Chapter 4 Home and Family?
Thank you once again to everyone that is reading this story. And as always a special thanks to those that have me on alert lists. And I am always thankful for those reviews. For anyone wondering about my other stories I have ideas on where I want both Power of the Law to go and Squad Reborn to go. The next chapter of Power is closer to being done. I am sorry it took me nearly two weeks to get this chapter up.
Mandy dropped off the chin up bar she was using at the gym. Shaking out her arms she walked over to her where phone was set up. She was recording this latest workout to put on her you tube channel. Stopping the camera she took a deep breath. Across the gym Riley was doing box jumps on plyo boxes. She had one more set on the chin up bar. Readying her self she jump up and grabbed the bar. Her hands, arms, and shoulders burned but she got her twelve reps in and dropped back down. "That's it no need to over due it," she thinks. Looking over across the gym Riley was now sitting on the box he had been using drinking his water. She heads to him "Beat you," Riley he taunts as she approaches. "I tend to remember my workout had more reps per set," She says sitting next to him. "Oh sure make excuses," he says. "Come on you need to do your cool down," Mandy says pulling up by the hand. He lets her do this but goes, "you are so bossy," in a joking tone.
"I could make a joke about us in the bedroom," She throws out. Riley looks over at the clock on the wall. "Later than I thought," he says. "Translation you are want to get out of your night to make dinner. So you are using the time as an excuse to get takeout," Mandy says as they head for the locker rooms. Both change quickly and than meet up at front desk. "So you know Takeout wouldn't be the worst thing we could get," Riley says as they head to the door. "You just hate to cook. And you aren't getting out of it again," Mandy warns. A ping goes off on Riley's phone. He checks it and grimaces for a second. "What's wrong?" Mandy says as they climb into the car. "Just some reporter I know reached out to me for some reaction," Riley says. "Reaction to what?" "Something stupid Vince Russo said," Riley says. "What did he say?" Mandy asks.
"Nothing that matters. What were we talking about?" He asks trying to change the subject. "Seriously what did he say?" Mandy asks. "Just some bullshit or anything I am going to worry about responding to," Riley says. But by his tone she can tell what ever it was does bother him. She places her hand on his shoulder. "Talk to me," she says. "Its just Russo spewing crap about how I'm not that charismatic. I only get pushed because I'm friends with the guys. All stuff I've heard before and am sick of hearing," Riley finally starts to vent. "Russo doesn't know what he's talking about," Mandy says knowing there might be something based on his tone. Instead he just starts the car and starts to drive. When they are passing a gas station he pulls into get fuel. Its finally when he's done he starts to talk again. "How many times do I have to prove myself?"
"What do you mean? You have never head to prove anything to me," Mandy says. "Trust me I know I don't have to worry about you. Idiots like Russo and Cornette and the fans that agree with them. That is what bothers me. I've done a lot and had good matches on my own. Fans cheer because I'm in the ring. Its not like Kenny goes in there and wrestles the match for me," Riley says. "This really bothers you," Mandy says. "Russo and Cornette no. But fans yeah... doesn't help the matches with the Dark Order haven't clicked," Riley says. That surprises her the matches he had since coming back hadn't been among his best, but they had been good matches. "Riley you are just working off some ring rust," Mandy says. "Still doesn't make the matches good," Riley says.
He starts to drive again and they are silent. "Did we ever decide on dinner?" She finally asks wanting to break up the silence after a while. "I don't think we did. I can just do pasta," Riley says. "Why are being so hard on yourself for your matches?" Mandy asks. "Because they sucked," Riley says. "I've seen matches that suck before your match with Colt and Stu didn't suck," Mandy says. "Maybe they didn't suck but they weren't good enough. I should do better, I need to do better," he says. "This is a switch. Normally you have to talk me up," Mandy says.
Being The Elite
"Its not a good time. What do you want Cutler?" Riley asks annoyed as Brandon carrying the camera entered the dressing room. "Well Nick and Matt want you to do a bit," Brandon Cutler says sheepishly. Riley covers his eyes just annoyed. "Its not a good time," he finally says. "Riley I wouldn't asks if Nick and Matt weren't so insistent," Cutler claims. Riley stands up from the chair he is sitting in and gets right in Cutler's face even pointing a finger right at him. "Listen Cutler not the time. I don't feel like making some jokes. I don't feel like getting filmed," Riley says. "You can do a mail bag," Cutler says. "Look Brandon don't make me hurt you," Riley says. Its clear Cutler doesn't want do this but he has a job to do. "Riley my contracts are coming up. I can't afford to upset them. You know what The Bucks are like right now. You've seen when they get like when this kind of stuff happens," Cutler says.
"Yeah I know what they are like. Unlike you I actually made it to Japan. Unlike you I was throwing up the Too Sweets and doing the crotch chops. Unlike you I actually am in the faction," Riley taunts. Now Cutler is getting upset. "I don't know why you are freaking out. Its not like you aren't just going to start teaming with The Bucks and Kenny again," Cutler says. "Oh that what you think? Is that what everyone thinks?" Riley yells. "Well first the Bucks than you it just makes sense," Cutler says. Riley shoves Cutler out of the way and storms off. Cutler lands on the ground hard. "I have a broken face man," he complains.
AEW Dynamite Taping
Mandy smiled as she watched Riley and 10 Preston Vance playing with Negative One in the ring. "Get him," Ten yelled as Riley took a bump and wound up on his knees. Negative One than did a discus lariat causing Riley to bump again and than fall on his back. "Pin him," Ten yelled. Negative One covered Riley. Bryce Remesberg than counted three. Ten and Negative One celebrated while Riley rolled out of the ring. Mandy checked her phone for the time. It was almost time for Elevation to start filming. The fan would be let in just after the ring crew did one final check. Getting up she went to get Riley and saw that Tony Khan had come over to talk to him. What ever Tony was saying Riley was smiling about it. Riley shook Tony's hand before the boss walked off.
"Hey what is going on?" She asks coming over to Riley. "I'm going home," Riley says. "What?" Mandy asks if Riley had asked for his release and gotten it. He had been really upset with his matches could he have really lost it. "Well not actually home. But well the door is open for me to get back to Japan," Riley says. "Japan? How?" Mandy asks given the Pandemic any touring was still off. And a big reason why Jon Moxley had been been the IWGP US champ so long was due to not being able to get to Japan. "Well it won't be easy. I'll have to qurinteen for two weeks. But that shouldn't be so bad," Riley says as they walk to the back. Riley stops to face him. "Riley I love you," She says. "I know." "And you love me right?" She asks. "Of course I do," Riley says laughing.
"So why does it sound like you accepted an international tour without telling me about it first," Mandy says very annoyed. Riley takes a deep breath. "See I know what it sounds like it. But I'm not that stupid… anymore. I told Tony I had to run it by you, but I was interested," Riley says. He can tell right away she still isn't happy. "Mandy don't be mad. I swear I didn't say yes. And it's not like Tony has a private jet waiting for me," Riley says. "Two weeks Riley. You would have to travel to Japan, Isolate for two weeks. And than work this tour depending on what state you fly back into the states you might have to quarantine again before coming home. And do I have to remind you a big reason we both came to AEW was to spend more time together," Mandy says annoyed.
"It's not like the old days. I'm not back on the New Japan Roster. I will be back here in Jacksonville soon enough. I won't be gone for weeks. It would be one show and any promotional stuff could be filmed in here in the states. And the show they want me for isn't until June maybe by than things will be better," Riley says. "And maybe it will worse," Mandy says. "Don't jinx the world by saying that," Riley pleads. "I don't even know why you would want to go back to Japan," Mandy says before storming in the women's dressing room. "Has she forgotten who I am?" Riley thinks to himself.
A second later the door opens and Mandy comes back out. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have snapped like that. "It's alright. Don't we have a deal where are allowed one good freak out a year," Riley says. "So when would you leave?" Mandy asks. "If and I stress if I take the booking it would be in June. I don't' have to give an answer tonight. Let's talk about it after the taping," Riley suggested. "Sounds good," Mandy says.
Start of Dynamite
Team Taz had attacked Hangman Page during his entrance for the opening match. "Wait its Riley Morgan," Excalibur yells as Riley comes out pulls Ricky Starks off Hangman. "What the hell is he doing here?" Taz complained on commentary. The Dark Order also made there way out to help there friend. The referees manged to force everyone except for Hangman and Cage to the backstage. Cage wold hit Page with a power bomb on the stage and than dominate a match before winning the match over the than number one ranked man in AEW.
Later That Night
Mandy made her way to the ring for the next segment she and Britt Baker would have a promo to hype there match. For the last week on Social Media Britt had been in kayfab claiming Mandy should just forfeit the title match. Once Mandy was in the ring Britt Baker's music started to play. Britt made her entrance followed by Rebel who was still using a crutch. Dasha would host the segment. After Dasha gave an introduction she turned Britt. "Now Britt..." "That is Doctor Baker DMD. Get it right," Britt demands. "Right Dr. Baker what are you thoughts on facing Mandy Rose for the title at Double or Nothing? Are these comments part of a mind game?" Dasha asks. Britt turns to Rebel and the two share a laugh. "What was that last thing you said?" Britt asks Dasha. "Is this part of a mind game?" Dasha repeats causing Britt and Rebel to laugh again. Mandy is clearly getting annoyed.
"What mind is there to play with? Mandy Rose didn't get hired because of her mind. She got hired because of her body. Which is actually a sign that even Tony Khan isn't perfect. I mean he already had me someone with brains and beauty and wrestling ability," Britt claims. "Britt aren't you 0 and 3 in women's title matches?" Mandy asks. That clearly ticks Britt off. "That is true Mandy. Doctor Baker has had several chance to be AEW women's champion and failed to win the title each time," Dasha adds. Britt turns and whispers something to Rebel who can only just awkwardly nod and than suddenly shake her head no.
"Britt I know you have been so focused on yourself but I'm number two in the rankings right behind you," Mandy points out. "You only got that high because I cleared the path for you," Britt claims. "Actually I bet Tay who was number one and that let you get to to the top," Mandy says. "That is true Dr. Baker," Dasha adds. "Will you stop with the Dr. stuff," A now annoyed Britt snaps and yells. Britt takes a second to compose herself. "Yes I haven't won the championship when I have had opportunities in the past. But I'm not the same person. Those times came pre role model," Britt claims.
"See Britt I was a champion in the past," Mandy reminds everyone. "Briefly," Britt jumps in. "And Britt you like to claim you are the face of the division when you lose to me you will be the face of failure," Mandy taunts. Britt goes to slap Mandy who ducks and than hits her jump knee. Britt is stunned. Rebel goes to swing her crutch but Mandy avoids it and Britt gets hit. "Mandy Rose a clear steep ahead," Jim Ross says as clothesline Rebel over the top rope and out of the ring. Britt has gotten back up and Mandy hits Bed of Roses and does a cover counting her own pin.
As Mandy leaves the shot move over to the announce table. Jim Ross, Excalibur, and Tony Schivone start to run down the card for next week's huge Blood and Guts show. "And we understand there has been a change to next week's tag team match. It will be Jon Moxley teaming with Eddie Kingston to take on the AEW world champion Kenny Omega and replacing MT Nakazawa, Riley Morgan," Excalibur says. "What?" Tony asks in disgust. "This is just breaking Tony. We understand Alex Marvez has more," Jim Ross says before the shot cuts backstage to Marvez who is with Don Callis.
"Don Callis earlier tonight Kenny Omega agreed to team with Michael Nakazawa yet now we are hearing Riley Morgan is his partner? How did you pull this off?" Alex asks. "Well why would the world champion the best wrestler in ten thousand years not want to team with one of his best friends? Why wouldn't he want to team with a family member?" Don Callis asks. "But how did you get Riley Morgan to agree to this?" Alex asks. "Its family," Don says before walking away. "Guys I'll try to get a word with Riley Morgan before Dynamite ends," Alex says.
Being The Elite
The Dark Order sit in there room. "I just have to say it is anyone else getting sick of you know who being around lately?" Evil Uno says. "Yeah he's more annoying than five," Ten says. "That's right more annoying than… who are we talking about?" Five asks. "SHUT UP FIVE!" The rest of the group yell. "Okay but who?" Five says.
Riley and Mandy's Hotel Room
They had eaten and had some time to wind down after Dynamite. Now it was time to talk about Riley potentially going to Japan. They both sat on the bed. "Who would you be facing? And which event?" Mandy asks. "Its an event New Japan is adding pre G1. And it would be a match with Tanahashi for the NEVER belt," Riley says. "Which Tanahashi is one of your dream matches," Mandy says. He just nods. "I want you be in the states there are some big things going on right now. And what if you get sick?" Mandy asks. "I got my shots just like you did. And its just the one show. It's not like the old days. Hell you might enjoy me not being around," He tries to joke. "Well you can be really annoying," She responded.
"And we don't have to together all the time. Hell this is like your trip to be with the girls for Liv's birthday. The only difference is I will get paid for my trip. Plus maybe getting back to Japan and just having fun doing that style will get me back in my grove," Riley says. "But its just this one show? Its not a tour and you are only working with Tanahashi?" She asks. "Yep not even doing a preview tag. Tony made it clear it would just be one match. I might do some angle the day before if New Japan is willing to pay more," Riley says. "I guess I can't object if you think it will help you get back to the matches you want to have," Mandy says. "And we got weeks before I leave.