Love in a Changing World
Returning from injury Riley Morgan finds a very different AEW. Meanwhile Mandy Rose pushes to take her career to the next level.
Chapter 1 Looking For Hangman
Well here we are back with a new Riley and Mandy story. I've really enjoyed these stories but I also don't to overdo them. Hell I even went back to my old OC Jake Reed. But some recent events on AEW fired up that creative spark. Everyone who is reading this thank you. Extra thanks to anyone that puts this on an alert or submits a review.
The title of the Being The Elite episode was Looking for Hangman. Often the title gave some hint as to what was going to happen in the episode. For viewers it was confusing as Hangman Page did a bit with the Dark Order and no seemed to be looking for him. Finally the episode appeared to be over with the animated Young Bucks appears only for the rewind sound effect to hit. Long time viewers knew this usually a big moment.
A figure was seen walking into Daily's Place. The camera only showed the person's back. He was in a black leather jacket and blue jeans. His brown was starting to get long. As he entered he ran into Vickie Guerrero and Nyla Rose. "Excuse me!" A clearly annoyed and angry Vickie yells at the figure. "Sorry. Have either of you seen Hangman?" The person asks his voice clearly male. Vickie and Nyla ignore him and keep walking. The man continues his path the camera still following only showing him from behind. He comes across Dasha Gonzalez talking to Santana and Ortiz. At fist Ortiz is the only to notice the guy his big reaction causes Santana and Dasha to turn around. The man ignores them.
There a door with the sign reading Young Bucks he pauses and is about to knock but stops and he keeps walking. He reach a point where he has to turn left or right. Off to the left the Good Brothers are talking being loud making jokes. The guy heads right. Down the hall some more Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford are talking. "Either of you seen Hangman?" He asks the married couple. Kip takes off his sunglasses before speaking. "So your back?" He asks. "No I'm a hologram," the guy says. "Really?" Kip asks causing Penelope to roll her eyes at how he didn't get sarcasm. "Hangman has been hanging out with those Dark Order dorks," Penelope says. The figure walks off after thanking her. "I got to call Miro and tell him we just saw the best hologram ever," Kip says. "Kip," She says. "Your right I should call Sammy first."
The Dark Order minus ten are holding a meeting in the hideout. "I am just saying his habit is getting out of control," Five says. "Shut up Five! Don't you dare try to accuse Ten of anything," John Silver snaps. "He might have a point guys," Colt Cabana says. "What?" Silver yells. "John they are right. Ten plays way to much Nintendo switch," Alex Reynolds says. "You can never play to much Nintendo," Evil Uno claims. "You guys seen Hangman," the guys asks off screen. "He's not here but we can take a message," Silver says. "Just tell him Riley Morgan is looking for him," the guy says before the shot pans over to show Riley with longer hair and a beard. Riley leaves and shot returns to the Dark Order. Silver pulls out a piece of paper and asks "Anyone have a pen?… RILEY MORGAN?" Silver yells.
The next week the Dark Order entered the bar area of Daily's Place where Hangman was having drink. "Okay who is going to tell him?" Evil Uno asks in a whisper. "I'll take care of this," Anna Jay says. She acts like she is to walk over to Hangman but than shoves Stu Grayson into the bar right next to Hangman. "Oh hey Adam," Stu says awkwardly. "Hi guys. Something going on?" Hangman asks before taking another drink. "Well Hangman we had a visitor last week and well its someone you know," Stu says. "I know a lot of people," Hangman says. "Well uh this was someone you haven't seen in a while. Actually no one in AEW has seen in a while," Stu says. Before Stu can finish Hangman's phone goes off. He holds up a finger asking for a minute as he pulls out his phone. Hangman looks at he's just gotten sent and than puts the phone down and storms off.
"What did you do Stu?" Colt Cabana asks. "It wasn't me it was this on the phone… holy hell," Stu says as he looks at the phone screen. Colt takes the phone and his eyes get real big. "Guys look at this," Colt says before showing the screen to the others. The shot changes to show the viewers what is on the phone. Its a graphic showing a photo of Riley and text that reads "The Dog of War returns this Wednesday on Dynamite."
That Wednesday AEW Dynamite
The show was just back from a commercial beak as Riley's music played. "JR, Tony it's been months since we have seen The Dog of War Riley Morgan here on AEW Dynamite. He had challenged than champion Jon Moxley for the AEW world title. Well sadly in those matches Riley Morgan suffered a shoulder injury and he's been off rehabbing that," Excalibur says as Riley walks through the tunnel onto the stage. "And I'm very interested to hear what he's got to say. Because just think of how different things were the last time we saw him," Tony says. Riley has climbed into the ring and paces around the ring. "Riley Riley Riley!" The wrestlers around ringside chant as he's handed a microphone.
Just as Riley is about speak "I heat the battle cry," is heard over the speakers. Kenny Omega makes his way out followed by Don Callis. "What are they doing here?" Tony asks making his disgust clear. "Riley Morgan my old buddy. How long have we been friends?" Kenny asks. "We are already doing this?" Riley says. "Just answer the question how long have been friend?" Kenny asks sounding unhinged. "Fifteen years," Riley says. "Fifteen years! A decade and a half how long have you known your wife? I know it's no where close to to fifteen years," Kenny rants. "He's lost it," Jim Ross claims on commentary. "But I got to know man what side are you on?" Kenny asks backing Riley up into a corner. "Kenny what is wrong with you?" Riley finally asks.
"I guess you haven't been watching the show? See I came here not that long ago and pointed out to the Bucks that I chose them. Yet they turned there back on me," Kenny claims. "Come on Kenny they didn't turn there back on you," Riley says. "Oh they did But you wouldn't do that to me. See Riley do you remember how for years and years and years you wanted one thing in this business? You wanted that match in the Tokyo Dome. Well it was me that got it for you," Kenny reminds Riley. "You owe him," Don Callis yells. "Riley looks like he wants to punch that snake right in the mouth," Excalibur says. "I hope he does," Jim Ross adds. Riley takes a second before speaking again.
"Kenny you have done more to help me in my career than just about anyone. And I can't stress how grateful I am. But I don't see that guy right here." The words linger in the air as Riley turns toward Callis. "Now hold on Morgan. Because Don has helped me my whole career. And if you can't accept him well..." Kenny stops as the Good Brothers run and attack Riley. "Magic Killer," Ross yells as they former Impact Tag champs hit the move. Kenny has the AEW title ready as Gallows and Anderson pull Riley up. Kenny hits Riley with the belt. "You got to be kidding me? Bad enough he did this with Moxley and Kingston. But this what he does a to a friend?" Jim Ross rants.
The Young Bucks come running out to make the save. "What the hell was that Kenny?" Matt yells while Nick checks on Riley. Mandy also has made her down to the ring. Riley gets back up to his feet and is helped to the back by the Bucks. Riley quickly sneaks a peak down one of the tunnels. This would shown more fully on Being the Elite but Hangman Page was standing in the tunnel. Once they were in the back and clear of the camera Riley started talk normally. "Great work Riley," Tony Khan says at the production table. "Thanks boss great to be back," Riley says with a smile. "The crowd was into Riley," Matt Jackson says. "I can't wait until we do the stuff with Hangman," Nick adds. The Bucks have a tag match coming up and head off to finish getting ready.
"How is the shoulder?" Mandy asks once they are alone. "Its fine. Gallows and Anderson could do that move to an egg and not break it... Ah I wish I was wrestling tonight," Riley says. Mandy laughed. He had been out of the ring for months. "You will be wrestling at the next taping," She reminds him. "Can't come soon enough," he says looking at the monitor that has a shot of the ring. "I know the feeling I haven't been able to wrestle as much as I want lately," Mandy says. "Yeah but that changes for you in a few minutes. Speaking of which you should start getting ready," Riley reminds her. "You are right," Mandy says before heading back to the women's locker room.
Later That Night
Tay Conti was already in the ring as Mandy made her entrance. "This is a big match for Mandy Rose she is currently not ranked but Tay Conti is the number one ranked contender," Excalibur says. "But I wonder if Mandy's mind will be on this match given what we saw earlier with her husband getting laid out," Tony Schivone says. Mandy enters the ring and referee calls for the bell. Mandy goes for a lock up but Tay use this as a chance for a quick throw. "And right away that Judo background of Tay Conti's comes into play,' Excalibur says as Tay goes for an arm bar. Mandy gets to the ropes. "One thing that really impresses me about Tay Conti is how much she has improved since coming to AEW," Jim Ross says. Tay breaks the hold and lets Mandy get back to her feet. Conti looks for another lock up but Mandy avoids it and hits a forearm. Headlock by Mandy but this lets Conti hit a backdrop suplex.
Mandy rolls to the floor takes a second and than gets back into the ring. Another lock up this time Mandy gets a go behind and hits a mat return than goes for a front face lock. Tay fights up to her feet and goes for an arm ringer. Conti lands an elbow strike. Mandy with an elbow of her own. High roundhouse kick by Tay Conti lands hitting Mandy right in the arm. Conti goes for another one but this time Mandy catches it and hits a dragon screw leg whip. Mandy goes for a quick cover count of one count of two Tay counters into a triangle choke but Mandy gets the bottom rope and the hold is broken.
Both get up and Conti goes for an Irish whip but Mandy reveres and hits a clothesline. Conti is knocked down but gets back up only for Mandy to hit a bicycle jump knee. "Mandy Rose could be looking for the bed of roses," Excalibur says as Mandy sets up for the move. Mandy goes for it but Tay lands on her feet and hits a spin kick stunning Mandy. Series of Judo tosses by Conti than a running knee by Tay Conti. "This whole match it seems Tay Conti has just been a step ahead of Mandy Rose," Jim Ross observes on commentary. "Tay Conti has picked up a number of wins lately with this move," Tony says as Tay sets up for the Tay KO. At the last second Mandy gets an inside cradle count of one count of two Tay kicks out.
Magic lace by Mandy and Tay rolls to the floor. Baseball slide by Mandy sends Tay into the guard rail on the floor. "JR you might have spoken to soon," Excalibur says as Mandy tosses Tay back into the ring. Power slam by Mandy and than another cover count of one count of two, Conti kicks out. Mandy sets up for Bed of Roses and hits the move. Cover count of one count of two count of three. "A total one eighty in that match. It looked like Tay Conti had the victory in hand but Mandy Rose rallied back," Tony says as Mandy's hand is raised. Post match The Bunny and Nyla Rose come out and attack Tay. Mandy hits her knee on The Bunny but than gets laid out by a Nyla clothesline. Nyla sets up for the beat bomb but Hikaru Shida runs out and hits Nyla with the kendo stick.
Nyla turns around as Shida swings the stick again. This time the Native Beast catches the stick and grabs it away from the champion. Mandy is back up and jumps on Nyla's back and gets a choke locked in. Nyla eventually is able to get Mandy off her but Conti is back up and hits a spinning hook kick. Nyla is stunned. Mandy hits her jump knee knocking Rose down than Shida does her running knee. Vickie pulls Rose to the floor to stop the beating she is now taking.
Being the Elite The Following Monday
Once again the episode was nearing it's end. A shot shows Hangman Page walking out of Daily's place. The shot changes to show Riley in the parking lot walking out with Mandy. Soon enough the two men wind up across the way from each other. Riley hands the car keys to Mandy as she keeps going to the car. Riley walks towards to Hangman. The Hangman takes a deep breath and walks towards Riley. Finally the two are about one parking spot apart and stop. Finally The Young Bucks walk up from a side that puts them between Riley and Hangman. The four men exchange looks before the screen goes black.
The Next Day
Most weeks Mandy and Riley drove back to there home in Orlando after Dynamite. But this week AEW was doing dong scans for both the upcoming video game and the next series of action figures. As a result they had made the call to stay in Jacksonville. Kenny had recently moved to the area part time and in a nice positive had offered to let the Morgans stay with him for a few days. Mandy usually was an earlier riser. Heading into the kitchen she find Kenny just returning from a very early jog. "Morning Mandy," Kenny says. "Kenny you got a second to talk?" Mandy asks. "Well I need to shower but sure. Kenny says before grabbing a water bottle.
Kenny had a lot to do with the booking of the Women's Division. While Tony Khan had final say Kenny had a lot of influence. "About the match next week," Mandy starts. "Yeah it should be great you, Shida and Conti vs. Nyla, Allie, and Penelope. I know it being on Elevation isn't ideal but Tony wants to have high views on that show," Kenny explains. "No I understand. But I feel like I've been spinning my wheels lately booking wise," Mandy says. Kenny drums his fingers on the bottle. "Yeah I know. I also know you were disappointed with being left out of the tournament. I want to use you more and I want to make sure you don't take to many loses. But than we also had to build to Britt and Rosa. And due to our deal with the NWA we had to put Deeb in there," Kenny tries to explain.
"Kenny I understand all of that. But I also… I might sound like a bitch or a demanding diva for saying this. But I left my job in the WWE to come to AEW because I was hopping AEW would give me more of a chance," Mandy says. "I know you did. Its won't fix all the problems but Tony wants Shida to have a title before the next Pay Per View. We haven't figure out who it should be. I think it should be you. Hikaru would be into it," Kenny claims. "Would Tony be into it?" Mandy asks. "TK has been saying we need to keep title matches fresh. We have done Nyla vs. Shida many times, Conti is the current pick for Double or Nothing. You have never faced Shida before. I can't think of any negatives,"Kenny says.