Chapter 21 Show Time
Sorry this took longer than normal to get up. I try to update a few times a week but I got really sick and it really kicked my ass. So as always thanks to everyone who views this story, puts it and me and on alerts or fave lists and thanks for any reviews I get.
For Mandy and Riley both the week flew by. The appearances at Starcast, last second media obligations and planning out matches for the week. For many it was there first chance to actually meet Tony Khan and some of the other people working in the office. And now it was Saturday May twenty fifth time for Double or Nothing.
The ring was already set up and most of the entrance stage was ready. The main work left to be done was setting up the floor seats and the guard rails. The ring crew was already hard at work. Cody had arrived early to over see as much of it as he could. Nick and Matt were in the arena going over things for the broadcast. Kenny was left working on last second creative things. Agents like Billy Gunn and Dustin Rhodes were calling up and meeting with the talent going over last second issues for the matches and getting final approval for ideas. Brandi was lining up last second press access and making clearances on pay per view. Even the Young Bucks wives were make sure the merchandise stands were ready.
And of all places Riley could be he was in Shaw Spears' hotel room. They had agreed to call the match itself in the ring. But the start and finish needed to be planned out. "Okay I think we got it," Shawn says. "I agree lets go steal the damn show," Riley says. "So Mandy knows what her role is going to be?" Shawn asks. "Yeah she will be out there and ready," Riley says. "She is going to be okay with everything? Not just her part but the stuff you are doing?" Shawn asks. "The stuff with you and her she is fine with. I mean she get its all a work. With me as long you do the spot safe she will be fine. Its just you know given what happened with me neck she's worried," Riley says. "Hey I wouldn't have agreed to do this is if I wasn't confidant I could protect you man," Shawn says.
Later that day
"You ready to?" Riley coming into the living room area and seeing Mandy on her phone. "Yeah," She says but her tone say something is upsetting her. "What's up?" Riley asks. "I have just been trying to get in touch with Barbi all week and she hasn't returned any of my texts," Mandy says. "That's strange but it's been a busy week," Riley says. "I know but this is a big moment for us. And before this week we agreed to meet up and work out the match," Mandy says. "Maybe she is having problems coming up with ideas. Just track her down today, lock her in a room don't let her leave until you got it set," Riley says. "So the line up is still the same. Same run times?" Mandy asks starting to get nervous.
"As far as I know nothing is changing. Once we start doing regular shows I am sure there will be last second rewrites but not tonight," Riley says. "Okay lets get going," Mandy says grabbing her bag. "Don't put to much pressure on yourself. You are going to do fine," Riley says. "Same goes for you. Do not take unnecessary risks tonight," Mandy says. "Look Shawn assured me he can pull off the finish we have planned," Riley says.
MGM Grand Arena
Riley had gotten a text to meet up with the rest of the Elite up in the stands. The guys were all sitting watching the finishing touches on the set up. "It looks good," Riley says sitting down next to Cody. "Yeah it does," Cody says. "So what are we doing?" Riley asks finally. "Just taking a second man to breath before the world finally changes," Nick says. "Yeah after tonight noting is ever the same. We are freaking promoters," Kenny says. "Well you guys are promoters. Marty, Riley, and I are just wrestlers still," Hangman says. "Until Riley and I stage a coupe and take over," Marty says.
"So what is the back up plane if this fails?" Riley asks. "Ah start running and don't stop until we reach New Zealand. We hide out wit Fale's family," Cody says. "This can't fail man," Nick says. "What do are you guys doing? We have work to do," Christopher Daniels yells walking up to them. "You got work to do," Riley yells. "No come on guys," CD yells. The guys get up and get to work.
Women's Locker Room
"There you are," Mandy says walking in and seeing Barbi. "I am so sorry about not getting back to you. I meant to but I kept getting tied up," Barbi claims. She was lying. She had intentionally ignored any calls or texts from Mandy. "I understand. But we got time now to lay out the match," Mandy says. "Okay yeah but don't we need an agent?" Barbi asks. "We can at least set up an outline. Let's be honest its not like we are going to be allowed to use chairs or do a table spot," Mandy says. "Alright so this is supposed to be an open challenge. Maybe I should come out of the crowd," Barbi says. "That would make it clear I'm the face and your the heel," Mandy says. "Early on I stomp you in the corner," Barbi says. "Right and you turn to mock the fans I get up hit my jump knee," Mandy says. Barbi smiles but thinks to her self. "I can't stand you."
Showtime
Excalibur was at the announce desk. "Welcome the you tube exclusive portion of Double or Nothing. And I am very excited to be welcome by the Chief Brandi Officer, Brandi Rhodes." Brandi comes into the shot and puts on the head set. "Hello," Brandi says with a smile. "Brandi are you ready to make history? Its the first official match of AEW," Excalibur says. "So much hard work about to pay off. And its the ladies kicking things off," Brandi says as Mandy's music starts to play. "I have known this young woman a very long time and she has come such a long way," Brandi says as Mandy makes her entrance. "Mandy is a spectacular athlete former body building champion been in the ring with some of the very best in this business," Excalibur says as Mandy walks to the ring.
"And she is so excited for this opportunity," Brandi says. "She issued this open challenge a few weeks ago and the rumors have run rampant about who make accept it. Mandy climbs into the ring and takes off the vest she wears over her gear. "Wait a second," Excalibur yells as Barbi comes out of the stands and attacks Mandy. "That is Barbi Hayden," Excalibur exclaims. "I've been in talks with Barbi Hayden for weeks. I had no idea she wold show up tonight," Brandi claims. Barbi turns to taunt the fans Mandy gets back up and hits her jump knee. The referee finally calls for the bell. Barbi is stunned Mandy snap mares her over and hits an elbow to the back and than locks in a chin lock.
Barbi fights up to her knees and elbows her way free. The two lock up and Barbi using Mandy's hair pulls Mandy down and hits an elbow drop. "Barbi Hayden a former NWA women's champion. Held that title for over a year," Excalibur says a Barbi hits a snap suplex on Mandy. Barbi covers and grounds her forearm into Mandy's face. Count of one Mandy kicks out. Barbi picks Mandy up and places her into the corner and hits Mandy right in the face. The shot is stiff and catches Mandy hard. "Easy," Mandy says to Barbi. "Sorry," Barbi claims before she whips Mandy across the ring hard. Corner splash by Barbi and than a neck breaker. She covers count of one count of two, Mandy kicks out.
Barbi pulls Mandy up and goes to whip her into the ropes. Mandy on the rebound ducks the clothes line and comes back with a Thez press and slams Barbi's head into the mat. Powerslam by Mandy than the magic lace. Mandy goes for a inverted "This has been a very even match up," Brandi says. "Right now both women are in the sweat spot. Still at there physical peaks but both have gained a great deal of experience in the ring," Excalibur praises. Barbi sets up for an elevated DDT and hits it. "Hi Riley," Barbi says to the camera and than blowing a kiss. "Well for those that don't know Barbi Hayden use to date Mandy Rose's husband Riley Morgan," Excalibur says. Barbi picks up Mandy's leg and goes for a figure four but Mandy kicks her off.
Barbi hits the ropes and bounces back Mandy hits a German suplex count of one count of two, Barbi kicks out. Mandy hits the Bed of Roses and covers, count of one count of two, count of three. "Put it down in history books Mandy Rose wins the first match in AEW history," Brandi says.
Backstage
Nick Jackson has his phone out filming for Being The Elite. Her turns the camera out to film himself. "Riley is waiting for Mandy to come back," He explains before turning the camera back around. Mandy comes through the curtain a satisfied smile on her face. "How is your eye?" He asks. It's swelling up after the stiff shot she got in the match. "I could use some ice," She says. "Let's get you to the trainer," Riley says. "Riley don't get mad at Barbi it was an accident," Mandy says. "I know. I just worry," Riley says. "Do I have to remind you of the numerous times your chest changed colors after matches with guys like White or Goto or Ishii," Mandy says. "Let's just get you some ice," Riley says.
Later That Night The Elite's Dressing Room
Riley was going through his warm up. Nick, Matt, Cody, and Kenny were off producing the show. Marty and Hangman had known Riley long enough they got it was a good idea to leave him alone late so he could focus. Mandy also knew this so she was off watching the show on a monitor. Riley was on the ground doing push ups. A knock on the door got his attention. "Come in," he calls. "Bad time?" Barbi says coming in. "Yeah I am just getting ready," Riley says standing up. "I just wanted to apologize for stiffing Mandy. "She's some where watching the show I think over by Gorilla," Riley says.
"I also wanted to apologize to you. I am the vet I should know better," Barbi says. Riley nods. "Look Barbi I appericate it. But I'm trying to get ready for this match," Riley says. "I understand just one more thing," Barbi says. "Sure what?" Next thing he knows she pushes him against the wall and kisses him. "WHAT THE HELL?" Mandy yells coming into the room. Riley pushes Barbi away. "Mandy..." "Oh I don't want to believe this," Mandy says storming off. Riley goes to follow her.
Riley reaches the hall. "Hey perfect timing you are up man," Billy Gunn says coming up to Riley. "What?" Riley asks. "Your match is up man. Come on opening package is playing," Billy says. Riley looks a head and can't see Mandy. "I just need five minutes," Riley says. "Hell of a time for a rib. You don't have five minutes. Unless you want another near miss on the pay per view window," Billy says. "God damn it," Riley thinks. "Here is your jacket," Barbi says coming out of the locker room with his ring jacket. If looks could kill she would be dead right now. But with no other option he grabs his jacket and heads for the gorilla position.
A million thoughts are running through his mind. The big two are would Mandy ever give him a chance to explain. "Where is she now? She's supposed to be play a role in the finish," He thought. Shawn Spears is already there. "Its go time brother," Shawn says excitedly. "Yeah it is," Riley says. "You okay?" Spears asked. "No dude things just went to shit," Riley says.
Elsewhere
Mandy needed to be alone she wound up finding the empty loading dock. She sees a trash can and is so angry she kicks it. "BASTARD! HOW COULD HE DO THIS!" She yells. "Mandy are you okay?" Kenny Omega asks. "Just leave me alone Kenny," She yells. "Well no! Look Mandy I can tell you are upset. So come on what is going on?" Kenny asks. She just storms off.
Arena
The opening pyro finished and Justin Roberts stood in the ring. The time keeper ring the bell to draw the fans attention. "The following contest is set for one fall..." "One fall," The fans yell. "And is you opening contest for Double or Nothing," Justin says as Shawn Spears music starts to play. In the back Cody yells "Go Shawn," telling his one time tag partner to make his entrance. Shawn goes through the curtain and acts like he's about to make his perfect ten motion but stops himself. "Introducing first from Nigeria Falls New York he weighs in a two hundred and twenty three pounds. He is SHAWN SPEARS!" Speaks claims into the ring and stands on a one of the turn buckles. Riley's music starts to play.
Backstage Nick Jackson is looking at Riley and turns to his brother. "I don't like that look on Riley's face," Nick says. "Nothing we can do about it now," Matt says. Riley's music starts to play. "Go Riley," Cody says. Riley tries to put on his game face and steps through the curtain. "His opponent weighs in tonight at two hundred thirty five pounds. He is from Omaha Nebraska. The Dog of War Riley Morgan," Justin announces. Riley slaps hands with fans and rolls into the ring. He gets right into Spears face. But Shawn can still something is off. "Come on man time to focus. What ever is going on hast to wait," Shaw says but making it seem like he's bad mouthing Riley. Rick Knox who will referee this match gets between the two men. "Hey Riley, Cody wants to know if you okay?" Knox asks. For televised matches it was common for referees to have an ear piece of producers could update them on time and pass things onto the talent. "I'm fine," Riley claims.
Backstage
Mandy had finally broken down and told Kenny about walking in on Riley kissing Barbi. He listened patiently. "Mandy I'm sorry. But are you sure you saw what you saw? I mean it's Riley," Kenny says. "He kissed another woman Kenny," She says tears falling from her eyes.