"All about that W"

[Ashley Maldano]

[off camera]

The scene opens up with Ashley Maldano sitting at table in a local café in Houston, Texas. She’s sitting with a man in a suit carrying a brief case, who looks at her with concern as he speaks.

“I didn’t think you’d be in Houston this long. Have you thought about this court case at all while you’ve been here? Monday is just right around the corner Ashley and I can’t have you distracted if I’m going to represent you. I know how much getting custody of Lilly means to you, but if we’re going to do this I need one hundred percent focus.” The lawyer said, looking at her.

Ashley sipped her coffee and looked up.

“John, thanks for flying out here and meeting with me in the first place. I understand I need to be focused but to be honest? This has been relaxing. I’ve been here since Saturday and I’m flying back to LA on Wednesday for my match on Thursday. This time away here and with Blake has been just what I needed to set my head straight. The hearing is at 9:00 A.M, correct?” Ashley asked, setting her cup down.

“Yeah, nine but I want you there by eight. We need to go over everything again and make sure you won’t freeze up on the stand. This is the real deal…any sign of uncertainty will cost you. You need to be on alert…which brings me to this Thursday. You know…since you are my client and have been since you were a teenager, I feel like it’s my responsibility to look after you. It’s what your father would have wanted. With that being said…I’ve been paying attention to your matches lately. Ashley, you’re trying to become the mother of a very confused and frightened little girl who is going to need you more than anything these next few months if you do win. Do you honestly think you can keep up this wrestling game while doing that?” He asked, looking at her.

Ashley shot him a look of disapproval.

“There are plenty of wrestlers who have children. I took care of Lilly when I was training every day and still made sure she was getting to school on time, eating well and had everything she needed. Ya know, I’m not the same irresponsible punk like I was. As my lawyer I’m going to need you to actually believe that if you’re going to be representing me. I have so much stress as it is because of work, I don’t need to stress out about if my lawyer believes I’ll be a good mother. I’m not paying you try and psych me out, I’m paying you to help me win…and if you can’t do that I’ll find someone else.” She said coldly, before glaring at him.

“I’m not trying to psych you out…I’m trying to make you think. I’ll see you on Monday. Good luck Thursday…just remember what I said.” He said as he got up, leaving Ashley alone with her thoughts and her computer. 

[on camera]

As Ashley looked at her computer, she set up her webcam and started recording.

“Susan Kent fell short to the Southside Slugger last Challenge and I can’t say I didn’t tell you guys that it would happen….because I did. Just like I can predict how my match with Jenny Knite will go…just like I can predict how Showdown in the Sun will go.”

Ashley says, smirking into the cam.

“Ashley Maldano standing tall and high victorious over all.”

She says confidently, gloating. 

“I’m not discrediting Jenny’s ability in the ring or her skill….but with my match at Showdown in the Sun coming up, I need to continue setting examples out of people just like I did with Susan. You don’t win a Hollywood Cup qualifying match by being second best and letting other people steal your spot. You get there by destroying whatever road block comes in your way, regardless if they’re after the same prize or not. And Jenny? This week she becomes that road block. Next week could be her or someone else. The point is all these matches leading up to the qualifying match is nothing more than a dress rehearsal for the real deal. It’s giving you people a sample of what’s to come. 

My heads in the game and my mind has never been more focused than it is at this moment. I wouldn’t be put in this qualifying match if something about me didn’t stand out…which is what I will continue to show every Thursday in that ring…continuing with Jenny this week. Count your blessings and say your prayers to whatever God you believe in…because once that bell rings it’s all about getting that W.”

Ashley says sharply, cutting the camera off.