Stu-E adjusted the championship belt slung over his shoulder, its gold plate catching the glare of the overhead lights. He rolled his shoulders, loosening up, a quiet confidence in the way he carried himself. Roderick Strong, microphone in hand, stepped forward. A professional smile touched his lips, but there was curiosity in his eyes.

"Stu-E, first off, I’ve got to ask—how’s Laney doing?" At the mention of her, something softened in Price’s expression. He let out a short breath, nodding.

"She’s good, man. Nine years old and already more stubborn than me. She keeps me grounded, reminds me why I do this." His fingers tapped the edge of the belt in an unconscious movement.

“She’ll be a lot more careful next time she’s at ringside, because she knows any more like that and she won’t be allowed out there. Thankfully this week there was nothing like that.”

Roderick nodded, then pivoted. "Talking of this week, you and Sarah Callahan pulled off an incredible victory. How was it teaming with her?"

Price chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Sarah’s a warrior. She’s got that fight in her, and it was an honour going to war side by side. When you step into that ring with someone like her, you know you’re in good hands. Definitely the most fun I’ve had with a girl with our clothes on, in a while!"

Strong leaned in slightly. "But next up, it’s one-on-one with Maniac. That’s a whole different fight. How do you prepare for someone as unpredictable as him?"

Price’s jaw tightened, his fingers flexing at his sides. "Maniac thrives in chaos. But I’ve been in this game too long to be thrown off by him, it’s why I went directly to him after Havoc. I’m the World Champion for a reason. He wants to step up? He’s gonna learn real quick—there are levels to this."

Roderick's attention was captured by the disclosure of the meeting, “What happened in your impromptu meeting?” He asks, Price smiles.

“That’s between him, me, Butch and Wisdom. Guess you’ll find out come the contract signing!”

Strong’s jaw drops at the lack of detail in Price’s answer, “Come on, you gotta give the viewers more than that!”

Stu-E shakes his head delicately, as if pondering. “Let’s just say I went with him with a problem and together we might have worked something out. If it happens the way it’s supposed to, Fatality just might be the turning point of my reign.”

A beat of silence stretched between them before Roderick posed the final question. "And about Fatality? What is the mindset going into the pay-per-view?"

Price exhaled slowly; eyes sharp, unwavering. "Fatality is where I’ll prove I belong as World Champion. Blood, sweat and sacrifice, I’ve given them all through the years and to have people making little comments behind my back about my qualities as Champion?

I’ve fought too hard, too long, and I deserve respect. Come Fatality, Maniac better be ready to go the distance because the last time we fought I just wanted a good match. This time, I actually have the World Championship to defend, when the final bell rings, I’ll still be standing. And I’ll still be champion."

Strong nodded, lowering the mic. The message was clear. The champion had spoken.