Chapter 21 Wrestle Kingdom
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The cast of Being the Elite walked into the Tokyo Dome. "Every year it feels like this place gets bigger," Riley says looking out at the Dome. The ring was set up so were the chairs. The crew was not working on the entrance set and broadcast areas. "Saying attendance is up vs. last year," Kenny says. Okada's last title reign had been extremely lucrative. Under Kenny business remained strong but the Dome was a big indicator if what the company was doing was working. "All this open space now and in a few hours not enough room to breath," Robert Meji said walking up the group. Meji has been named the new President of the company in June just before Kenny's title win.
"Robert how are you?" Cody asks. "I'm good gentlemen. Of course is this show fails, shit rolls down hill and you are standing below me," He jokes. "I want to check out the ring make sure its got the right tension in the ropes," Nick says. "Of course by Riley I need to see your for a second," President Meji says. "No problem," Riley says. "The rest of you go head this shouldn't take to long," The Boss tells them as he signals for Riley to take a seat. "Its a big day isn't for you isn't it son?" He asks. "Well its a big day for us all but yeah. A singles match at the Dome has been my dream for years," Riley says. "I'm aware. Gedo and I weren't sure if we should go with you or not. Its not personal its just this is the best roster in the world," Meji tells him. "I won't let you down sir," Riley says. "You owe Kenny a lot," President Meji says looking at Kenny who in the ring running the ropes for test.
"Trust me I know. He's done a lot for me from workouts to teaming with me in big matches to..." "I'm sure he has. But it was Kenny who pushed to main event the show in Orlando. It was that match that won me over," The President admits. "I didn't know that. I always thought it was because Jay was US champion," Riley says. "Jay was pretty much in that spot already. Kenny was the one that convinced us to make you his challenger. He said "Make Riley a main eventer and watch everyone talk about what a genius you are for finally giving him the big break. Its amazing both Gedo and I have gotten praise from Bushiroad about creating another breakout star on our roster," Meji says. "Again thank you for the chance," Riley says. Once he wraps up with Meji he heads over to the guys. "Let me guess they know about nearly missing the press conferacne and are firing you," Kenny jokes.
"Kenny Omega I should kiss you," Riley says. "Your are not my type," Kenny jokes. "Meji just told you pushed for me to get the feud with White," Riley says. "I only pushed because you deserve this chance man," Kenny says. "Still thanks buddy," Riley says. "Hey us goofs have to stick together and rile up Jim Cornette," Kenny says.
Back in the USA
Mandy had been told once that no matter who you work for if you are in wrestling you watch WrestleMania. Apparently that was also true of Wrestle Kingdom. Gallows, Anderson, AJ Adam and several other New Japan alums had splurged to set a suit and hold a watch party. Even though it was late or early they had just worked a show and had another one that night a decent sized gathering was taking place. "It looks packed," AJ says. "Could they really top the numbers they did with Jericho on the show last year?" One of the Usos asked. "Hell yes man. Even if they rumors aren't true people love Tanhashi," Anderson says. The main event was Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi. Tanahashi aka The Ace of The Universe was arguable the greatest talent and draw New Japan ever had. He was viewed as the savior of the company as his rise to main event lifted the company a era where ratings and attendance were down.
Riley had once explained to Mandy just how much respect he had for Tanahashi and even saying wrestling him in a singles match was one of the greatest moments in his life. But years of his flying high impact style had clearly taken its toll. The rumors were the reason he was getting the shot at Kenny was this to kick off an retirement tour. "Mandy will you calm down you will be a wreck by the time the second match starts," Sonya says. "I'm just nervous for Riley... Plus he wouldn't tell me who was going over," Mandy says. On the screen a match for the IWGP Jr. Tag Titles played. "How the hell does O'Spreay think of this stuff?" Adam Cole asked.
Japan
In story line Bullet Club had finally started to unify outside of Cody. As a result Adam Page was teaming up with The Guerrillas of Destiny to challenge for the NEVER Six Man Belts. To show unity Page was to paint his face which some how fell to being Riley's job to help him out. "Just close your eyes," Riley says. "Don't be a dick and draw a dick on my face alright," Hangman says. "Please I'm saving that for the after party," Riley says running the brush over Page's face. "Just make it look good. My new girlfriend is watching this one," Page says. "Wait I thought you were with that teacher?" Riley asks. "Oh we broke up... long story," Page says. "Did you not get mad at me a few months ago for not giving enough information on my personal life?" Riley reminds him.
"Yeah and I got a lecture from both Nick and Matt about it… You know it's dawning on me not that long ago I was teaching high school," Page says. "Wasn't that long I was in high school arguing with my dad about going to college," Riley says. "Christmas that rough this year?" Page asks. "I think he gets I'm not retiring any time soon so he's done wasting his breath. Plus its kind of hard to argue about wrestling being a dead end when there is a big display of Bullet Club gear in the window of Hot Topic at mall where did all his shopping," Riley says laughing.
USA
"Cody is all kinds of trouble," Kevin Kelly says. "Couldn't happen to a nicer guy," Don Callis says sarcastically. "This is just to brutal," Namoi says. "Ah it's not that hard. Guys like Suzki know what they are going just make it look and sound like hell," AJ says. "Which match is this?" Mandy asks. "Three more until Riley," Gallows says knowing what she is really asking. "That obvious?" Mandy says. "Would you even be watching this show if he wasn't on it?" Gallows says. "And Cody counters the Gotch Style Piledriver," Kelly yells.
Tokyo Dome
Riley was pacing in this coat, hat, and scarf for his entrance. The hype video for this match with White was playing. He looked up watching it. When it was over the light went down and the video for his entrance started. New Japan had gone along with his Shadow idea. The pre video showed the streets of Tokyo with a shadow falling over it before cutting into the dome with a lightning strike and the sound of thunder. "Who knows the darkness in that lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow Knows!" Riley's record voice said before a dark and taunting laugh started. At that Riley moved up to his mark. There was a small slit in the screen that would look like Riley was coming off it.
USA
"How did he do that?" Jimmy Uso asked. Mandy smiled she Riley has put a lot of thought into this entrance. "You know Don I was there during the G-1 on the night Riley Morgan broke his ankle. But often forgotten about that night he pinned Tetsuya Naito. Since than and during his come back it's been a very different Riley Morgan," Kevin Kelly says. "Well when you beat Naito you beat one the very best in the world. But the other simple fact he hates Jay White! And beating that man has driven him for months," Don says as Riley enters the ring. Riley removes has hat and scarf before taking off his jacket. "Wow I've never seen Riley in that kind of shape," AJ says. Mandy smiled. She had been given to some types on diet and workouts. It paid off big time as he looked lean and cut. "I had a chance to talk with Riley says he's in the best shape of his life," Kevin says. "Yeah credits his girlfriend. She's really helped him," Don adds drawing a cheer in the room.
The lights go down for Jay Whites entrance. White enters with the IWGP US title and wielding a knife. "Wait a second," Kevin yells as Riley leaps from below the ramp to attack Jay. "Kevin they lowered the lights for Jay White's entrance between that and that distance Jay no idea Riley had left the ring and positioned himself down. He came out dressed like the Shadow he uses the Shadows," Don says as Riley hammers on Jay White. Riley pulls White up for a neck breaker and than sends him to the ring and tosses him over the ropes. Riley gets in and White lands a weak punch to his stomach. Riley fires back with a headbutt. "Jay White can't even get his jacket off," Kevin says. "ODE TO CHONO!" Don yells. Riley covers, count of one, count of two, White kicks out and rolls to the floor.
Riley climbs the ropes and waits for Jay to stand up before coming off with a cross body but White moves and Riley hits the floor hard. "OH!" Several of the stars watching say at once. White is up and starts to stomp on Riley. White picks Riley up and drops on onto the guard rail. White gets a chair. "Red Shoes Uno won't him do it," Kevin says as the referee gets between Riley and White. "No. Get in ring!" Red Shoes yells. White for now does as told after tossing away the chair. "Jay White can retain on the count out. And Riley Morgan is barley moving," Don says. Red Shoes starts the twenty count getting to seventeen before Riley gets back in. White lets Riley get to a corner and stand before hitting a running upper cut. White pulls Riley up for a death valley driver but Riley escapes into a neck breaker. Both men are down.
"Man they started this hot," Daniel Bryan says. "Hard pace to keep up," Sonya notes. Mandy says nothing just wathcing. Both Riley and White are back up and lock up. White drives Riley into a corner and chops. More chops from White. Riley fires back with chops of his own. White sets Riley up for a snap suplex and hits it. Jay covers using his forearm to grind into Riley's face. Riley kicks at two. White gets back up and puts Riley in a Boston Crab right in the center of the ring. "Tap Morgan," White screams. Rile pushes up and gets to the ropes breaking the hold. White lets the hold go but than hits a snap saito suplex and covers. Count of one count of two, Riley kicks out. White wastes no time and goes for the Kiwi Krusher. Sets for the Blade Runner but Riley blocks it and counters into a hip toss. Riley with a big lariat knocks White back down.
Riley gets White in a abdominal stretch and elbows at his ribs. Eventually Riley turns the move into a back breaker. "Don do you like this strategy with Riley trying to slow it down?" Kevin he asks. "He has. Lets be honest Kevin he took a lot of damage. He needs time to recover," Don says. Big round house kick than a spinning back Kick by Riley. White is staggered for a second but fires up and calls for Riley to come on. Hard forearm by Riley. White with one of his own. Exchange of forearms. Riley catches Jay's arms and steps behind to toss White to the ground hard. Jumping front kick by Riley after the champion is back up. Cover by Morgan, count of one, count of two and White kicks out. "Going for it again! ODE TO CHONO!" Don Callis yells.
"He's in position for the Final Wave... Countered into The Yuri Naga by Jay White!" Kevin Kelly calls. White climbs the ropes and comes off looking for a dropkick. Riley moves back and catches the legs and gets a scorpion death locked in. White crawls to the ropes but just before he can get it Riley pulls him back as the crowd explodes. "Jay, give up?" Red Shoes asks. White shakes no and gets into a push up position before powering free. Riley sets up for another Ode to Chono kick. White catches the leg and hits a dragon screw leg whip. White looks for the Boston Crab again but Riley counters into a rollup and gets two. Both men are back up. White ducks a Lariat and hits his springboard back elbow. Riley rolls to the floor.
"White looking to follow up knows he's got a hurt man... The Blade Runner on the floor? No blocked by Riley. But Jay White just tossed him hard into the edge of the ring," Kevin calls. White follows up with a snap suplex on the ring steps. "Kevin we see Jay White do that move into the corner all the time this time a much harder hit for Riley Morgan," Don says. "Caught his leg right on the steps. White gets a table and sets it up before setting Riley up for a Butterfly suplex. Riley counters and back body drops White through the table.
Riley fights to stand back up the damage he had taken showing. Riley tosses White over the guard rail. "Look at the crazed eyes of Riley Morgan," Kevin says as Riley gets back into the ring. Riley runs the ropes and springs to the top and comes off clearing the guard rail and taking out White. "HOLY SHIT! I have never seen him do that before," Adam Cole says. Mandy watches the replay and her heart stops. The slow mo shows just how White only barely caught Riley at the last second. He was just inches from a horrific lading. They tease another count out but both men get back in the ring at the last second. "Red Shoes checking on both men. He will stop this match if he feels either man can't continue," Kevin Kelly says. "Yeah but Kevin remember if its a draw because both men are hurt White retains," Don adds.
White gets up using the ropes. Riley gets up and charges right into a reverse STO followed up by a dead lift German by Jay. "I think that was pure instinct," Don says as Jay White falls over after the moves. Eventually he gets a hand on Riley, One two, Riley just barely rolls his shoulder. White gets up and signals for the Blade Runner. Riley blocks and slips behind and hits a Cobra bite with a bridge for. Count of one count of two last second White rolls his shoulder. "Jay White is even checking with the referee he's know how close that was," Kevin says. "Great move from Riley a new twist one of his go to moves," Don declares.
Both men are back up exchanging strikes. Riley shakes of Jay's and hits a flurry ending with a spinning heel kick that drops that stuns the champion. "Ode to Chono!" Kevin yells as Riley kicks White off his feet. Riley does a moonsault from the top. "Do we call that Ode to Muta?" Don asks. Riley pulls a White head band out of boot and ties around his fore head. He gets White in a front face lock "HASHIMOTO!" Riley yells before hitting a brain buster. Several of the guys that know the history of New Japan stand up clapping for the moment. Riley is slow on the cover as if he's now spent what ever he has left. "Riley Morgan called to the ghosts of the Past. The three musketeers three of New Japan's greatest!" Kevin Kelly screams.
Finally Riley rolls White over and cover, count of one count of two. count of... at the last second White moves his foot under the ropes. Riley can't believe it and slaps the mat in frustration. White staggered to his feet. Riley goes for the final wave but White catches him and hits a modified Blade Runner but Riley lands across the mat. White crawls overs but Riley has rolled over to his side. White locks in a sleeper and gets a sleeper suplex. White goes for a cross face but Riley fights him off but still eats a big knife edge chop the sends him down.
"Damn Mandy tell us who is going over already," Jimmy Uso yells. "I don't know," Mandy says. She know this match is taking a toll on Riley. Huge brusies on forming on his chest. He's been limping since the suplex into the steps she's convinced it's not just him selling. His head and neck have taken several hard blows. Jay White didn't look much better blood had been trailing from his mouth and his kept moving his shoulder in a strange way. He also looked beyond gassed. "What is Jay White doing" Kevin asks as White places Riley on the top rope. Mandy got worried as Jay climbed up with Riley. Both Jay and Riley were about six foot one and over two hundred pounds. It was two big men to be trying to balance on the small area of the ropes. White set up for a Super Blade Runner. At they twisted in the air through Riley grabbed onto Jay's head. "FINAL WAVE From the top!" Kevin yelled. They both hit hard. Riley covered. "ONE TWO THREE HE GOT HIM!" Kevin screamed.
"YES YES YES!" Mandy yelled. "New IWGP United States Champion Riley Morgan!" Several people were clapping in the room. "About god damn time!" Gallows yelled. Mandy watched the trainers of the New Japan Dojo hit the ring and check on both me. "What a match Kevin." Don says in application. Mandy smiles as Riley stands and is presented his new belt. The Young Bucks and Kenny come. "Kenny has a main event later tonight. But he can't help himself he wants to be part of this moment with Riley," Don says. The four men embrace. Riley hold the belt above his head drawing a cheer. The Bucks hold the ropes while Riley leans on Kenny. The camera is still on him. "Mandy I love you!" He says. She smiles. "I love you two but don't scare me that taking those kind of bumps," She yells.