“It's mine...it's mine”

I wrapped my hands around the golden belt as I stared at my reflection in the gold plate. The nameplate had already been changed to my name: Anthony D'Amato.

I looked at it and smiled. I tapped my guard on the shoulder and handed him the belt.

“Can you do me the favor, Sasha?”

Sasha nodded as I took off my suit jacket so that he could get the belt around my waist. When I feel that it's been strapped around my waist I placed my jacket back and on looked down. I started to wipe the plate with my sleeve jacket when I feel a tap on my shoulder. With a start I looked up, my right first clinched. Miranda Buck, the backstage interviewer, jumped back with a startled look all over her face. A sorrowful looked washed over my face when I noticed who it was.

“Sorry sweety. You see now that I'm champion I can't be to safe.”

Miranda smiled back when she caught her breath. Brandishing a microphone she leaned in and spoke in her sweet sexy voice.

“Anthony, you mind a little interview?”

I flashed a crooked smile at Miranda and shot a wink at her.

“Anything for such a lovely lady as yourself.”

Miranda blushed and smiled again. Taking her place beside me she motioned to the cameraman to start filming. My guards flank me on either side behind me.

“Miranda Buck reporting here backstage at PWA Violation 75. A few minutes ago PWA Commissioner Nikki Cortez awarded 'The Don', Anthony Phoenix the PWA Atlantic title belt. I am currently standing here with 'The Don' who by all accounts looks very elated.”

The camera pans out to add me and the guards into the shot. I'm smiling from ear to ear of course.

“Of course: and as always it's a pleasure to be next to such a lovely lady.”

Miranda smiled and took a deep breath before speaking.

“Thank-you, but enough about me as this is all about you. As the new Atlantic Champion, what are you plans now?”

I winked at Miranda.

“Funny you ask that: well I plan on being the best champion that I can be.”

I reached back and unstrapped the belt and placed it on my left shoulder. I could hear Sasha sigh when I did that. I just shook my head.

“Here's the deal. The Atlantic title has been mired in controversy since it's inception. I want you and the PWA nation to know that this will stop as of now. I'm not a drug addict...nor will I do anything that will cause me to get stripped. I will show everyone in the back just what an Atlantic Champion is all about.”

I cocked my head to side slightly and nodded. Miranda returned the nod.

“Well said. There was a cryptic message that the Commissioner Cortez gave you at the end when you tried to give her a rose. She said that you needed it more as you've now got a target on your back.”

I smiled knowingly as I let out a slight sigh.

“Miranda, Miranda. Do you really think that this is my first time at the dance?”

I paused slightly not really wanting an answer.

“The answer is no. I'm a multi-time World Champion, I'm one of the most decorated champions in several years. Granted this is my first title here in the PWA but it certainly won't be my last.”

Miranda is then handed a sheet of paper. She looks it over and nodded before she speaks again.

“I've just learned who will be your next opponent.”

I widen my eyes as I leaned in to hear the news.

“Next week on Violation 76: you will be facing the 6'9” Slade, in a non-title match-up. Anthony what I want to ask is are you the least bit scared?”

I then furrowed my brow when I hear Miranda ask if I was scared.

“Scared of what, him. It's Slade that should be scared of me. Just look at what I've proven that I'm capable of...”

Miranda interjected almost immediatly.

“Oh you mean the whole Bubba Williams thing.”

I nodded.

“I have more money than God himself...”

I stopped briefly when I noticed what I had said and crossed myself.

“Anyway I have the money to get what I want.”

I pointed at the title.

“Oh so you're saying that money bought you the title.”

I slowly shook my head from side to side.

“No, what I meant to say that I'm more than capable of getting things done, nuff said.”

I smiled at Miranda which made her giggle. She continued when she gained her composure.

“Well what about the ring rust...this match will be your first in several weeks?”

I just smiled and shook my head again. I handed Sasha my title belt which is took with gusto. I then slid off my suit jacket, handing that to him as well. Finally, I started to unbutton my shirt. I looked over at Miranda who was enthusiastically watching what was going on. It made me smile inwardly. Getting to the last button I pulled my dress shirt off and handed that to Miranda. I then raised my arms holding them on either side.

“Ok Miss Miranda: do you see any ring rust?”

She shook her head no. I looked down and rubbed my taut six pack abs. Looking up I noticed that Miranda was still looking intently.

“You see I don't carry an ounce of body fat and just like that I don't carry and ounce of ring rust. Because you see Miranda, even though I wasn't present in the ring; I did attend my daily workouts. It's tough to maintain a body like this. So, you see Miranda with that kind of discipline; there is nothing I can't achieve: including defeating an almost 7' giant.”

I pointed at my head.

“You see it takes more than brawn to win the day, it also takes brains and as you can see I have an ample amount of both.”

Placing the title belt on my shoulder again I smiled broadly at Miranda and the camera. She started to blush again.

“Well that concludes our interview. You have anything to add.”

I raised my brows and smiled. Extending my hand out for the microphone, I took it and started to talk.

“What can I say? Should I say, Slade you are toast? Slade I'm going to beat you? Slade, Slade, Slade. No, I won't say any of that. All I'll say is this on Sunday November 7th in front of thousands in attendance and countless others watching at him, you will be witness first hand just why I am who I say I am: Your PWA Atlantic Champion and the one who will be getting another 'W'.”

I smiled at the camera intently.

“The Godfather has spoken.”

I nodded at Sasha who opens his suit jacket and pulls out a black rose. Handing it to Miranda I smiled and walked off with both of my body guards in tow.