision and respond thoughtfully to any guidance the General Manager might offer.

The café was bustling with activity by now, but Y/N found a quiet corner where he could concentrate. He ran through various scenarios in his mind, considering how Regal might challenge him and what he needed to convey about his aspirations and approach.

At 11 a.m., Y/N made his way to the gym where he was scheduled to meet Regal. The atmosphere was different from the early morning; it was now filled with the sound of trainers and wrestlers discussing strategies and preparing for their own sessions. Y/N walked through the gym's main entrance, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves.

Regal was already there, seated at a small table in the corner of the gym. He had a stack of papers and a serious expression. Y/N approached, shaking his hand firmly.

"Good to see you, Mr. L/N," Regal said, his tone both respectful and commanding. "I appreciate you coming in. Let's sit down and talk."

They took their seats, and Regal wasted no time getting into the heart of the matter. "I wanted to discuss your recent debut and your future in NXT. Your approach has certainly garnered attention, but as I mentioned before, there's more to this business than just making an impact."

Y/N nodded, eager to hear more. "I'm listening. What do you have in mind?"

Regal leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "You've shown you can command a room and make a statement. That's a valuable asset. However, to truly succeed here, you need to blend that aggression with strategic thinking. It's about creating moments that not only get noticed but also resonate with the fans and other wrestlers."

Y/N listened intently. "So, what's your advice on balancing that?"

"Start by understanding the people you'll be up against," Regal explained. "Study their strengths and weaknesses. Use your matches not just to showcase your power but to outthink and outmaneuver your opponents. Remember, wrestling is as much about psychology as it is about physicality."

He paused, letting the advice sink in. "Also, develop relationships within the locker room. Respect is earned through your actions, not just through dominance. Building a solid reputation can often be as crucial as winning matches."

Y/N nodded thoughtfully. "I get it. You want me to be more than just a brute force. I need to be a smart competitor."

Regal smiled slightly. "Exactly. And if you can master that, you'll find yourself rising through the ranks much faster. I see potential in you, but remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint."

With their discussion coming to an end, Regal stood up, extending his hand once more. "Keep your focus sharp and your approach balanced. I'm looking forward to seeing how you apply this advice."

Y/N shook his hand firmly. "Thanks for the guidance. I'll take it to heart."

As Regal left the gym, Y/N felt a renewed sense of clarity. He was eager to apply Regal's advice and continue making his mark in NXT. He spent the rest of the day reflecting on their conversation and strategizing for the weeks ahead.

The day ended with Y/N feeling more determined than ever. He knew that his journey was just beginning, but with Regal's insights and his own drive, he was prepared to face the challenges and seize the opportunities that awaited him.