Hello guys! This is my first wrestling-based ff, and I chose to write about a couple that... well, it's not a couple. Lots of talks have been going on around Kenny Omega and Riho, rumors chasing after rumors and so on, since forever. I think these two share something that goes beyond the friendship, the professional admiration, or anything that even look like feelings. So, I wanted to create some kind of a "inner world" for them inside AEW.
Of course, every reference is purely random (except for episodes or matches, in some parts I tried to stick to reality), and just wanted to entertain whoever reads this.
And last thing, let's make a disclaimer: I am not one single person of those described in the story. But if I could, I would like to revive as Cody Rhodes.

Remember, R&R!

AEW Dynamite, January 8th2020

Well, there was a hell of a difference, in defending the title in front of 7.000 people instead of 70, or 700 at best. Boy, even after all these months, not so much what she expected!

The chants were so loud, she could barely hear what her opponent in the ring was saying. Not like Double or Nothing, that was almost deafening, but still a bit of a challenge.

She felt nervous and somehow tired, in a good way though. She was still doing what she loved.

"Hurricanrana from the middle rope! Wait for it, Riho's going for the 619… blocked! Look at Kris Statlander, going now for a Death Valley Driver… Riho counters! The champ's gaining momentum, high speed against the ropes… but again Statlander, with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! What a match tonight, here live on Dynamite!"

She always liked to work with taller and stronger athletes. It was easier, to rely on agility and half-lucha moves with someone able to drive and support her movements. Her tininess was never a thing, especially back in Japan. Most of her colleagues, most of the people she knew, looked basically just like her. In America, performing a head scissor on a 5,7' woman surely makes more of an impact.

"Kris Statlander showing off her power. Slams down the champion hard to the mat! Cover: 1… 2… no, she kicked out. What an effort by Riho, in her title defense tonight, here live on TNT. Back and forth we go, and now Riho with a double foot stomp, right on Statlander's chest. Great reversal by the champion! Still Riho on the offense… running high knee! That must have been Omega's coaching, what do you think Excalibur?"

Job's done. Not a clean victory as she preferred, but it was ok. Nice match, Kristen was a good partner. They both also received some compliments by Brandi, at the end of the contest.
It may have been just a feeling, but the applauses for her title defense haven't seemed so many. She wasn't so happy about it, although she could expect that. Probably the fans were looking for a clean pinfall, not one affected by an outside interference. It was fine, but not the best.

###

Less than a couple of hours have passed since the end of Dynamite, and the Elite was reunited in the meeting room. Nick and Matt were sat at the central table, one next to the other, with the phones in their hands. As usual, they were looking on the Internet for reviews and some "first reactions" on the last aired episode of Dynamite.

- Fans seem to have loved the South Haven location. – was the first line from Matt. – And we hit a jackpot by mentioning all that stuff about Memphis. Nostalgic fans: check. –

Nick tenderly punches his brother on the shoulder. – Mixed reviews on the matches, though. – read the younger of the Bucks. – Some disapprove the winners of the tag team contests, either a way or the other. Anyway, excellent job by Maxwell. -

Kenny was on the other side of the table, pretty quiet and focused. He was writing something on his notebook, maybe notes or remarks on the bouts.

Cody just walked in the room. - Guys, ready in 20 minutes. –

Bash At The Beach was scheduled for the following week, before having AEW leaving for the Jericho Cruise. The choice to rename one of the Dynamite episodes as an "old-fashioned" WCW PPV hadn't been well received from everyone. First, there has been the argument about the registered name, then the period of airing. Well, that was still raising some eyebrows. A beach-oriented stage in January? Kind of out seasoned.

That's why Cody suggested to organize a conference call for some referents of websites or media, for those who might be interested. Kind of a Q&A on streaming.
All the Elite accepted, it was a good thing to settle all these rumors stuff before taking the next steps with Dynamite.

- Sorry I'm late, guys. Got a call from my mother. – Cody explained. - So, what's up? –

- Never mind, we were just looking at some reviews. – Matt replied. – While Kenny is apparently writing a new chapter of his autobiography. What is he, running another Kenny-Okada? –

Kenny grinned, still keeping eyes on the notebook.

- Here we are… - suddenly commented Nick in disappointment. – Kenny and Cody, hear this out. –

- What? – asked the younger of the Rhodes.

- The women's match got the worst reviews. The bout between Riho and Kris is basically defined "forgettable, nothing special, not even comparable to Elite levels". –

- What was wrong with that? - Cody snaps. – I didn't see anything that bad, did you? -

- I don't know. Most of the reporters didn't like the interruption of the Nightmare Collective… while a lot was hoping for a title change. –

- Wow… - thought Kenny in surprise, crossing his arms behind his neck. – Well, I guess there aren't so many fan bases for Riho. Maybe they don't even know who she is. –

- Then help them to know her! – Cody prompted an idea. – Let's have also Riho participating at this conference. I mean, she's the AEW Women's Champion, she might have the right to stand with the Elite. –

Matt nodded. – Could be cool. –

- I'll go call her. – Kenny got off the chair, and rushed out of the room.

###

In the end, only Cody and Kenny, alongside Riho, attended to the conference call. The Young Bucks remained in the back, with Nick's wife, to check that the streaming was fine.

First of all, a lot of compliments were shared to every component of the Elite and AEW. Most of the questions were asked to Cody: in particular, if AEW had to legally debate against WWE for the name "Bash at the Beach". Few guys from websites wanted to know more about the Jericho Cruise, whether it would be live or taped. And the possibility of a secondary title.

To Kenny, it was questioned if he was fine to stay away from the World Heavyweight championship, after his history in Japan, and focus now just on the Tag Team titles.

Then, a cocky dude asked to talk about the women's division. He told that, comparing to the "revolution" vowed from the beginning, the women's division was still two or three steps behind the men's. Partly-drafted storylines, lack of big names, a low level of competition. Several critics were brought to how the division was organized, and Kenny took it quite personally, as he represented at least half of the booking team.

Next, it was Riho's turn. And they didn't go easy on her.

Her abilities were undisputed. However, it was contested that she might not be ready yet to carry on her shoulders an entire division, moreover of a brand new company.

- It seems a general opinion that the AEW women's division had a false start. Considering the difficulties that it's having, I can't help but wonder if something could have been done differently. With all due respect, miss Riho, but your name isn't one the most famous in the USA. No deny for your carrier in Japan, and kudos for start wrestling in so young age. But probably, most of the audience was just expecting an American athlete, as inaugural AEW Women's champion. -

In that kind of world, accepting critics was part of the job. Cody had a plastered smile on his face, Kenny was scowled but silent. Riho had a genuine surprised, almost shocked, expression. Kenny, sat next to her, was hiddenly rubbing her back to keep her calm.

Following question was shot directly at Riho.

- Do you think, Miss Riho, that you were chosen to hold that crown only thanks to your relationship with Kenny Omega? –

If only that disrespectful guy wasn't on the other side of a screen, and God-knows how many miles away from them, Kenny would have hit him with a V-Trigger right on the chin, that's for sure.

Riho had her eyes wide open. – I am sorry. I am afraid I did not understand your question… -

He rambled on. – I mean, there are so many amazing female wrestlers. AEW could have chosen anyone, but we all know that you and Kenny have this special "bond"… -

- Ok, I think that's enough. – Cody cuts short. - Riho has showed a great potential. She is young, but talented like very few others in the world. The selection we made was accurate, and sure, we may not have all the experience of older presidents or companies, but we can recognize what's good and what's not. We can never regret to have Riho as our first AEW Women's champion. –

And by the time Cody finished the talking, Riho had already left the seat, with a bitter and unshed tear in her eye.