Stu-E stood before the large mirror, framed in the cold gleam of morning light filtering through the hotel blinds. His gaze was sharp and focused, today was something a little out of his comfort zone. It wasn’t an arena but a polished conference room he would be taking centre stage in later, his spandex and wrestling boots replaced by a dark, tailored suit.

“Sean, my boy. If you were a fish, you wouldn’t live long! When are you going to learn?”

He slipped on the crisp white shirt, pulling each sleeve with a practiced precision that felt like his familiar ring moves: smooth, no wasted motion. Each button closed like a silent oath, small but sure, until he reached his collar, pulling the tie up snug against his neck.

“Bite, after bite, after bite. You can’t help yourself, can you.”

Price shakes his head in disappointment.

“As your Champion, I must insist you learn to shut the hell up and just relax. One day, you will be World Champion, that much is true, but if you are to be a Champion you need to learn to carry yourself like one.”

Stu-E reaches for his deep navy jacket, and eased his shoulders into it, the suit falling against him like it was made just for his frame. The weight of the fabric settled, grounding him, drawing a line between the man who entertained crowds and the man who now sought to command a boardroom.

“When you have that title around your waist you become a target, people will come at you from all sides and say far worse things than I can muster. I apologise for my sense of humour, I really do, I forget sometimes that we live in a different society these days.”

He glances at his reflection, it showed no trace of the fierce champion he was in the ring; only a businessman stared back, keen-eyed, prepared.

“You may talk like you know what a Champion is, but frankly, you don’t have a clue. You think all these endorsements are for me? I’m contracted to HWA, so any deals go through the office and they get their fair cut.

And since I’ve been Champion, how many promos have featured Laney? I barely see her at the minute because I’m constantly in different cities on business on behalf of your beloved wrestling company. You know, the one that was on only on YouTube not that long ago.

I kind of admire your naive innocence about the schedule of a World Champion, mate, because while you’re running around gym’s asking Red Dragon for direction, I’m out in the real World bringing eyes on to this company; sponsors, networks, international markets, merchandise, charities, the list goes on and on.”

Price runs his hands under the cold water tap before running his now wet hands through his hair.

“But I never complain about anything, I just crack on with a smile, a laugh, and an inappropriate joke from time to time. Because that’s what a real World Champion does, instead of carrying on like a little bitch.”

For a moment, Stu-E’s mouth curled in a subtle, knowing smile before the scene fades.