Post by Ashley Mastrangelo on Oct 19, 2013 4:38:01 GMT
The scene opens to a perky Ashley Mastrangelo sitting in an airport, her bags propped up on the ground next to her feet, resting on her lap, the IWF Ruby Title that she proudly displays every chance she gets.
Ashley Mastrangelo: So the simple question that absolutely totally needs to be answered here is, “What’s a girl to do?” I’ve had a couple months off and I’ve done some shopping…
There’s a slight pause as she looks from side to side with an innocent “I don’t know what you’re talking about look on her face“. She then takes a deep breath and comes clean about what it is she’s been doing.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Okay fine. So I’ve done a lot of shopping. I promise though, that’s not all I’ve been doing. I knew that eventually IWF was going to remember their Ruby Champion and book me in a match rather than send me around the country to do some public relations stuff.
Ashley takes the belt and sets it on top of her suitcase, leaning it up against the handle of said luggage.
Ashley Mastrangelo: So imagine my surprise a couple days ago when I learned that I not only have a match at the Pay Per View for my Ruby Title, but that it wasn’t a rematch against Amber Richards. It wasn’t against the girl who was not only entitled a rematch, but a girl who honestly continues to think she’s better than me despite the fact that I made her tap out in the middle of the ring. I didn’t get some fluke win, I simply showed her that when push came to shove and I had to make her say “I quit!” I could.
Ashley reclines back in her seat as she waits for her next flight, the final in her journey from promotional appearances to the Philadelphia area, the site of the October Revolution Pay Per View, with a somewhat confused look on her face.
Ashley Mastrangelo: You would think someone who thinks that they assert that much dominance over me would want the rematch for her easy title regain right? Yet it’s not Amber on the card across from my name at October Revolution, it’s Kat Conway. Before I get to Kathleen, I want to address something real quick, the Triple Threat for the Number One Contendership to the Diamond’s Title. I’ve beaten all three of those women in singles matches, so whoever is the Diamonds Champion in the end…don’t forget about everyone’s favorite Italian Princess. If Spike Kane and his crazy web of lies can hold two titles at one time, surely so can I.
Her normal cute smile and a wink hit the camera as she again re-positions herself in the chair.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Anyway, all that funny business aside, I have a match that I’ve wanted for a few months now with Kathleen Conway. Now you could be sitting there in your comfy leather chair, or your perfectly plush couch watching my little vignette here and you’re probably saying to yourself, “Why?” I sit here and I giggle a little and I stare into this camera and I say, “Of course I’ll tell you why silly.”
Ashley leans forward, scooting her butt to the end of her seat as she leans toward the camera.
Ashley Mastrangelo: You see, a couple months ago in Detroit, you were all supposed to be privileged enough to witness this match. Unfortunately, that lunatic Eternity and that hooker Isabella had other plans. Eternity attacked both Kat and me and unfortunately for the lot of you, we were unable to have what could have been a pretty decent match. Thankfully, that threat is over. This time, you get what you want, and you get it on Pay Per View in a match with some high-stakes to it. My Ruby Title is up for grabs, and before I go on, I want Mrs. Ace to realize that I don’t plan on relinquishing this pretty little title for a long, long time.
Ashley looks up as the attendant at the desk summons all passengers to board the plane. Standing up from her seat, she grabs the Ruby Title and throws it over her shoulder while grabbing the handle of her luggage with the opposite hand.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Well guys and gals, as much as I would love to continue this right here and now, I can’t, got a plane to catch. I’ll talk to you lovely people soon.
Ashley heads for the gateway and boards the plane as the scene fades to black.
====================
=== Acceptance and Surprise ===
I don’t know if you guys know this or not, but being a professional wrestler on a stage as grand as ours is a lot of work. It’s not just the physical toll on our bodies, but the mental ones as well. We spend a good amount of time away from our families and friends. There’s the shows themselves, the treatment from the bumps and bruises, and sometimes more, and the training involved to stay in shape. Not to mention the public relations stuff that I was just on. All of that rolled up means that all of those people in your life have to make a sacrifice of their own to support you and push you forward.
That can be hard on a relationship.
I can’t expect Ryan to just stop what he’s doing. I can’t expect him to just end the pursuit of all of his own personal goals. I’ve never had this issue before. I don’t know exactly how to handle it. I know that he liked me and that I really liked him. I knew he was the gentlemen I hoped to meet, a man who wouldn’t take advantage of me no matter the situation. I knew I wanted what we had going to continue.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I have to see how he feels about long distance relationships.
Picking up the phone I dialed his number and waited for an answer. I knew he would pick up if he was around because we had the cutest little brunch date a couple of weeks ago after my title win. So I waited and waited as the phone rang a couple of times. Finally he picked up the phone.
Ryan Slatts: Hello?
Ashley Mastrangelo: Hey, is there a time we can talk? Face to face?
Ryan Slatts: You’re not breaking up with me, are you?
I couldn’t help but let out a slight giggle. That’s another thing he was good at, he made me laugh.
Ashley Mastrangelo: No goofy. I just have an important question to ask you and I would rather do it face to face.
Ryan Slatts: Hmmm.
There was a brief pause as he figured out the best time for us to meet.
Ryan Slatts: Actually, I have lunch in a half hour. I’m downtown and just finished a meeting. I’m on my way to a second, but it should be over by then. We’re just tying up loose ends. If you want to meet me somewhere, I’m down.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Where are you?
Ryan Slatts: Actually, we’re at a meeting room at the Radisson hotel, across the street from the Winking Lizard.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Can we meet there?
Ryan Slatts: Sure. I’ll see you then. Can’t wait.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I’ll bet you say that to all the girls.
Ryan Slatts: Just the pretty blondes.
A smile formed on my face as he was always quick with a remark.
Ryan Slatts: Listen, I gotta go this meeting. I’ll see you in a little bit.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Okay, bye.
It was about a half hour drive from where I was to where he was so it all worked out perfectly. I headed toward the city, plotting and strategizing how I was going to go about the whole situation.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I hope he’s fine with it. I mean, he is really busy, so maybe that will keep him occupied while I’m on the road. I hope he’s not the jealous type because I’m on the road with cute guys in spandex on a daily basis. He doesn’t seem that way, but I’ve only known him about a month now.
A half an hour and the drive seemed like it went a lot quicker as I contemplated all that could go right and all that could go wrong…all at the same time. I pulled over on the street in front of the Radisson and parked. As I got out of the car I grabbed my clutch from the passenger seat and fed the parking meter a load of quarters. How embarrassing would it be to get a parking ticket in my hometown where I had just won the Ruby Title? I was a little early and rather than waiting for him at the restaurant, I leaned up against my car and waited outside the Radisson’s main doors. It was soon after that I would see him appear through those doors with a few other men. They were conversing, but as soon as he laid his eyes upon me, he dismissed himself with a few handshakes and a wave before heading in my general direction as they continued on. As he approached me I could tell he was excited.
Ryan Slatts: Hey there. I thought we were meeting inside?
Ashley Mastrangelo: I wanted to surprise you.
Ryan Slatts: Mission accomplished. I hate to break this to you though, but we just set up another meeting about twenty minutes from now so I’m not really going to have time to eat.
I was a little saddened by that news but had a counter offer instead.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Can we just talk here in the car for a few minutes?
Ryan Slatts: I don’t see why not.
The two of us get in the car and get settled before he inquires about my major question.
Ryan Slatts: So what is this all mighty question you have to ask? Am I gay? Am I married? Both? Do I have kids?
I smiled again as I loved his attempts to make me laugh every single time. I then got serious and shook my head.
Ashley Mastrangelo: No, no, no, it’s nothing like that. I want to talk about us. The last three weeks or so have been absolutely wonderful. That’s three weeks that I’ve had off though. I mean I worked out and whatever, but I wasn’t on the road as much.
Ryan Slatts: You’ve been on the road the past week.
Ashley Mastrangelo: True, but that was just promotional stuff. Now I’m booked for shows again. I won’t be around a lot and I wanted to see how you felt about that.
Ryan Slatts: Well what are we talking? All week? A couple days?
I didn’t like where this was going. I had to know though.
Ashley Mastrangelo: It depends. Mondays and Sundays for sure. Other than that, it’s kinda just go where they want me. I’m the Ruby Champion, and that entitles certain promotional appearances on behalf of the company.
Ryan Slatts: I get it. You’re an important person in the wrestling world. You have obligations as does anybody man or woman in their career. I didn’t think you were going to quit wrestling and doing what you clearly love just because you met a weirdo at a bar.
Wow. Talk about an about-face. I love that answer. My question couldn’t have been answered any better way.
Ashley Mastrangelo: So you’re okay with it all?
Ryan Slatts: Of course I am. I’m sure it’ll be rough at first, but if this is meant to be then we’ll get through it. If not, hey, it was fun. We’ll see where the whole thing leads.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I’m so glad you’re cool with this. I feel like it’s a big thing to ask of someone. The fact that you’re so understanding and accepting of the situation makes me appreciate you so much more.
Ryan Slatts: I’m glad you feel that way.
He looked down at his watch and a rush came over him as he reached down and grabbed his briefcase.
Ryan Slatts: Unfortunately I gotta go. Where’s the next event?
Ashley Mastrangelo: It’s a Pay Per View at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly.
Ryan Slatts: I promise, if I get the chance, I’ll be there for your first title defense.
I think I’m in love. I leaned over and kissed him before wishing him luck in his meeting. He stepped out of the car and waved before getting in his own vehicle and pulling off into traffic. I sat there and thought about what just happened.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Did that really just happen? Did he just take all I said, nod and smile? Is he really okay with it or is he putting up a façade just to make me feel better? You know what? He said he was cool with it all, and I’m gonna believe it because he seemed genuine. If he shows up in Philly, I know there’s something there for sure.
I took a deep breath and regained my composure from the rambling thoughts that had just consumed me. Looking around, I pulled into traffic and headed for the gym as the scene fades.
====================
The scene fades in as we see Ashley walking up the tunnel and through the doorway of the entrance into the airport plaza in Philadelphia. She looks from side to side and her eyes light up as she sees a Starbucks across the way causing her to clutch her stuff that much tighter as she rushes through the crowd over to the small line of people. She notices the camera following her and her cheeks turn a light shade of red.
Ashley Mastrangelo: As if you guys didn’t know I had a Starbucks obsession. I mean seriously, don’t trust anyone who doesn’t drink coffee. Got it?
She anxiously awaits her turn in line as it slowly begins to dwindle. She approaches the counter, orders her drink and waits as its made and handed to her over the counter. With the camera backing up she walks toward it into an un-occupied area of the concourse before taking an over-indulging sip of the sugary liquid before smacking her lips together.
Ashley Mastrangelo: MMMMMM! God I love this stuff so much.
Ashley looks on, seemingly distracted by the waving of the cameraman’s hand, letting her know that she should probably get on with what they’re here for.
Ashley Mastrangelo: OH! Right. I couldn’t help it with the deliciousness of this drink. I nearly forgot all about my little Kit Kat. Can I call you that Ms. Conway? I don’t like to be so official with someone when they’re on the same level as me. I mean, technically, in this case, I guess you’re under me since I am the champion and you are the challenger, but we’ll just let that little fact slip under the rug, kay?
Ashley takes another sip of her frothy drink before continuing.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I don’t know how long you’ve been listening to me speak over the last month or so Kit Kat, but I want you to know that I take this title, this profession, and everything that goes along with it as seriously as I would a heart attack to an elderly person. This business, this career that I have forged myself out of mere nothingness, is absolutely everything to me and I’m willing to sacrifice anything to achieve my goals. It just so happens that this coming Sunday over in the Wells Fargo Center, my ambitions are to defeat you and retain my shiny little accessory here.
Ashley takes another sip.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Walk with me.
She starts walking along the concourse to the exit of the airport terminal where her car, courtesy of the IWF, awaits her to take her to her hotel. They really do have a great travel staff. She continues to navigate her way through the crowd while addressing her opponent Sunday.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Kat, you and I are two girls cut from similar cloth in a way, yet woven together differently. I admire the fact that we’re alike in the fact that neither one of us chose wrestling as an occupation, as a passion, it chose us. We weren’t enthralled with the want to be a wrestler from our youngest memories like some of our counterparts on the roster, and to me, that makes this just a little bit harder for us.
She goes to say more when a rude individual walking by almost shoulder blocks her as he smacks into her and just continues walking.
Ashley Mastrangelo: EXCUSE YOU JERK!
She regains her composure and straightens out her shirt before continuing with her monologue.
Ashley Mastrangelo: As I was saying…it’s harder on the two of us Kathleen. Our counterparts in this division have wanted this their entire life, and they’ve known no different. The two of us went out and we experienced the world. We walked toward a different life and became attracted to this situation and like myself, once you got in, you were hooked. That want to be the best got the better of you. That absolute desire, that need for competition grew. The fire inside blazed with glory until you absolutely had to do something to satisfy the urge. We got into wrestling, we fought are way to where we are now, and then comes this Sunday where the two of us will go head to head and see just whose fire burns stronger.
Ashley ascends the steps to the main concourse and reaches the revolving doors that lead out to the cooler Philadelphia air and stops in front of them.
Ashley Mastrangelo: For weeks I’ve said that I have wanted to change this division and I believe the fact that I am Ruby Champion has done a great deal in taking that first step. It proved that an outside like me could come in, learn the craft, appreciate the craft and most importantly, respect the craft while working my butt off to become one of the top girls in this division. The fire inside that I talked about a second ago though Kat doesn’t allow that to be enough. Being one of the best just doesn’t cut the mustard honey as it’s only the first step. I want to be the absolute best period and to do that, I have to prove that I’m not a fluke. I have to prove I’m not a paper champion. I have to prove that all you see before you is Grade-A, real deal Champion. If I have to beat you in the center of the ring to do that, then that’s what’s next for me. That is the answer to the question from before, “What’s a girl to do?” The answer is simple…keep my title at all costs. That said, I’ll see you Sunday…if not sooner.
Ashley flashes her pearly whites again with her beautiful smile before turning toward the door, looking back for just a wink, only to turn around, walk outside, and get in the car that pulls away into the rest of the airport traffic.
Ashley Mastrangelo: So the simple question that absolutely totally needs to be answered here is, “What’s a girl to do?” I’ve had a couple months off and I’ve done some shopping…
There’s a slight pause as she looks from side to side with an innocent “I don’t know what you’re talking about look on her face“. She then takes a deep breath and comes clean about what it is she’s been doing.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Okay fine. So I’ve done a lot of shopping. I promise though, that’s not all I’ve been doing. I knew that eventually IWF was going to remember their Ruby Champion and book me in a match rather than send me around the country to do some public relations stuff.
Ashley takes the belt and sets it on top of her suitcase, leaning it up against the handle of said luggage.
Ashley Mastrangelo: So imagine my surprise a couple days ago when I learned that I not only have a match at the Pay Per View for my Ruby Title, but that it wasn’t a rematch against Amber Richards. It wasn’t against the girl who was not only entitled a rematch, but a girl who honestly continues to think she’s better than me despite the fact that I made her tap out in the middle of the ring. I didn’t get some fluke win, I simply showed her that when push came to shove and I had to make her say “I quit!” I could.
Ashley reclines back in her seat as she waits for her next flight, the final in her journey from promotional appearances to the Philadelphia area, the site of the October Revolution Pay Per View, with a somewhat confused look on her face.
Ashley Mastrangelo: You would think someone who thinks that they assert that much dominance over me would want the rematch for her easy title regain right? Yet it’s not Amber on the card across from my name at October Revolution, it’s Kat Conway. Before I get to Kathleen, I want to address something real quick, the Triple Threat for the Number One Contendership to the Diamond’s Title. I’ve beaten all three of those women in singles matches, so whoever is the Diamonds Champion in the end…don’t forget about everyone’s favorite Italian Princess. If Spike Kane and his crazy web of lies can hold two titles at one time, surely so can I.
Her normal cute smile and a wink hit the camera as she again re-positions herself in the chair.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Anyway, all that funny business aside, I have a match that I’ve wanted for a few months now with Kathleen Conway. Now you could be sitting there in your comfy leather chair, or your perfectly plush couch watching my little vignette here and you’re probably saying to yourself, “Why?” I sit here and I giggle a little and I stare into this camera and I say, “Of course I’ll tell you why silly.”
Ashley leans forward, scooting her butt to the end of her seat as she leans toward the camera.
Ashley Mastrangelo: You see, a couple months ago in Detroit, you were all supposed to be privileged enough to witness this match. Unfortunately, that lunatic Eternity and that hooker Isabella had other plans. Eternity attacked both Kat and me and unfortunately for the lot of you, we were unable to have what could have been a pretty decent match. Thankfully, that threat is over. This time, you get what you want, and you get it on Pay Per View in a match with some high-stakes to it. My Ruby Title is up for grabs, and before I go on, I want Mrs. Ace to realize that I don’t plan on relinquishing this pretty little title for a long, long time.
Ashley looks up as the attendant at the desk summons all passengers to board the plane. Standing up from her seat, she grabs the Ruby Title and throws it over her shoulder while grabbing the handle of her luggage with the opposite hand.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Well guys and gals, as much as I would love to continue this right here and now, I can’t, got a plane to catch. I’ll talk to you lovely people soon.
Ashley heads for the gateway and boards the plane as the scene fades to black.
====================
=== Acceptance and Surprise ===
I don’t know if you guys know this or not, but being a professional wrestler on a stage as grand as ours is a lot of work. It’s not just the physical toll on our bodies, but the mental ones as well. We spend a good amount of time away from our families and friends. There’s the shows themselves, the treatment from the bumps and bruises, and sometimes more, and the training involved to stay in shape. Not to mention the public relations stuff that I was just on. All of that rolled up means that all of those people in your life have to make a sacrifice of their own to support you and push you forward.
That can be hard on a relationship.
I can’t expect Ryan to just stop what he’s doing. I can’t expect him to just end the pursuit of all of his own personal goals. I’ve never had this issue before. I don’t know exactly how to handle it. I know that he liked me and that I really liked him. I knew he was the gentlemen I hoped to meet, a man who wouldn’t take advantage of me no matter the situation. I knew I wanted what we had going to continue.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I have to see how he feels about long distance relationships.
Picking up the phone I dialed his number and waited for an answer. I knew he would pick up if he was around because we had the cutest little brunch date a couple of weeks ago after my title win. So I waited and waited as the phone rang a couple of times. Finally he picked up the phone.
Ryan Slatts: Hello?
Ashley Mastrangelo: Hey, is there a time we can talk? Face to face?
Ryan Slatts: You’re not breaking up with me, are you?
I couldn’t help but let out a slight giggle. That’s another thing he was good at, he made me laugh.
Ashley Mastrangelo: No goofy. I just have an important question to ask you and I would rather do it face to face.
Ryan Slatts: Hmmm.
There was a brief pause as he figured out the best time for us to meet.
Ryan Slatts: Actually, I have lunch in a half hour. I’m downtown and just finished a meeting. I’m on my way to a second, but it should be over by then. We’re just tying up loose ends. If you want to meet me somewhere, I’m down.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Where are you?
Ryan Slatts: Actually, we’re at a meeting room at the Radisson hotel, across the street from the Winking Lizard.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Can we meet there?
Ryan Slatts: Sure. I’ll see you then. Can’t wait.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I’ll bet you say that to all the girls.
Ryan Slatts: Just the pretty blondes.
A smile formed on my face as he was always quick with a remark.
Ryan Slatts: Listen, I gotta go this meeting. I’ll see you in a little bit.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Okay, bye.
It was about a half hour drive from where I was to where he was so it all worked out perfectly. I headed toward the city, plotting and strategizing how I was going to go about the whole situation.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I hope he’s fine with it. I mean, he is really busy, so maybe that will keep him occupied while I’m on the road. I hope he’s not the jealous type because I’m on the road with cute guys in spandex on a daily basis. He doesn’t seem that way, but I’ve only known him about a month now.
A half an hour and the drive seemed like it went a lot quicker as I contemplated all that could go right and all that could go wrong…all at the same time. I pulled over on the street in front of the Radisson and parked. As I got out of the car I grabbed my clutch from the passenger seat and fed the parking meter a load of quarters. How embarrassing would it be to get a parking ticket in my hometown where I had just won the Ruby Title? I was a little early and rather than waiting for him at the restaurant, I leaned up against my car and waited outside the Radisson’s main doors. It was soon after that I would see him appear through those doors with a few other men. They were conversing, but as soon as he laid his eyes upon me, he dismissed himself with a few handshakes and a wave before heading in my general direction as they continued on. As he approached me I could tell he was excited.
Ryan Slatts: Hey there. I thought we were meeting inside?
Ashley Mastrangelo: I wanted to surprise you.
Ryan Slatts: Mission accomplished. I hate to break this to you though, but we just set up another meeting about twenty minutes from now so I’m not really going to have time to eat.
I was a little saddened by that news but had a counter offer instead.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Can we just talk here in the car for a few minutes?
Ryan Slatts: I don’t see why not.
The two of us get in the car and get settled before he inquires about my major question.
Ryan Slatts: So what is this all mighty question you have to ask? Am I gay? Am I married? Both? Do I have kids?
I smiled again as I loved his attempts to make me laugh every single time. I then got serious and shook my head.
Ashley Mastrangelo: No, no, no, it’s nothing like that. I want to talk about us. The last three weeks or so have been absolutely wonderful. That’s three weeks that I’ve had off though. I mean I worked out and whatever, but I wasn’t on the road as much.
Ryan Slatts: You’ve been on the road the past week.
Ashley Mastrangelo: True, but that was just promotional stuff. Now I’m booked for shows again. I won’t be around a lot and I wanted to see how you felt about that.
Ryan Slatts: Well what are we talking? All week? A couple days?
I didn’t like where this was going. I had to know though.
Ashley Mastrangelo: It depends. Mondays and Sundays for sure. Other than that, it’s kinda just go where they want me. I’m the Ruby Champion, and that entitles certain promotional appearances on behalf of the company.
Ryan Slatts: I get it. You’re an important person in the wrestling world. You have obligations as does anybody man or woman in their career. I didn’t think you were going to quit wrestling and doing what you clearly love just because you met a weirdo at a bar.
Wow. Talk about an about-face. I love that answer. My question couldn’t have been answered any better way.
Ashley Mastrangelo: So you’re okay with it all?
Ryan Slatts: Of course I am. I’m sure it’ll be rough at first, but if this is meant to be then we’ll get through it. If not, hey, it was fun. We’ll see where the whole thing leads.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I’m so glad you’re cool with this. I feel like it’s a big thing to ask of someone. The fact that you’re so understanding and accepting of the situation makes me appreciate you so much more.
Ryan Slatts: I’m glad you feel that way.
He looked down at his watch and a rush came over him as he reached down and grabbed his briefcase.
Ryan Slatts: Unfortunately I gotta go. Where’s the next event?
Ashley Mastrangelo: It’s a Pay Per View at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly.
Ryan Slatts: I promise, if I get the chance, I’ll be there for your first title defense.
I think I’m in love. I leaned over and kissed him before wishing him luck in his meeting. He stepped out of the car and waved before getting in his own vehicle and pulling off into traffic. I sat there and thought about what just happened.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Did that really just happen? Did he just take all I said, nod and smile? Is he really okay with it or is he putting up a façade just to make me feel better? You know what? He said he was cool with it all, and I’m gonna believe it because he seemed genuine. If he shows up in Philly, I know there’s something there for sure.
I took a deep breath and regained my composure from the rambling thoughts that had just consumed me. Looking around, I pulled into traffic and headed for the gym as the scene fades.
====================
The scene fades in as we see Ashley walking up the tunnel and through the doorway of the entrance into the airport plaza in Philadelphia. She looks from side to side and her eyes light up as she sees a Starbucks across the way causing her to clutch her stuff that much tighter as she rushes through the crowd over to the small line of people. She notices the camera following her and her cheeks turn a light shade of red.
Ashley Mastrangelo: As if you guys didn’t know I had a Starbucks obsession. I mean seriously, don’t trust anyone who doesn’t drink coffee. Got it?
She anxiously awaits her turn in line as it slowly begins to dwindle. She approaches the counter, orders her drink and waits as its made and handed to her over the counter. With the camera backing up she walks toward it into an un-occupied area of the concourse before taking an over-indulging sip of the sugary liquid before smacking her lips together.
Ashley Mastrangelo: MMMMMM! God I love this stuff so much.
Ashley looks on, seemingly distracted by the waving of the cameraman’s hand, letting her know that she should probably get on with what they’re here for.
Ashley Mastrangelo: OH! Right. I couldn’t help it with the deliciousness of this drink. I nearly forgot all about my little Kit Kat. Can I call you that Ms. Conway? I don’t like to be so official with someone when they’re on the same level as me. I mean, technically, in this case, I guess you’re under me since I am the champion and you are the challenger, but we’ll just let that little fact slip under the rug, kay?
Ashley takes another sip of her frothy drink before continuing.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I don’t know how long you’ve been listening to me speak over the last month or so Kit Kat, but I want you to know that I take this title, this profession, and everything that goes along with it as seriously as I would a heart attack to an elderly person. This business, this career that I have forged myself out of mere nothingness, is absolutely everything to me and I’m willing to sacrifice anything to achieve my goals. It just so happens that this coming Sunday over in the Wells Fargo Center, my ambitions are to defeat you and retain my shiny little accessory here.
Ashley takes another sip.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Walk with me.
She starts walking along the concourse to the exit of the airport terminal where her car, courtesy of the IWF, awaits her to take her to her hotel. They really do have a great travel staff. She continues to navigate her way through the crowd while addressing her opponent Sunday.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Kat, you and I are two girls cut from similar cloth in a way, yet woven together differently. I admire the fact that we’re alike in the fact that neither one of us chose wrestling as an occupation, as a passion, it chose us. We weren’t enthralled with the want to be a wrestler from our youngest memories like some of our counterparts on the roster, and to me, that makes this just a little bit harder for us.
She goes to say more when a rude individual walking by almost shoulder blocks her as he smacks into her and just continues walking.
Ashley Mastrangelo: EXCUSE YOU JERK!
She regains her composure and straightens out her shirt before continuing with her monologue.
Ashley Mastrangelo: As I was saying…it’s harder on the two of us Kathleen. Our counterparts in this division have wanted this their entire life, and they’ve known no different. The two of us went out and we experienced the world. We walked toward a different life and became attracted to this situation and like myself, once you got in, you were hooked. That want to be the best got the better of you. That absolute desire, that need for competition grew. The fire inside blazed with glory until you absolutely had to do something to satisfy the urge. We got into wrestling, we fought are way to where we are now, and then comes this Sunday where the two of us will go head to head and see just whose fire burns stronger.
Ashley ascends the steps to the main concourse and reaches the revolving doors that lead out to the cooler Philadelphia air and stops in front of them.
Ashley Mastrangelo: For weeks I’ve said that I have wanted to change this division and I believe the fact that I am Ruby Champion has done a great deal in taking that first step. It proved that an outside like me could come in, learn the craft, appreciate the craft and most importantly, respect the craft while working my butt off to become one of the top girls in this division. The fire inside that I talked about a second ago though Kat doesn’t allow that to be enough. Being one of the best just doesn’t cut the mustard honey as it’s only the first step. I want to be the absolute best period and to do that, I have to prove that I’m not a fluke. I have to prove I’m not a paper champion. I have to prove that all you see before you is Grade-A, real deal Champion. If I have to beat you in the center of the ring to do that, then that’s what’s next for me. That is the answer to the question from before, “What’s a girl to do?” The answer is simple…keep my title at all costs. That said, I’ll see you Sunday…if not sooner.
Ashley flashes her pearly whites again with her beautiful smile before turning toward the door, looking back for just a wink, only to turn around, walk outside, and get in the car that pulls away into the rest of the airport traffic.
Well howdy there pardner.