Post by Ashleigh Grimes on Jun 17, 2016 20:16:53 GMT -5
** OFF CAMERA **
Ashleigh steps into the bedroom wearing a stunning red sequined dress that leaves little to the imagination; her smile radiates as she nods over towards Gavin who’s buttoning his shirt.
Ashleigh: Will this work?
Gavin's jaw drops as his eyes fall on Ash.
Gavin: Damn babe, you look amazing. I mean, you always look amazing but you look phenomenal in that dress. Yeah, that’ll definitely work.
Ash smiles proudly while running a hand through her hair to make sure it falls just right.
Ashleigh: So I was thinking…
Gavin: Uh oh.
Ashleigh: Yeah I know, but seriously… I'm definitely not going to want to face you once we're married so if any little bit of you wants that so called dream match to happen, you'd better speak now or forever hold your peace.
A grin runs over Gavin’s face as he shakes his head.
Gavin: The only place I want to go one on one with you is in the bedroom.
Ashleigh walks over, taking each of his hands in hers as she looks him in the eyes.
Ashleigh: Are you sure? I mean really sure because I'm dead serious… as much I don't want to face you right now, once we're married I won't even consider it.
He nods his head, his expression resolute and his eyes reassuring.
Gavin: I’m certain, after seeing what went down between you and Dirk; I could never lay a hand on you.
She studies him with skeptical eyes.
Ashleigh: So there’s no part of you that’s concerned this may hang over our relationship?
He places both his hands on her cheeks and smiles.
Gavin: I don't care what anyone else thinks. As long as you and I are good with it, then we'll be fine. It won't hang over us, we're stronger than that.
She returns a half smile.
Ashleigh: But if we're really that strong shouldn't we be able to survive one match?
His brow furrows.
Gavin: So you want the match then?
She blinks and gently shakes her head within his grasp.
Ashleigh: No, but I know it bothers you when people bring it up so maybe it would be easier to just do it. Like you said, our relationship’s strong enough to overcome anything. It could go down as one of the greatest of all time. Are we really going to rob ourselves of that opportunity out of fear that we're not strong enough as a couple? If we're not strong enough then why are we getting married in the first place?
His hands drop to his side as he sighs.
Gavin: You honestly think you could go through with it?
She stands straighter, doing her best to appear resolute.
Ashleigh: If I thought it’s what you really wanted, then yes.
He sits down on the bed and shakes his head.
Gavin: I don't even understand where this is coming from.
She looks down at him and shrugs.
Ashleigh: If I'm wrong about you secretly wanting it, then this conversation's over, there's no reason to continue. But if I’m right...
Gavin runs his hands over his face and exhales.
Gavin: It's not just me; you’ve obviously been thinking about it too.
He looks her in the eyes.
Gavin: Tell me what you want.
She lodges her tongue against the inside of her cheek and takes a moment before responding.
Ashleigh: I think it would be epic, the type of match that transcends companies. People from all over would talk about it for months, maybe even years.
He shrugs.
Gavin: Then just do it already. It's your choice, not mine. Remember? You’re the one with the contract.
She places her arms around his neck before shaking her head.
Ashleigh: No. From that response I can tell it's not what you want. You just answered my question.
She leans in to steal a kiss but Gavin abruptly pulls away, ducking from her grasp before rising from the bed.
Gavin: Nah, we should do it. Let's just get it over with. You're right, it'll be epic and it'll end all the questions.
Ashleigh blinks in surprise, her head tilting as if she just heard something foreign.
Ashleigh: Wait. What?
He shrugs.
Gavin: You heard me. Let's do it.
Her gaze narrows in disbelief as she slowly shakes her head.
Ashleigh: You’re just saying that because you’re mad I brought it up.
Gavin: I'm just agreeing with points you made. So let's make it happen.
He slaps his hands together.
Gavin: We can sort out the details out later; right now… let's go on this date!
Ashleigh is having trouble processing.
Ashleigh: But... you just pulled away from my kiss.
Gavin chuckles softly.
Gavin: Did I? I didn't notice. I was trying to figure out the whole match situation, but I think it's settled so let's go.
He motions for her to finish up so they can leave but she stares back at him incredulously.
Ashleigh: I hate it when you're upset but act like you're not. I thought we could talk about this like mature adults but obviously we can't. Forget the match. It's so not worth it.
She walks over to the closet to grab her shoes as Gavin follows in frustration.
Gavin: What do you want from me?! You brought up the match and then made it all about me. Yeah, I'm the one who gets upset when people talk about whose better between us, because we both know it's you, right?!
He scoffs.
Gavin: At least that's what you claim, that you’re the best. You’ve said it so many times it’s an obvious slight to me yet I continue to let it slide. The only reason people ever bring it up is because you love to talk about it. It's clear now that it’s you who wants to prove you’re better.
She slides her shoes on while leaning against the wall and manages to squeeze in an eye roll.
Ashleigh: Not anymore I don't. You don't want to hurt me, I get it. I thought maybe if I gave you the option you'd take it, but you were dead set against it, so why are you suddenly pushing for it?
Gavin: Because you're right. We need to find out. This needs to happen. So fuck it. I don't care anymore.
He throws his hands up in disgust as Ashleigh frowns and begins to backtrack.
Ashleigh: That's not what I said. I was just playing devil's advocate. I don't want to fight, Gav. Not in the ring and not in our bedroom. I just want to go out and have a good time. I'm sorry I brought it up. I'm sorry I pushed. It's my fault. Now can we please move past this?
Gavin shakes his head as he leers at her.
Gavin: Then why bring it up in the first place? I still don’t understand.
Ashleigh exhales.
Ashleigh: I wanted to give you the option. I thought deep down it's what you wanted... but I was wrong. So let's drop it. I love you babe, I don't want anything other than to have fun tonight.
She steps towards him but he steps away while shaking his head.
Gavin: I've said over and over again that it's not what I fucking want. I figured by now you’d have gotten the point.
Again she frowns.
Ashleigh: I honestly thought that deep down inside you felt differently, but you convinced me that you don't. I’m sorry.
She steps towards him, reaching for his shoulders but he brushes her off.
Gavin: The only reason I don't want it is because I know you can't handle it. You can't even go hard when we train together; so how the fuck are you going to fight me for real?!
She rolls her eyes, and there’s attitude in her tone.
Ashleigh: Please, if I go hard in training I’ll fuck you up, so don't give me that shit. We both know this isn't about what’ll happen in the ring. This is about what will be said during the lead up.
He laughs mockingly.
Gavin: Ha! There she is! There’s the real Ashleigh. Why wait to talk shit? Say it now. Tell me how you really feel. Tell me why you're better.
She steps towards him and shoves his shoulder back.
Ashleigh: Don't put this on me! You’re the one who said you could never hit me. You can hit me now? Go ahead! Hit me!!
He holds up his hands while shaking his head.
Gavin: Nah, I'll save it for the ring. Talk to Devlin and make it happen. After I beat Dirk, which you couldn't, I'll drop you too.
Her jaw drops.
Ashleigh: Are you fucking serious?! You think what happened with Dirk was my fault?!
He shrugs dismissively.
Gavin: I know I wouldn't have let it happen if it were me; then again I take everyone seriously. That's the big difference between you and me.
Ashleigh stares up at the ceiling and shakes her head before turning and walking away. Sitting down on the edge of the bed she removes her shoes. With a frown she tosses each shoe towards the closet, obviously annoyed.
Gavin: Yeah, I don't feel like going out anymore either.
He mockingly kicks off his shoes but the gesture causes her head to fall into her hands and she begins to cry. Gavin sighs before walking over and sitting down next to her. After a moment he puts his arm around her.
Gavin: Hey, it's okay.
She crumbles into his chest, her shoulders heaving as she bawls.
Ashleigh: It's not okay! I ruined our night by being stupid. I don't care about the match. I don't want the match! I'm sorry!! Please don't be upset!!
He gently runs his hand through her hair.
Gavin: I forgive you. We all make mistakes.
She looks up at him with a hopeful expression as makeup runs down her face.
Ashleigh: Can we just forget about all this and go out?
He nods as he wipes a tear from her cheek with the back of his hand.
Gavin: Of course we can. I won't mention it again. I promise.
She smiles and wraps her arms around him, her head snuggled into his chest as he strokes her hair, but he frowns a bit while staring off into the distance.
** ON CAMERA **
The scene opens on Ashleigh Jericho sitting in front of a huge NGW banner while wearing an NGW hockey jersey and an NGW snapback that’s fashionably off center. Her eyes glance from side to side and a smile forms, letting us know she’s fully aware of the over the top absurdity of the setting.
Ashleigh: I get it. I do. These days everyone’s a transient, floating from company to company hoping to find a roster that’s subpar enough for them to capture a title. Those lesser talents take one look at Gavin and I sitting atop NGW and say, “fuck it” then they’re off in search of greener pastures. What happened to the fearless warriors who used to overcome adversity to achieve a goal? They died off, too many options and not enough heart. Why work for something when the spoils will just be handed to you somewhere else? I can understand the appeal, especially for the weak willed. While I was navigating the long lonely road that was Inferno Wrestling, I had plenty of offers, NGW chief among them. Devlin Scott did his best to recruit me but I stayed the course. Was my interest piqued? You bet it was, in fact I couldn’t wait to join NGW. But I had to see my Inferno journey through to the end and capture the one prize everyone had their sights on, and that’s exactly what I did.
She reaches off camera and brings the Inferno Championship into the picture before tossing it over her shoulder.
Ashleigh: Mission accomplished, box checked, on to the next challenge. Do I still get those calls? Are people begging me to come work even one show for their company? Of course they are. There isn’t a company out there that wouldn’t love to have me on their roster. But what can I say; I’m a one company kind of girl. Not that I think any less of Shelley or any of you who are out whoring yourselves looking for easy gold, lord knows Gavin loved to company hop and probably still would if it weren’t for me. But the least Shelley could do is keep her companies separate and not litter her NGW promos with useless drivel about some other fed I couldn’t care less about. So the reason for all this shameless NGW fangirling…
She motions to the set and her clothing.
Ashleigh: …is to remind Shelley where we’re wrestling, because it seems like she’s forgotten whose belt she’s wearing. But before we start I feel the need to school Ms. Silver on basic interview etiquette; put down the video game controller when someone’s trying to interview you, it’s rude. Jessica Sears, Blair Kivisto and Joey Setala already tried the gamer gimmick and all three of them ended up retired, so smarten up before you join them. You just won one of the most coveted titles in NGW, a title you don’t even deserve, the least you could do is show a little respect instead of waxing nostalgic about some title you held in EWC. I know nothing about EWC save for this one simple fact; I’m better than everyone on their roster. How do I know? Because I am.
Ashleigh sighs while adjusting her hat.
Ashleigh: Think of it this way; your people recently won the right to be married, yeah? So what if you and your life partner were just joined in the bonds of holy matrimony before a gathering of your closest friends when suddenly your new bride starts carrying on about a former love that got away; how would that make you feel? Pretty shitty, huh? What a terrible thing for her to do. You catching my drift or do I need to spell it out for you? I’d expect that behavior from someone like me. Someone who’s been there and done that and possess talent much greater than the Five Lakes deserves. But you? You don’t possess that kind of talent and you never will. So count your blessings, cling to that title for the day or so you’ve got left and thank the wrestling gods for bestowing someone with so little with such an honor. In short; learn to be humble, because you don’t have the skill to pull off the holier than thou act, even if you do consider yourself an actress.
She pauses to take a sip from an NGW mug.
Ashleigh: Idiots like you are a black mark on this sport; carrying on about angles and shoot fighting. You said the fighting in ECW is real. I’m sorry, do we play pretend here in NGW? Was that a foam baton Dirk Bentley dislocated my jaw with? Do you know who carries on about this sport being fake? Skeptics and outsiders. That’s all you are Shelley, an outsider who has no business running her trap about the sport I’ve dedicated my life to. Much like you’d have no business attending an Academy Awards ceremony. What’s that mean? It means you suck at both your crafts therefore you’ll never reach the upper echelons of either of them. You’re a bitter malcontent who bitches and moans in hopes that some pathetic fanboy will listen. You’re a VH-1 special in the making. The Shelley Silver Story, narrated by no one of any importance, because that’s exactly what you deserve.
Removing the Inferno strap from her shoulder she places it down out of the frame but returns with Gavin’s Unified title. Placing the belt across her lap she grins mischievously.
Ashleigh: I know what you’re thinking, “Ashleigh you’re not supposed to touch that.” Oh yes I am, or did you miss the tweets about how Gavin likes me to parade around the apartment wearing only this?
Her grin widens as she shows the belt off for the camera.
Ashleigh: This is the belt that Shelley Silver thought she had a shot at before Kenzie allegedly ripped the rug out from underneath her. Newsflash, you were never getting the shot because you’d done jack shit to deserve it. But yes, you gave Gavin a decent match and you even managed to talk about it for all of two seconds before you began rambling about EWC and how they don’t allow rebuttals to promos. I’m sorry, but I have to ask Shelley; if EWC is so wonderful why don’t you just stay there in your safe little bubble where the competitors aren’t allowed to say mean things to each other? I’m sure the last thing they’d want is for someone to be controversial or god forbid, interesting. Qualities like that draw eyeballs and eyeballs equal ratings and before you know it people will actually know your company exists!
She gasps.
Ashleigh: The horror! Imagine the anarchy if two superstars were allowed to slander each other in some sort of back and forth manner. That would be awful. Beating the ever-loving shit out of each other in the ring though; that’s fine.
Cue the eye roll.
Ashleigh: You did have some pointed words about Gavin in your promo though. You talked about how he lacked creativity and how he hadn’t shown you anything new.
She snorts.
Ashleigh: Well since you’re obviously the be all end all when it comes to cutting promos let me ask you a question; is it creative to cut a promo on an opponent where you talk about everything but that opponent… or is that just fucking cowardly? Because I’m kind of leaning towards cowardly. That’s right, an entire promo and what did you choose to talk about? EWC, proper promo etiquette, Gavin Grimes, the Five Lakes Title, Dirk Bentley and then finally some bullshit about me that you quickly glossed over before rambling on about how some feds run storylines. So I’ll ask again; is that how you’re supposed to cut a promo? Allow me to save you the awkwardness of fumbling over your words while trying to figure out a way to include the letters EWC in your response a million fucking times. You have no idea how to cut a promo, which is why the prospect of cutting more than one scares the shit out of you. There was nothing creative in that word vomit I was forced to sift through. Rehashing your history in another fed? Seen it done a million times, usually by people who can’t think of anything else to say. Whining about how your opponent beat you on a technicality? I’d call the whambulance but they’re busy with a sea of butt hurt wrestlers who also can’t admit they weren’t quite good enough. Going after the guy who recently attacked your opponent yet fucking up the facts? That one I hadn’t seen before but you tripping over yourself like Helen Keller in the jungles of Vietnam pretty much sucked the life out of that one. In one sentence you proved how ignorant you are. You said that Dirk Bentley made a mistake when he thought I was weak.
Ash facepalms while shaking her head.
Ashleigh: The man wore body armor to attack me Shelley, he didn’t think I was weak… he knew I was strong. Pay attention to detail, this isn’t one of your sucktastic movies where you can flub half the lines and no one will notice. That bullshit about Dirk wasn’t even your biggest miscue; your pièce de résistance was saying you’d refuse to face me if I were less than one hundred percent.
She stares into the camera for a moment before her cheeks puff out and she breaks into laughter. After a moment she catches her breath and wipes a few stray tears from her eyes.
Ashleigh: I’m sorry… I’m fine… That one was just… wow.
She draws another exaggerated breath.
Ashleigh: I’m not sure how to say this Shelley, other than to be blunt. They could’ve dragged my unconscious body out to the ring instead of to that ambulance, rang the bell and told you to have at me, and I’d have still walked away the victor. There is no percentage I can’t beat you at. You’re a fucking embarrassment to this sport and losing to you is something only pathetic fucks like Kenzie Rydell and Gray Malone do. Save the pious routine for auditions because you’re going to need it once I’ve made it abundantly clear that you’re not a professional wrestler. So stop talking about honor and lineage or about how people should conduct themselves in the ring. You have no idea how a real wrestler should conduct themselves, much I like I wouldn’t walk in while you were eating snatch and critique your form. In other words; shut your goddamn mouth when it comes to things you know nothing about.
She places the Unified Title to the side.
Ashleigh: Bottom line, I don’t respect you because all you’ve done is disrespect this sport and this company. If there were a job application one had to fill out to become a wrestler, part-time wouldn’t even be an option. The notion that you can moonlight and be successful is a slap in the face to those toiling away yet getting nowhere. It’s what made it all the sadder when you pinned the shoulders of Gray Malone to the canvas, a veteran of over fifteen years. People like to say that I’m what’s wrong with this sport because I’m brash and I’m bold and I love to talk shit, but it’s not me whose chipping away at the foundation; it’s people like you. Entitled, part-time, pieces of shit who spit all over the legacies of those who came before you. That’s the difference between you and me; I may shake the pillars this sport’s built upon but when I’m done wreaking havoc there’s something even better in its place. You? You’re only in it for yourself, crying, “look at me” at every turn as if you’re the lead in a Broadway play. I told you this before but it bears repeating; you’ll never be anything more than an understudy so long as I’m around. I guess in the end you were right to talk about EWC and Monarchy Wrestling as much as you did; because soon they’ll be all you have left.
Ashleigh scoffs before rising and walking out of the shot. As the camera focuses on the NGW banner, the scene slowly fades to black.