Chapter 10
Arena in Mexico
Riley had just teamed with Kenny and Michael Nakazawa at a AAA show. While the Lucha style wasn't Riley's flavor usually it could be fun plus the extra money didn't hurt. "Good match," Michael says slapping Riley on the back when they get though the curtain. Riley recoiled as Nakazawa had covered his hand in his trademark baby oil. Riley could hear Kenny laughing. "I am going to get you for that Omega," Riley threatened. "It wasn't me," Kenny claims. "It was him," Mike says before heading to get a shower. "I think the match went pretty well," Riley says. "Yeah it did. Its fun to work with new guys," Kenny says. "I think you and that Taurus guys will be a good match when you defend that title," Riley says.
"Speaking of titles you and Moxley," Kenny says. "Well that won't be for a title. I'm Jon's rehab feud after he loses to Jericho," Riley says taking a drink of water. "Except the plans changed," Kenny says with a laugh. "First I'm hearing of this," Riley says laughing as well assuming Kenny is ribbing him. "Come on man Cody said he would tell you. Hell he called for Moxley to beat Jericho," Kenny says. "Cody hasn't told me anything like that," Riley says still thinking its a joke. "Riley I'm not kidding. Moxley is winning the title," Kenny says his tone making it clear it's not a joke. "Oh wow. So I guess that is great for Jon. And I know Mandy, Kip, and Penelope will be happy if our feud keeps going," Riley says. "Riley you aren't listening! Moxley is winning the title but the feud with you is still happening. You and Moxley are feuding for the title," Kenny says.
Riley starts to laugh again. "Okay you got me," Riley says. "Riley I'm serious. I mean you can't be that shocked. I mean the match with Jericho was great. You are madly over. I think you have the longest winning streak in AEW," Kenny says. Riley takes a second to think, "I guess I do and I was ranked three." "Man I got a bone to pick with Cody. He should have told you about this weeks ago," Kenny says. "What promoted the change? I thought Jericho was going to carry the title for like a year?" Riley asks. "Things change. Given how over Moxley is the level he's performing at Cody thought it was the right move he talked the rest of us into it," Kenny explains. "Glade I'm such priority," Riley says.
Back in Orlando
Riley and Mandy flown out for the Texas taping on Tuesday, got back on Thursday. Riley had flown to Mexico on Friday worked the AAA on Saturday due to bad weather he got home late on Sunday. Mandy meanwhile had been resting trying get over her flu. Now it was Monday and they were packing to head to Atlanta. Although both Mandy and Riley had much worse travel experiences. "I think one summer between New Japan and Ring of Honor doing a UK tour I went over a month without even seeing the inside of my house," Riley said. "Oh yeah? I can top that. I was on the bus when Big Cass got pissed and smashed the bath room door. So three full days on a bus were if you wanted to use the toilet it was either hold the door close some how or let everyone see you use it," Mandy says. "Gross," Riley says.
Riley phone went off. "Its Cody we are in the opening match," Riley says. ""Great," Mandy says. "Oh and he wants me there early to set over see some stuff for the cage match," Riley says. This would be the week Cody would be wrestle Wardlow in a cage match as part of his story with MJF. "They need to start paying you more if you are doing so much work backstage," Mandy says again. "Jerry is back next week. Besides if I do actually feud with Moxley I will want to focus on that," Riley says. "Kenny told you it is happening. When you talked to Cody he apologized for not telling you and said it was happening," Mandy says.
Atlanta
Mandy doing a interview with you tube blogger. The real interview was over but the woman liked to wrap her videos up with a trivia game. "So we are going to see how well you know wrestling trivia," the host says. Mandy shifted in her seat. "I am so bad at trivia. And I know I will blank on names and locals and exact deatails," Mandy says. "We will start with an easy one. Who did you wrestle in your televised NXT match?" "Ember Moon," Mandy says. "Who beat Jay White for the IWGP US title at the Tokyo Dome?" "I don't follow New Japan unless Riley is watching it. Kenny?" Mandy says and than it hits her how wrong she is. "No sorry," The hosts says. "I know it was Riley," Mandy says. "Yes it was," The host says.
The host wraps things up after 2 more questions. Mandy heads over to over to the catering area. "You forgot Riley's best match," Britt scolds she had over heard the segment as she passed by. "Fine I'm the worst wife ever," Mandy declares. "That is why you need to hold something in the bank. A few weeks ago I spoiled a movie Adam hadn't seen yet. He was pissed until I reminded him about damaging my college diploma shut him up right away," Britt says. Brandi entereted the room. "Run downs everyone. Britt the social media team needs you... Mandy and Penelope the guys will meet with you to go over the match later they are doing something for BTE. Allie, Braxton is looking for you and with that Brandi messager service is closed," She says.
Mandy down at the run sheet for tonight. Besides her segment with Riley she was working with Leva Bates on Dark. Riley was also listed as being part of backstage segment with the rest of the Elite before Cody's match. She browsed the rest of the show rest of the show and saw Moxley a pre tape was set. It read "Moxley takes out Hager." The story the last few weeks has been Moxley taking the rest of the Inner Circle so there match would be one on one. Looking at some of the notes her eye's popped. Penelope must have been looking at the same thing because she said, "Is TNT going to be okay Hagner getting hanged?" "Tony cleared it as long as it after nine on the east coast they are fine. We need something to stall for time while the cage is set up," Brandi says.
Later That Night
Mandy waited backstage at Leva and Pete Avalon went there through entrance. Most weeks a match for Dark was filmed before Dynamite with two once they were off TNT. Mandy's music played and she made her way out. Mandy entered the ring with fans cheering her. "SHHHHHH!" Peter Avalon says as Mandy's music ends. "Mandy Rose you remind me of many great female characters," Peter claims. "For example Delilah," Peter says before Mandy slaps him. Peter stumbles and falls out of the ring. Leva uses this chance to jump on Mandy's back and lock on a sleeper. The referee calls for the bell. Mandy tosses Leva off her back and than hits a jump knee. "Bed of Roses one two three that is it," Excalibur calls on commentary.
Leva rolls out of the ring and argues with Peter. The Librarians blaming each other for the embarrassment they both just suffered. Mandy stood in the center as the referee raised her arm. "Mandy Rose building some momentum heading into Revoultion," Excalibur declares as she rolled out of the ring and headed back up the ramp. There wasn't a whole of feedback anyone could give her because the match was a such a short squash. On top of that Dynamite was about to go live at the top of the hour. Mandy had just enough time to head to the locker room grab her latest t-shirt which had been cut into a crop top and put it on and head back to the stage.
Riley was with Kenny, Pac was on the floor doing push up for a last second pump. Kip and Penelope were off to the side talking. Mandy headed over to Riley and Kenny. "Great job out there," Kenny tells her. "Thanks Kenny you two ready?" Mandy asks. "You know it," Riley says. "Okay guys we are going live soon," Tony yells out. There was a frantic powerful energy backstage before any show went live. It was addicting. The normal into for Dynamite played. "Mandy, Riley, Kenny go," Tony said as soon as Kenny's music played. Kenny went first followed by Riley and Mandy. Once they were in front of the fans Riley and Kenny did a high five. "A small thing I noticed guys when Kenny teams with Hangman Page its separate entrances yet with Riley tonight they are together," Tony Schiavone observers.
"That is why Riley has been such a great part of The Elite. He's never had a huge ego these are his friends he wants to team with them," Excalibur explains. Riley, Kenny and Mandy all pose in the ring. Kip's music started as he came through the tunnel with Penelope doing there usual entrance. Pac made his entrance solo. "And notice Superbad and The Bastard came out separate," Ross points out. Pac storms into the ring and shoves Kenny down. Kenny gets right back up and goes after Pac the two start to brawl. Kip tackles Riley and they spill to the floor. Kip gets the edge and sends Riley into the guard rail and than goes to his corner. In the ring Kenny and Pac are exchanging. Kenny ducks under a clothesline and hits a double chop knocking Pac down.
Kenny looks for a tag but Riley is still down. Pac tags in Kip who gets a waste lock on Kenny and goes for German suplex. Kenny lands on his feet and hits a Hadouken knocking Sabian down. Kotaro Krusher by Omega and he covers counts of one, Kip kicks out. Kenny rolls over and tags in Riley who had finally gotten into the corner and Kip tags back in Pac. Riley and Pac lock up. Back heal trip in side head lock by Pac. Riley rocks back and forth trying to get free but Pac wrenches the hold in. Riley changes tactics and gets a head scissors getting free. Pac moves quick gets a head stand escape into the drop kick. Pac tags back in Kip and they hits a double team suplex. Kip to second rope and comes off with an elbow drop. Tag back to Pac who has Kip hold Riley and hits a spinning back heel kick. Pac turns to Kenny and yells. "Another friend of your's paying the price!"
Pac turns around right into an ode for Chono. Riley tags back in Kenny. Omega with a series of running chops and clothes finally landing a knee on Pac. Jay driller by Kenny and he covers count of one count of two Kip makes the save. The referee forces Kip back out. Kenny lands a step up enziguri and pick Pac up in a fire men's carry. "You can't..." Pac escapes and hits a drop kick sending Kenny into the corner. Cutter by Pac and than he rolls over and makes the tag. Kip goes to the top so he can hit a missile drop kick but Kenny has moved and makes it a power bomb variation. Riley tags back in. Riley with leg sweep and Kenny with a leg larait.
Pac comes charging back in. All four men brawl. Riley and Kenny get the edge. Riley clotheslines Kip to the floor. Riley had eliminated almost all his high flying moves but still broke a few out in this case a double ax allowing him to land on his feet. Spaceman plancha by Pac to the floor. Rise of the Terminator by Kenny takes out Pac. Riley has gotten up and drags Kip back into the ring. Gut wrench suplex by Riley and he covers. The referee is dealing with Kenny and Pac who are still fighting on the floor. Penelope reaches into the ring and claws at Riley's eyes. Mandy chases Penelope off. The referee sees them. "Both of you OUT!" He yells ejecting both valets.
Meanwhile Kip hits the Ghostbuster on Riley. Pac has gotten back up and is tagged in and gives Riley a snap suplex. Standing corkscrew moonsault into a senton by Pac and he covers counts of one count of two. Riley kicks out. Slingshot cutter, Pac than holds out Riley's hand toward Kenny. "You want a tag Kenny?" The Bastard taunts. Kenny looks like he wants to jump in but controls himself just barley. Kip is the legal man again. Kip and Pac hit a Magic Killer on Riley. Kip covers, count of one count of two. Kenny makes the save. The referee forces Kenny back out allowing Pac and Kip to put the boots to Riley. Pac leaves the ring just before the referee turns around. Kip sets up for Avada Kadriva but Riley counters into a inverted DDT. "Get that tag son," JR cheers as Riley slowly crawls for the corner. Kenny has hand fully extended. Pac runs over and pulls Kenny off the apron. "He really is a bastard!" Ross yells because he can't resist.
Kip has recovered and drags Riley back across the ring. Pac makes the tag and comes in to hit a dragaonrana. Pac climbs to the rop and goes for the black arrow and hits it. Pac locks in the Brutalizer. Riley gets his boot under the ropes but the referee doesn't see it. Kip kicks Riley's boot and Pac is able to repsiton the body So Riley is closer to the center. Riley rolls and gets Pac's shoulders on the mat count of one count of two Pac loses his grip just as the ref counts three. "A flash pin victory," Tony Schiavone yells. Riley crawls out of the ring and celebrates with Kenny. "The winners of the match Kenny Omega and Riley Morgan!"
"You see it here on the replay folks. Pac lost his grip on the hold. Pac was still trying to roll forward back into the Brutalizer but couldn't get the leverage with the grip gone and by that point it was two late," Jim Ross explains as the replay of the finish play. Pac, Kip, and Penelope who run back to the ring all argue with the referee. Mandy has also returned running up to hug Riley.
Later that night
Mandy was done for the night once she walked to the back with Riley and Kenny. The rest of the show mostly focused on Moxley and Jericho's feud and Cody's cage math with Wardlow. The pre tape with Moxley and Hagner pushed the limits but most backstage thought it came off segment started with Moxley and Hager brawling live int front of the fans before spilling to the back. Once they were in the back the pre tape took over. There was more brawling that saw Moxley toss Jake over a rail with a chain wrapped around his neck. Officials got Moxley to let go and the segment ended with Hager being loaded onto a stretcher. This gave them a chance to start set up on the cage for the main event.
The old terms in the business was curtain sell out when the wrestlers in the back were hanging around to watch a match. It was that case for this cage match. Wardlow was pretty green but had a fantastic look. Cody was a fantastic story teller and had been born and raised in Atlanta so the crowd was hot. A pre tape promo from Cody had played and Mandy watched on a monitor as a live shot of Cody in his dressing room aired. Cody was putting on his weight belt. The shot pulled back to show Arn Anderson was waiting. Riley, Kenny, and The Bucks were in the room along with Dustin. Mandy smiled as she saw a small touched Riley added. When he got nervous he had a habit cracking his knuckles and she saw him do it here. "Its time," Arn says. Cody goes over and quickly embraces The rest of the Elite. Finally he hugs his brother. "Kick his ass," Dustin declared. Cody exited the room.
The shot changed again showing Wardlow entering with MJF. Cody entrance drew a huge pop he sprinted to the cage and got right in the cage. What followed was a master class by Cody. He worked a brilliant match making everything Wardlow did seem like it was he most punishing move he had ever taken. Cody bumped and sold and even bladed. MJF, The Butcher and Blade all tired to get involved only to be stopped by the rest of of Elite. Finally in the end Cody hits a super cross roads off the top for the win. Still though the message was clear punctuated by Jim Ross. "Cody won the battle but he is so badly hurt he might have already lost the war." The veteran announcer declared as the show went off the air.
Once Riley back through the curtain he tracked Mandy down. "That was special!" He said. "It was another great night," Mandy says. Riley sat in a chair next to her. "Are you done for tonight? I'd like to get back to the hotel," Mandy says. Riley gives her a sly smile. "What is that about?" She asks. "Oh I'm done for tonight but we aren't going back to the hotel. I check out this afternoon," Riley says. "Riley our flight isn't until tomorrow afternoon," Mandy says."Actually our flight leaves when ever we want," Riley says. "What did convince Tony to give you a private jet?" Mandy jokes. "I'll explain on the way," Riley says. "On the way where?" "Well we had to cancel Valentine's and I want to make up for it. Come on darling."