A hired car pulled up in the backstage area, and the driver got out, walking around to open the back door. Ava Johnson stepped out, and adjusted her sunglasses. She began to walk into the main entrance of the arena when she looked up, seeing Renee Young start toward her.
Renee Young: Ava! Ava, can I have a few minutes of your time to talk about the first round of the Queen of the Ring tournament, and what Britt Baker had to say about you?
Ava Johnson: Ava? Don’t you mean Simone?
She smirked.
Ava Johnson: It’s what my father would call me right?
She glanced from Renee to the camera’s lens.
Ava Johnson: I’m not allowed to have my own identity. Call myself what I’d like to be called? Why would I? I’m not a failed dentist, turned barely passable wrestler from wherever the hell Britt Baker is from. I may be, what’d you call me? Green? But what I’m not, sweetheart, is rusty. Where you been girl? Haven’t seen you on TV. Haven’t seen you around BCW either. Which must mean you’ve been sitting at home, plotting your sad revenge on every female wrestler who ever came out of Japan, and watching wrestling pass you by on TV.
She looked back down at Renee.
Ava Johnson: You see, Renee, Britt wants me to apologize for my famous name, for my proud Samoan heritage. Ava wants me to apologize for being born on third base. She wants me to feel bad that I was born into a wrestling dynasty and took my opportunities as soon as I could. I’m not sorry for any of it. Actually, I take that back, I’m sorry your parents didn’t love you the way mine love me. If they did, they wouldn’t have made you stick your hands in people’s disgusting germy mouths for a living rather than following your dreams.
She was brimming with intensity.
Ava Johnson: And you’re right. You did beat me in my debut match, but what you fail to recognize is that I agonized over that loss. I watched that tape over and over, determined to get better. I learned from my mistakes. I’ve only improved. You seem to be hanging your hat on all the work you have done, but Britt, tell me… what have you done for me lately? I can’t blame you. The women’s division in EBWF right now is a drag. You have to speak like, four languages just to fit in, and Queen Delulu is our champion.
Renee Young: Delulu?
Ava looked disgusted.
Ava Johnson: Yes, Boomer!
Renee looked offended.
Ava Johnson: Delulu… delusional. Becky Lynch. She’s mid.
Renee Young: And is Britt Baker… mid?
Ava Johnson: Obviously. She wants to be a principal standing up in front of the whole school telling me that my passion takes skill and dedication, as if I don’t already know that. As if it isn’t my family’s entire deal. As if I didn’t grow up in this business when she just stumbled in because she needed a weekend hobby between dental cleanings and insurance billing. Britt, let me make myself perfectly clear, I’ll never apologize for being a nepo baby. It’s brought me this far. And yes, my proud family dynasty might have opened this door, but I’m the one kicking it in, which is exactly what I’m going to do to your head tonight. Ava Johnson will be the first proud Samoan Queen of the Ring, and I will go on to defeat Becky Lynch for the EBWF Women’s Championship. This whole industry isn’t ready for me.
She gave Renee another glare and shoved past her as the segment faded to black.
