Post by Ashley Mastrangelo on Oct 19, 2013 17:46:01 GMT
The scene opens up with Ashley on the end of her bed in her Philadelphia hotel room. She sits on the end of the bed with a cute flowing top that drapes down over her denim jeans. By her side on the bed is the IWF Ruby Title as she waits for her ushers to take her down to an autograph signing in the lobby. She reaches over and picks up the Ruby Title and holds it in front of her, staring at it as if it was the holy-grail, knowing full well that the camera is watching her every move.
Ashley Mastrangelo: (Without removing her eyes from said title.) Do you know what this means to me Kathleen? This right here, in my hands is a signification that I have arrived in this little business we call professional wrestling. It sits here in the palm of my hands and I could be having the absolute worst day ever, and as soon as I see it, it makes me smile.
Ashley sets the belt back in its place on the bed and looks up at the camera. The normally bubbly young lady looks into the camera with a sense of purpose, a sense of focus.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Do you have something that does that for you Kat? I don’t mean the Ace, because he’s your husband and if he doesn’t elicit those feelings from you than you’re in a wrong relationship girl. I mean an inanimate object that just brings a smile to your face when you’re down in the dumps. For the longest time, I didn’t. I had nothing to my name that was mine, and now? Now I have the best accessory in the world. It’s colorful, it’s cute, and it’s all mine.
She reaches over again and plucks it from the bed, sliding it over her shoulder, rubbing her hand over its polished surface, admiring it in all of its glory before turning back to the camera.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I have it and now you want to take it from me? That’s not very considerate of you is it? I hate to inform you sweetie, this is mine and I’m gonna fight like hell to make sure it stays on these gorgeous shoulders. I mean, after all, doesn’t this just look like the perfect spot for the belt to hang? Maybe this…
She stands from her seated position and brings the belt around her waist, fastening it behind her and posing generously for the camera in front of her.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Is this a better spot? It makes no difference Kit Kat. You see, I’m not doing this to demean anything you said, because a lot of it was true and I admire the fact that you can speak such truths without fear of any consequence. I’m not showing you different positions of this belt to be one of those prissy little brats in the locker room who believe the world revolves around them when in fact it doesn’t. I’m resound to the fact that the world does not revolve around me. In fact, I relish in that fact. Can you understand the pressure of that? I don’t want it. I’m quite content being the girl who lives her life in this world with the same care-free attitude I’ve always had. I go with the flow Kat and that flow has taken me to tomorrow night at October Revolution to face you one-on-one in a match that could steal the show all together let alone overshadow the other “Diamonds” Matches.
She removes the belt from around her waist and again sets it on the bed beside her as she has a seat. She looks into the camera as she leans forward with her hands clasped together, a somewhat seductive looking smile on her face.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Every time you see me you see the shopping obsessed girl who loves new things. You look at me and you see a rookie way beyond her years as far as competition and skill go, and yet you believe in yourself enough to tell me that I’m in trouble Sunday on Pay Per View. Don’t overlook me Kat. It would be very unwise as I proved to Amber, as I proved to Ayla. I have the skills to compete with anybody in this division and I will continue to prove that on a weekly basis.
Reaching over, she grabs the title once more and pushes it out toward the camera to be seen by all of those who are watching.
Ashley Mastrangelo: The week I was getting ready to take this from the waist of Amber Richards, I told the world that I shouldn’t be looked at as another pretty face who holds this just to hold it. I may call it my pretty little accessory, but it is oh so much more. It means that I have stepped up above and beyond most in this division. It means that I am worthy of being one of the few faces of this company. It means that with each passing lesson I have rolled them all together to become one of the best this company has seen in a short time. It means all of that and then some and I promise that I will not let you take that from me…I can’t let you take that from me.
There’s a knock at the door and an IWF Staff member calls out to Ashley from the hall to make her arrival downstairs. Ashley walks to the door and goes to leave before turning back to the camera.
Ashley Mastrangelo: With that in mind Kat, my adoring public awaits.
She turns, flipping her blonde hair through the air as she leaves the room, the door automatically closing behind her as the scene fades.
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=== The Adoring Public ===
This has to be one of the absolute best times in my life and I love every minute of every day. I have a boyfriend who supports me in what I do and that in and of itself is just awesome, not to mention I have a job that I absolutely love where I hold a championship that I absolutely adore. Can things get any better?
The scene opens in the lobby of the hotel in Philadelphia where I can’t help but be anxious for my title defense at October Revolution. I came downstairs because the IWF has set up a meet and greet involving me and some of the other wrestlers to the adoring public. As I came out of the hotel I was usher along a specific path to the table and waved to the crowd as they yelled my name and the little girls started jumping up and down. To see them dress like me, or look like me made me feel absolutely humbled inside. The fact that they look up to me is so unbelievable. As I get seated at the table, I turn and look at the backdrop which has a giant picture of me. I can’t help but feel overwhelmed at this point as this is my first official signing session and the simple fact that they made this all for me was just wonderfully shocking. I look at the crowd and point up at the sign with a giddy look on my face.
Ashley Mastrangelo: THAT’S ME!
They responded with a clap and cheers as they couldn’t wait to stop up and meet me. I had a seat in my chair and arranged my title, the markers and my drink to the side…Starbucks of course, duh. I smiled politely and waited for the first person in line to step forward and owe my God was she an adorable little girl with her mom standing behind her ushering her on.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Hi there sweetie. What’s your name?
She was bashful at first, but with the mom ushering her to answer she told me.
Little Girl: Mackenzie.
Ashley Mastrangelo: That’s a really pretty name.
Before saying anything else, she held up a little pink piggy bank, and put it up on the table.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Wow, what’s this?
Mackenzie: My piggy bank.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Would you like me to sign it?
She couldn’t forge any words from her lips, but a simple nod was all I needed before ripping the cap off the pen and signing my name for her on the side. As I handed it back to her gently, I asked if she wanted to take a picture and again I got that cute little nod. Standing from my seat I went over and got on my knees, putting my arm around the little girl as we both smiled for a picture. I thanked her for coming but before I could get up she gave me a hug. The crowd gushed of course, and I might have welled up a little as the little girl let go and was ushered on by her mom. I felt so good after that, that I just kept signing and taking pictures with whoever wanted one, ticket or not.
In the middle of all of this, I lost track of time and it was already time for the advertised lunch break before the Q&A Session and the second round of autograph signings. A big security guard stepped in front of the table, blocking me from seeing the crowd.
Security: Ladies and gentlemen, I am informing you that we are taking a break for lunch. Ms. Mastrangelo will be doing a question and answer session in about a half hour in the conference room and then will be returning here for pictures and autographs for the second session. Hold onto your tickets with the numbers we wrote on them and line up in that order by two o-clock. After that time, it will be first come first serve again. Thank you for your cooperation.
The crowd let out some displeasure, but hey, I’m coming back and a girl has to eat right? So as I’m ushered away by security, I hear my phone make its usual text tone sound and it makes me pull it from my pocket to see a text from Ryan.
Things are looking good for me to be at the show. Miss you.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Aww, he misses me.
Showing my phone to the security guard who seemed less than thrilled.
Ashley Mastrangelo: See he misses me.
Still no answer. What a jerk. We go to the café and order some food, security blocking a small section of the café off from the public, allowing us to eat in peace. Sure there were a few occasional flashes of cameras, but overall, nothing too bad. Pulling up Twitter on my phone, I Tweeted to the world my thoughts on session one before my food arrived.
@ IWFAshley Mastrangelo: Great time in Philly with Autograph Session 1. Q&A to come!
A few seconds later as I enjoyed my delicious Subway sub, I get another text from Ryan.
Got a break. What you up to?
I replied with lunch and then a quick turnaround for a question and answer, then more signings. His reply was:
Keep it up busy girl. If you’re lucky, I’ll see you tomorrow.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Pfft, if I’m lucky. More like, if he’s lucky.
After eating it was time for the fun stuff. I was led by security to the conference room and told to stay outside in the hall until introduced. I could hear them inside as the people loaded in from a different entrance. I heard the HOST announce my name as “Don’t Stop Believing” played on their speaker inside which was my cue to enter. I walked in with the Ruby Title draped over my shoulder to applause and some cat calls that kind of caught be off guard. I had my seat at the table area raised on a stage and waved at everyone in attendance.
Host: Just letting you know that we are proud to have the Ruby Champion, Ashley Mastrangelo here, and in the future we will have others here as well throughout the convention. Without further ado…Ashley welcome.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Oh my God, this is amazing. This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this and it blows my mind how many people wake up early to come see me.
Host: The pro-wrestling and IWF following is big and growing.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Tell me about it. I was in my room and I looked out the window and I actually saw people camping outside to get here first.
Host: They love their Italian Princess.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Awww, thanks guys.
Host: So I hear you have a big match coming up tomorrow night over at the Wells Fargo Center. Want to elaborate?
Ashley Mastrangelo: Well, yeah. It’s the Pay Per View, October Revolution. I’m facing Kathleen Conway for my Ruby Title.
Reaching over on the table I pat the belt like I’m patting a pet on the head.
Ashley Mastrangelo: It’s so pretty.
That garners a laugh from the crowd as the host goes on.
Host: It is. What led to this match? There wasn’t really build up like say the Imperial Title.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Not really. It was kind of one of those show filler matches with my title on the line. Kat and I were supposed to have a match a month or so ago but that got derailed so now this is my shot to prove that I can kick her butt.
I look around with a smile as the audience shows their approval.
Host: It’s for the Ruby Title which you won a month ago in your hometown of Cleveland in front of friends and family. Care to express how that felt?
Ashley Mastrangelo: Insane? Wonderful? Fulfilling? Pretty much all of that rolled into one. For my dad to be there and my cousin, and then to have my trainer Mike in the back; to have all of that come full circle and me to clutch this title in the middle of Quicken Loans Arena was just so overwhelming that when I got to the back, I cried for a good ten minutes. To know that I came from mere minutes going to jail for something stupid, to be able to work my butt off and get as far as I’ve gotten means so much that I can barely find words for it.
Host: You defeated a very skilled Amber Richards.
Ashley Mastrangelo: She is such a talented girl. It took me a few times to beat her, but in the end…my justice prevailed.
I grabbed my belt and held it high in the air for all to see and was greeted with a warm reaction.
Host: Well said. With that, it’s time for you guys to ask some questions. There’s a microphone being passed around. Don’t be shy, ask anything you want of this lovely, talented young lady.
I couldn’t help but blush a little. I wasn’t used to all this attention and to be honest, I loved every bit of it. The first person to ask a question was a guy in the second row with an IWF October Revolution shirt on that says “Proud to be in Philly” under the logo.
Second Row Guy: I’ll be honest, I think you’re a gorgeous young lady.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Thank you.
Second Row Guy: Can I have a hug?
The crowd laughs as the host gets a chuckle as well.
Host: I’ll be honest, I was waiting for that one.
After a laugh and some blushing I nodded and walked down from the stage for a hug, side hug, protection style…no weirdness. The guy thanked me and went back to his seat as I went back up to the table.
The next person was a young girl, maybe twelve.
12 Year Old: What made you want to be a wrestler?
I had to sit back a moment and analyze the question and put it in a way that she could understand. I didn’t always want this.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Well, to be honest it’s not what I wanted to be. I wanted to be an actress or a model. Something where all that mattered was beauty and fame. Then reality hit me. I got hit with the fact that your past catches up with you. Mine caught me and it just so happened that Mike Laszlo took me under his wing and showed me what wrestling was all about. He showed me the ropes, taught me the basics and lead me to where I am, literally pushing me out of the nest. I think though, that it was better this way. It shows girls like you, and others out there that you don’t have to love something from your first memory to want it. It shows that if you want to work your butt off, you can accomplish anything you want if you try your best.
Host: That’s a great answer. Next?
Next was a guy who looked to be about six-foot, two hundred pounds with a beer belly and a heavy beard.
Bearded Man: So, I’m somewhat of a wrestling expert. At least I like to think so. I always wonder the what if. If you could wrestle anyone, who would it be?
Ashley Mastrangelo: That’s easy, Alexis Caffrey. You might look at me confused, but I know there’s some animosity between us and I know that she herself is training for this. Think of the awesomeness, two girls trained by the same guy, who can put his teachings to work fastest? Now I would like to think I have a leg up, but this business is more random than football. They say any given Sunday, we say any given night.
Host: Thank you.
There were a few more questions and then we wrapped up to enable more autograph signings and photo ops. The day went really quick and before I knew it, it was four o’clock. I signed every last piece of merchandise and took every last picture until our fans went home happy…at least I hope they did. Security blocked off the elevator as I stepped inside and waved to the last few fans who stayed to wish me well. As the elevator ascended to the floor of my room I leaned against the back wall and let out a deep breath.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Wow does that take a lot out of you.
I headed back to my room and flopped down on the bed. I pulled out my phone and texted Ryan.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Tiring day. What are you doing?
I waited for a little bit and got a response.
Packing.
I was excited enough to sit up for a moment, thinking he was coming to see me. Then I got more.
For Pittsburgh. Got a meeting. Hoping like hell I can get there to see you, but this is a big deal. I want to see you so bad. I love you.
I would like to say I saw that whole message, but I didn’t. As I was reading I laid back and slowly drifted to sleep. I guess a girl needs a cat nap once in a while right? The scene fades on my phone’s screen with the message displayed clear as day.
====================
The scene opens later that night. Ashley had just awoken from her little nap, it went a little longer than expected. She looked out her window and saw that it was dark out then looked over and saw the IWF camera again waiting for her.
Ashley Mastrangelo: How long have you been here? Were you watching me sleep? That’s a little creepy.
The camera shakes from side to side.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Okay, whatever. On to more important things. I just want to say Kathleen, you and I are two women in different worlds. You know the feeling of ever-lasting love and part of me envies you for that. I on the other hand, know the feeling of championship glory, and I believe that part of you, on display or not, envies me for that. Feelings though, they go out the window tomorrow night sweetheart. Tomorrow night we stand across the ring from one another and we get ready to put on the show of a lifetime; a show that the fans in those seats will never forget; a match that is definitely for the ages.
Ashley swings out of bed and walks to the bathroom where she wets her hands and rubs them all over her face to wake herself up. As she grabs a towel and dabs her face, she takes a deep breath.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Much better. As I was saying, when I won this belt I said I wanted to change this division. I said I wanted to take this division to heights that nobody has ever even dreamt of imagining. I wanted to transcend the Diamonds Division and make this belt as prestigious if not more so than any other in this company’s short lived history. You get to be a part of that Kat. You can help me in my quest to make this world a better place for us as women, and not simply as the sideshow. Help me make it so that women can main event shows and not be held down by the oppression of this testosterone dominated world.
She tosses the towel to the side after drying her hands and walks over to the Ruby Title laid out on the bed and picks it up, shoving it toward the camera.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Help me make this mean something the way nobody else could. We’re going out there to fight for this gorgeous prize and this will be our time to show the world that two women can go out and carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Not only can we carry said weight, we can lift it high above our heads and let the world know that a woman can carry this company just as well as a man. We let them know that women here have talent too. We let the world know that we are not to be overlooked inside that ring.
Ashley sits in front of the vanity mirror in her room and begins applying makeup as she comes to her conclusion.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Kathleen Conway, this Sunday night on Pay Per View, you bring the best that you have because that’s what the people deserve. You take me to my limits like you’ve done countless others before me and probably a few more after me. I want you to stoke the fire of desire in your belly with allures of grandeur and let that flame roar like no flame has ever done before. Bring the passion; bring the sweat, bring the tears, bring it all because that is what I want in a challenger. That is what I want to bring the best out in me. It is my best unfortunately for you though, that will snuff out that flame. I want my best to be better than yours and I will do whatever it takes to prove that fact. Sunday you come to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and I’ll be waiting for you. Here’s my title…come and get it…if you dare…muahahaha.
She abruptly stops the spooky laugh and turns it into her normal happy giggle.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I’ve always wanted to do that.
The scene fades on Ashley continuing her makeup, preparing for a night out it seems.
Ashley Mastrangelo: (Without removing her eyes from said title.) Do you know what this means to me Kathleen? This right here, in my hands is a signification that I have arrived in this little business we call professional wrestling. It sits here in the palm of my hands and I could be having the absolute worst day ever, and as soon as I see it, it makes me smile.
Ashley sets the belt back in its place on the bed and looks up at the camera. The normally bubbly young lady looks into the camera with a sense of purpose, a sense of focus.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Do you have something that does that for you Kat? I don’t mean the Ace, because he’s your husband and if he doesn’t elicit those feelings from you than you’re in a wrong relationship girl. I mean an inanimate object that just brings a smile to your face when you’re down in the dumps. For the longest time, I didn’t. I had nothing to my name that was mine, and now? Now I have the best accessory in the world. It’s colorful, it’s cute, and it’s all mine.
She reaches over again and plucks it from the bed, sliding it over her shoulder, rubbing her hand over its polished surface, admiring it in all of its glory before turning back to the camera.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I have it and now you want to take it from me? That’s not very considerate of you is it? I hate to inform you sweetie, this is mine and I’m gonna fight like hell to make sure it stays on these gorgeous shoulders. I mean, after all, doesn’t this just look like the perfect spot for the belt to hang? Maybe this…
She stands from her seated position and brings the belt around her waist, fastening it behind her and posing generously for the camera in front of her.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Is this a better spot? It makes no difference Kit Kat. You see, I’m not doing this to demean anything you said, because a lot of it was true and I admire the fact that you can speak such truths without fear of any consequence. I’m not showing you different positions of this belt to be one of those prissy little brats in the locker room who believe the world revolves around them when in fact it doesn’t. I’m resound to the fact that the world does not revolve around me. In fact, I relish in that fact. Can you understand the pressure of that? I don’t want it. I’m quite content being the girl who lives her life in this world with the same care-free attitude I’ve always had. I go with the flow Kat and that flow has taken me to tomorrow night at October Revolution to face you one-on-one in a match that could steal the show all together let alone overshadow the other “Diamonds” Matches.
She removes the belt from around her waist and again sets it on the bed beside her as she has a seat. She looks into the camera as she leans forward with her hands clasped together, a somewhat seductive looking smile on her face.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Every time you see me you see the shopping obsessed girl who loves new things. You look at me and you see a rookie way beyond her years as far as competition and skill go, and yet you believe in yourself enough to tell me that I’m in trouble Sunday on Pay Per View. Don’t overlook me Kat. It would be very unwise as I proved to Amber, as I proved to Ayla. I have the skills to compete with anybody in this division and I will continue to prove that on a weekly basis.
Reaching over, she grabs the title once more and pushes it out toward the camera to be seen by all of those who are watching.
Ashley Mastrangelo: The week I was getting ready to take this from the waist of Amber Richards, I told the world that I shouldn’t be looked at as another pretty face who holds this just to hold it. I may call it my pretty little accessory, but it is oh so much more. It means that I have stepped up above and beyond most in this division. It means that I am worthy of being one of the few faces of this company. It means that with each passing lesson I have rolled them all together to become one of the best this company has seen in a short time. It means all of that and then some and I promise that I will not let you take that from me…I can’t let you take that from me.
There’s a knock at the door and an IWF Staff member calls out to Ashley from the hall to make her arrival downstairs. Ashley walks to the door and goes to leave before turning back to the camera.
Ashley Mastrangelo: With that in mind Kat, my adoring public awaits.
She turns, flipping her blonde hair through the air as she leaves the room, the door automatically closing behind her as the scene fades.
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=== The Adoring Public ===
This has to be one of the absolute best times in my life and I love every minute of every day. I have a boyfriend who supports me in what I do and that in and of itself is just awesome, not to mention I have a job that I absolutely love where I hold a championship that I absolutely adore. Can things get any better?
The scene opens in the lobby of the hotel in Philadelphia where I can’t help but be anxious for my title defense at October Revolution. I came downstairs because the IWF has set up a meet and greet involving me and some of the other wrestlers to the adoring public. As I came out of the hotel I was usher along a specific path to the table and waved to the crowd as they yelled my name and the little girls started jumping up and down. To see them dress like me, or look like me made me feel absolutely humbled inside. The fact that they look up to me is so unbelievable. As I get seated at the table, I turn and look at the backdrop which has a giant picture of me. I can’t help but feel overwhelmed at this point as this is my first official signing session and the simple fact that they made this all for me was just wonderfully shocking. I look at the crowd and point up at the sign with a giddy look on my face.
Ashley Mastrangelo: THAT’S ME!
They responded with a clap and cheers as they couldn’t wait to stop up and meet me. I had a seat in my chair and arranged my title, the markers and my drink to the side…Starbucks of course, duh. I smiled politely and waited for the first person in line to step forward and owe my God was she an adorable little girl with her mom standing behind her ushering her on.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Hi there sweetie. What’s your name?
She was bashful at first, but with the mom ushering her to answer she told me.
Little Girl: Mackenzie.
Ashley Mastrangelo: That’s a really pretty name.
Before saying anything else, she held up a little pink piggy bank, and put it up on the table.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Wow, what’s this?
Mackenzie: My piggy bank.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Would you like me to sign it?
She couldn’t forge any words from her lips, but a simple nod was all I needed before ripping the cap off the pen and signing my name for her on the side. As I handed it back to her gently, I asked if she wanted to take a picture and again I got that cute little nod. Standing from my seat I went over and got on my knees, putting my arm around the little girl as we both smiled for a picture. I thanked her for coming but before I could get up she gave me a hug. The crowd gushed of course, and I might have welled up a little as the little girl let go and was ushered on by her mom. I felt so good after that, that I just kept signing and taking pictures with whoever wanted one, ticket or not.
In the middle of all of this, I lost track of time and it was already time for the advertised lunch break before the Q&A Session and the second round of autograph signings. A big security guard stepped in front of the table, blocking me from seeing the crowd.
Security: Ladies and gentlemen, I am informing you that we are taking a break for lunch. Ms. Mastrangelo will be doing a question and answer session in about a half hour in the conference room and then will be returning here for pictures and autographs for the second session. Hold onto your tickets with the numbers we wrote on them and line up in that order by two o-clock. After that time, it will be first come first serve again. Thank you for your cooperation.
The crowd let out some displeasure, but hey, I’m coming back and a girl has to eat right? So as I’m ushered away by security, I hear my phone make its usual text tone sound and it makes me pull it from my pocket to see a text from Ryan.
Things are looking good for me to be at the show. Miss you.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Aww, he misses me.
Showing my phone to the security guard who seemed less than thrilled.
Ashley Mastrangelo: See he misses me.
Still no answer. What a jerk. We go to the café and order some food, security blocking a small section of the café off from the public, allowing us to eat in peace. Sure there were a few occasional flashes of cameras, but overall, nothing too bad. Pulling up Twitter on my phone, I Tweeted to the world my thoughts on session one before my food arrived.
@ IWFAshley Mastrangelo: Great time in Philly with Autograph Session 1. Q&A to come!
A few seconds later as I enjoyed my delicious Subway sub, I get another text from Ryan.
Got a break. What you up to?
I replied with lunch and then a quick turnaround for a question and answer, then more signings. His reply was:
Keep it up busy girl. If you’re lucky, I’ll see you tomorrow.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Pfft, if I’m lucky. More like, if he’s lucky.
After eating it was time for the fun stuff. I was led by security to the conference room and told to stay outside in the hall until introduced. I could hear them inside as the people loaded in from a different entrance. I heard the HOST announce my name as “Don’t Stop Believing” played on their speaker inside which was my cue to enter. I walked in with the Ruby Title draped over my shoulder to applause and some cat calls that kind of caught be off guard. I had my seat at the table area raised on a stage and waved at everyone in attendance.
Host: Just letting you know that we are proud to have the Ruby Champion, Ashley Mastrangelo here, and in the future we will have others here as well throughout the convention. Without further ado…Ashley welcome.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Oh my God, this is amazing. This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this and it blows my mind how many people wake up early to come see me.
Host: The pro-wrestling and IWF following is big and growing.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Tell me about it. I was in my room and I looked out the window and I actually saw people camping outside to get here first.
Host: They love their Italian Princess.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Awww, thanks guys.
Host: So I hear you have a big match coming up tomorrow night over at the Wells Fargo Center. Want to elaborate?
Ashley Mastrangelo: Well, yeah. It’s the Pay Per View, October Revolution. I’m facing Kathleen Conway for my Ruby Title.
Reaching over on the table I pat the belt like I’m patting a pet on the head.
Ashley Mastrangelo: It’s so pretty.
That garners a laugh from the crowd as the host goes on.
Host: It is. What led to this match? There wasn’t really build up like say the Imperial Title.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Not really. It was kind of one of those show filler matches with my title on the line. Kat and I were supposed to have a match a month or so ago but that got derailed so now this is my shot to prove that I can kick her butt.
I look around with a smile as the audience shows their approval.
Host: It’s for the Ruby Title which you won a month ago in your hometown of Cleveland in front of friends and family. Care to express how that felt?
Ashley Mastrangelo: Insane? Wonderful? Fulfilling? Pretty much all of that rolled into one. For my dad to be there and my cousin, and then to have my trainer Mike in the back; to have all of that come full circle and me to clutch this title in the middle of Quicken Loans Arena was just so overwhelming that when I got to the back, I cried for a good ten minutes. To know that I came from mere minutes going to jail for something stupid, to be able to work my butt off and get as far as I’ve gotten means so much that I can barely find words for it.
Host: You defeated a very skilled Amber Richards.
Ashley Mastrangelo: She is such a talented girl. It took me a few times to beat her, but in the end…my justice prevailed.
I grabbed my belt and held it high in the air for all to see and was greeted with a warm reaction.
Host: Well said. With that, it’s time for you guys to ask some questions. There’s a microphone being passed around. Don’t be shy, ask anything you want of this lovely, talented young lady.
I couldn’t help but blush a little. I wasn’t used to all this attention and to be honest, I loved every bit of it. The first person to ask a question was a guy in the second row with an IWF October Revolution shirt on that says “Proud to be in Philly” under the logo.
Second Row Guy: I’ll be honest, I think you’re a gorgeous young lady.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Thank you.
Second Row Guy: Can I have a hug?
The crowd laughs as the host gets a chuckle as well.
Host: I’ll be honest, I was waiting for that one.
After a laugh and some blushing I nodded and walked down from the stage for a hug, side hug, protection style…no weirdness. The guy thanked me and went back to his seat as I went back up to the table.
The next person was a young girl, maybe twelve.
12 Year Old: What made you want to be a wrestler?
I had to sit back a moment and analyze the question and put it in a way that she could understand. I didn’t always want this.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Well, to be honest it’s not what I wanted to be. I wanted to be an actress or a model. Something where all that mattered was beauty and fame. Then reality hit me. I got hit with the fact that your past catches up with you. Mine caught me and it just so happened that Mike Laszlo took me under his wing and showed me what wrestling was all about. He showed me the ropes, taught me the basics and lead me to where I am, literally pushing me out of the nest. I think though, that it was better this way. It shows girls like you, and others out there that you don’t have to love something from your first memory to want it. It shows that if you want to work your butt off, you can accomplish anything you want if you try your best.
Host: That’s a great answer. Next?
Next was a guy who looked to be about six-foot, two hundred pounds with a beer belly and a heavy beard.
Bearded Man: So, I’m somewhat of a wrestling expert. At least I like to think so. I always wonder the what if. If you could wrestle anyone, who would it be?
Ashley Mastrangelo: That’s easy, Alexis Caffrey. You might look at me confused, but I know there’s some animosity between us and I know that she herself is training for this. Think of the awesomeness, two girls trained by the same guy, who can put his teachings to work fastest? Now I would like to think I have a leg up, but this business is more random than football. They say any given Sunday, we say any given night.
Host: Thank you.
There were a few more questions and then we wrapped up to enable more autograph signings and photo ops. The day went really quick and before I knew it, it was four o’clock. I signed every last piece of merchandise and took every last picture until our fans went home happy…at least I hope they did. Security blocked off the elevator as I stepped inside and waved to the last few fans who stayed to wish me well. As the elevator ascended to the floor of my room I leaned against the back wall and let out a deep breath.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Wow does that take a lot out of you.
I headed back to my room and flopped down on the bed. I pulled out my phone and texted Ryan.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Tiring day. What are you doing?
I waited for a little bit and got a response.
Packing.
I was excited enough to sit up for a moment, thinking he was coming to see me. Then I got more.
For Pittsburgh. Got a meeting. Hoping like hell I can get there to see you, but this is a big deal. I want to see you so bad. I love you.
I would like to say I saw that whole message, but I didn’t. As I was reading I laid back and slowly drifted to sleep. I guess a girl needs a cat nap once in a while right? The scene fades on my phone’s screen with the message displayed clear as day.
====================
The scene opens later that night. Ashley had just awoken from her little nap, it went a little longer than expected. She looked out her window and saw that it was dark out then looked over and saw the IWF camera again waiting for her.
Ashley Mastrangelo: How long have you been here? Were you watching me sleep? That’s a little creepy.
The camera shakes from side to side.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Okay, whatever. On to more important things. I just want to say Kathleen, you and I are two women in different worlds. You know the feeling of ever-lasting love and part of me envies you for that. I on the other hand, know the feeling of championship glory, and I believe that part of you, on display or not, envies me for that. Feelings though, they go out the window tomorrow night sweetheart. Tomorrow night we stand across the ring from one another and we get ready to put on the show of a lifetime; a show that the fans in those seats will never forget; a match that is definitely for the ages.
Ashley swings out of bed and walks to the bathroom where she wets her hands and rubs them all over her face to wake herself up. As she grabs a towel and dabs her face, she takes a deep breath.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Much better. As I was saying, when I won this belt I said I wanted to change this division. I said I wanted to take this division to heights that nobody has ever even dreamt of imagining. I wanted to transcend the Diamonds Division and make this belt as prestigious if not more so than any other in this company’s short lived history. You get to be a part of that Kat. You can help me in my quest to make this world a better place for us as women, and not simply as the sideshow. Help me make it so that women can main event shows and not be held down by the oppression of this testosterone dominated world.
She tosses the towel to the side after drying her hands and walks over to the Ruby Title laid out on the bed and picks it up, shoving it toward the camera.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Help me make this mean something the way nobody else could. We’re going out there to fight for this gorgeous prize and this will be our time to show the world that two women can go out and carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Not only can we carry said weight, we can lift it high above our heads and let the world know that a woman can carry this company just as well as a man. We let them know that women here have talent too. We let the world know that we are not to be overlooked inside that ring.
Ashley sits in front of the vanity mirror in her room and begins applying makeup as she comes to her conclusion.
Ashley Mastrangelo: Kathleen Conway, this Sunday night on Pay Per View, you bring the best that you have because that’s what the people deserve. You take me to my limits like you’ve done countless others before me and probably a few more after me. I want you to stoke the fire of desire in your belly with allures of grandeur and let that flame roar like no flame has ever done before. Bring the passion; bring the sweat, bring the tears, bring it all because that is what I want in a challenger. That is what I want to bring the best out in me. It is my best unfortunately for you though, that will snuff out that flame. I want my best to be better than yours and I will do whatever it takes to prove that fact. Sunday you come to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and I’ll be waiting for you. Here’s my title…come and get it…if you dare…muahahaha.
She abruptly stops the spooky laugh and turns it into her normal happy giggle.
Ashley Mastrangelo: I’ve always wanted to do that.
The scene fades on Ashley continuing her makeup, preparing for a night out it seems.
Well howdy there pardner.