Chapter 3
Mandy had to admit the schedule for AEW was so much easier than her time in WWE. Most weeks they had one TV taping a week. Even on weeks with a PPV it wouldn't be that bad. It was a lot easier on the body. Of course it had some draw back. Some of the younger talent on the roster needed more ring time. Some were able to still take Indy bookings or working tours of Mexico and or Japan. Mandy had to admit she wished she got more ring time. It wasn't entirely clear but management said there were some plans to run more shows. It wouldn't be full on touring. Riley had talked to his friends and they told him it would be a mix of more pay per views, some online exclusive shows like Fyter Fest had been, expanding the deal with AAA and making some deal with a company in Japan to exchange talent. Also if OWE could get going again some talent would be sent to there events.
Because the next AEW show was in Miami, Riley and Mandy had decided to save some money and drive. Plus it would be nice to not have one of there actual cars there and not deal with the hassle of a rental car. On top of that they would have a car for when they got back from the Jericho Cruise which AEW would be taking part in. Riley had been on the first one and enjoyed it. Mandy was looking forward to taking part this year.
"You better not," Mandy says. "Ah come on it will just a be a few weeks," Riley says. They had making small talk when some how the Daytona 500 the annual NASCAR race came up. Mainly it was due to Riley being a huge NASCAR fan. Apparently Riley had been thinking about growing a mustache in a sot of tribute to past drivers. "Riley you have a handsome face you are not running it by growing mustache. Its not 1970 anymore," Mandy says. "Would you really hate it that much?" Riley asks. "Yes. Do you remember how I hated that stupid beard you tried to grow. And you wound up hating it more," She reminds him.
"See part of me just want to try it just to annoy you," Riley says. "Oh Mr. Morgan must I remind you how much I tolerate from you. Don't push it," She threatens. "Okay fine lets talk about something else. Like how much longer?" Riley trying to find a highway marker. "According to my phone with current traffic it should take about about another hour," Mandy says. "Okay good not that bad," Riley says. "So are they going to anything special for the set Bash at the Beach?" Mandy asks. "I'm not sure. WCW used to always had a beach set up. I guess they could break up the stuff from Fyter Fest," Riley says. "I'm just wondering if there anything you and Kip might do using the set," Mandy says. "We will see. I got a meeting with Tony and the guys," Riley says. "What about?" Mandy asks.
"Just some stuff. I think Cody has a cage design finally for the Match Beyond. I think they also have some idea for Hangman turning on the group. Than some stuff for me after Revolution," Riley says. "After Revolution?" "Well yeah you know the stuff with me and Kip is going to be a one off. I think they want to keep doing matches with you and Penelope. I mean Joey and Kip will be feuding before to long," Riley says. "I hope they don't blow the mixed portion to soon," Mandy says. "I think it will depend on how over things get. And if this feud with Moxley is actually going to happen," Riley says. "They are thinking about feuding you with Moxley?" Mandy asks this being the first time she is hearing about this.
"Wait did I actually not mention this?" Riley asks. "No you haven't," Mandy says making her annoyance clear. "Sorry. Mandy I didn't mean too not let you know... See it's simple Jon said he was he going to pitch the idea to Tony. So it wasn't for sure. And than we were so busy with filming BTE and doing Dark. And I never heard for sure if Tony said yes or no," Riley explains. "Okay. So like what would you and Jon do?" Mandy asks. "Not sure. Mandy I mean Jon just said he was pitching the idea. Just me I thinking we could play off some of the stuff with Kenny," Riley says. "So hardcore?" Mandy asks clearly worried. Riley can tell she is thinking about his neck. "Hey I'm not as nuts as Kenny. Actually I was thinking more about who is tougher in a fist fight," Riley says.
"I think WWE ruined that term after last night," Mandy says feeling more at ease. While she knew Kenny and Jon were both fine. That match still made her uneasy when she thought about it. The match had pushed the limits and even many people in the industry there wasn't much further without someone getting hurt or going into Japanese level death matches. "You know my history with kickboxing and Muay Thai. And Jon has some good knees. You know done right doing a match without weapons can look more intense than any weapon spot," Riley says.
Being The Elite
Hangman Page was walking around with a drink. Hangman once again looked to be in a very bad state. Riley come out of a room. "Riley buddy," Hangman says before giving a hug. "Good to see you to buddy," Riley says clearly uneasy with the hug. Riley tries to move Hangman's arms but once he does Hangman does it again. Finally the hug is broken. "Look we haven't had a chance to talk much lately. Are you doing okay? I wanted to check in but you had asked for some distance," Riley says. Hangman is now leaning against the wall needing it for balance. Hangman starts to pat Riley on the face. "See man that is because you are good friend. You listen to what I want. Unlike others," Hangman says still patting Riley in the face. Riley stops him. "Look Hangman the guys..."
Before Riley can finish Hangman interrupts him. "Hey what you want me to help you beat up that Superbad guy? I mean I beat him," Hangman says. "I think I will be fine," Riley says. "Because you know man. You really haven't done much in this company so far," Hangman says patting Riley in the face again. Riley looks like is about to snap but stops himself. "Good talk Hangman," Riley says before walking off.
Hotel Room
Cody and Tony welcomed Riley into Tony room. "Your trip go okay?" Cody asks Riley. Yeah pretty good. Mandy and I drove down," Riley says sitting down in a chair. There is some small talk. Finally Tony gets down to business. "So we had a pitch about a possible feud for you," Tony says. "I know. But can I be honest?" Riley asks. "Of course," Tony says. "I have had a week to think about this. The potential ups and down, what I can do with the guy. I know a lot people love him..." "You are building up to a joke where you make us think you don't want to feud with Moxley only to claim you are talking about someone else," Tony says. Cody starts to laugh by now Tony had gotten to know his roster pretty well including Riley's strange sense of humor. "Michael Nakazawa," Riley admits.
"So now that we are past your joke. What do you think?" Cody asks. "I would be an idiot to turn it down. But I have some questions," Riley says. He asks about Mandy and waht happens to her while he feuds with Moxley. In prefect timing Kenny the booker for the women arrives. He and Tony explain they want to keep the feud with Penelope going and think they even work Mandy into the stuff with Janella a bit. Kenny also says he is seems something for Mandy and Bea Prestley who would be more regular going forward. Around the same time the Bucks and Moxley all arrived.
Tony said he thought Riley and Moxley could be a fairly long feud. Everyone was in agreement they didn't want to lock down with the blow off being a hardcore match. But they also all felt the possibility should be there. Moxley liked Riley's idea of there matches being intense fights. "Well don't look to far ahead we need that match with Jericho to be great," Tony says at one point says. "Chris and I going to be great. I just like to have my plans made," Jon says.
Meanwhile
Mandy was enjoying some time on the beach. It was a wonderful day in South Florida. Mandy reached over to her bag to pull out sun screen. One story a trainer at the performance center had told her had always stuck with her. That trainer had spent the day at the beach before a big show. Sadly he had fallen asleep and wound up with a bad sunburn. Not only had doing any type of bumping been hell but he had been in a multi man match where everyone even his own partners made a it point to slap and chop him as part of a rib. "For the love of god make sure you put on sun screen if you learn nothing else from me," he had said. Mandy had to admit life was really good right now.
Hotel Room That Night
Mandy and Riley sat together on the bed watching the debut for that week's AEW Dark. The one that featured them on commentary. "I think you have a second career," Riley told Mandy. "And I see why New Japan and ROH hated you when did commentary for them," she joked. "Well for you information... yeah I was a pretty awful," Riley says. "So what are you thinking about for dinner?" Mandy asks they were going to head out to eat once the show was over. "What ever you want," Riley says. On screen they were now Tony and Dasha were talking about the recent issues between Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley. "He couldn't have been anymore clear Jon Moxley wants the AEW title," Tony says. "And now lets take a look at some of Jon Moxley's greatest moments since coming to AEW," Dasha says throwing a highlight video.
Both Mandy and Riley watch it in silence. Even in just the short clips it was clear how good Jon was. He had had always been great but a new fire had been lit under him in this new stage of his career. "This is going to be fun," Riley says with a big smile. "You are really looking forward to this?" Mandy asks knowing the answer already. "Of course. But hey I want to enjoy our big match at Revolution. I asked all the bosses what the current plan was. I think we might get two segments tomorrow," Riley says. "Awesome," Mandy says.
AEW Dynamite
Riley and Mandy were backstage with Jen Decker. "Last week Mandy we saw Penelope Ford steal a victory over you. And tonight Riley you are facing Kip Sabian and The Bad Girl will be at ring side. What do you plan to do counter act her interference?" Jen asks. Mandy speaks first. "Well Jen, Riley and I never make the same mistake twice. Last week Kip had to sneak down to ringside and cost me the match. Well this week..." Before Mandy can finish Kip and Penelope enter the shot. Penelope holds a box of tissues. "See I am so glade we stopped on our way to the show and got these. I mean here is poor Mandy crying to poor Jen and likely spent a whole week crying to Riley here about her failure," Penelope taunts. "Mandy just accept you couldn't win the match," Kip says.
Penelope pulls one of the tissues out of the box and acts like she is going to dab the supposed tears from Mandy's eyes. Mandy shoves Penelope away Kip goes to grab Mandy's arm but Riley stops him and back's him up to the wall. Penelope goes to jump on Riley's back but Mandy pulls her off. Jen has run off to safety. Security and various officials step in to separate the couples. "Fans stay tuned Riley Morgan vs. Kip Sabian is next," Jim Ross says throwing the show to a break. The cameras cut and they head to the entrances. Its a short break. Sabian and Ford enter first. Excalibur is quick to remind everyone of Kip obsession with beating a member of The Elite.
Riley's music started. Mandy led him out. Since they had started dating she had watched almost every single match he had. However it was only since AEW had started that she had noticed this small habit he had. Just before he stepped into view of the fans he raise his hand and act like he was putting on a mask. It was this final step in going from Riley Morgan to Dog of War Riley Morgan.
"And his opponent is accompanied to the ring by Mandy Rose he is The Dog... of WARRRR! Riley Morgannnnnnn!" Justin Roberts announced. Mandy watched as Riley blew past her and got right into the ring getting into Kip's face. That had been unscripted something she was still trying to get used to. In WWE going off script was very rate the kind of thing only the top stars were really allowed to even try. Kip had grabbed the referee Bryce Remsberg as shield from Riley. Riley allowed Bryce to lead him back to the corner very subtly gave a signal for Kip. Mandy knew Riley was a big fan of starting a lot of his matches hot not going into the usual bell ring circle around and lock up. Bryce stepped aside opening the door for what ever Riley wanted to happen.
Kip charged at Riley and hits a corner drop kick. The bell rang as Kip pulled Riley away from the ropes and covered. Count of one count of two Riley kicks out. Sabian pulls Riley up and hits a DDT and covers again, count of one, Riley kicks out. Kip goes for a running double stomp and hits it. Kip covers again and Riley kicks before Bryce can get get down to start counting. "Stay on him baby," Penelope yells. Riley is about sit up and Kip in desperation grabs a Greco Roman knuckle lock trying to keep him down. Riley is able to get to one knee but Kip has the advantage. Riley fires up and gets back up to his feet and used the knuckle lock to hit a modified northern light. Kip rolls to the floor where Penelope checks on him. Riley meanwhile gets back up and mocks Kip by rolling to the floor so he and Mandy can kiss real quick. Riley rolls back into the ring. Kip is demanding the referee keep him back even though is no where near the ropes.
Finally Kip gets back into the ring. The two men circle around with Riley throwing a half hearted round kick when Kip tries to get into lock up. Lock up and Kip scores with an arm drag. Another lock up and Riley gets his own arm drag. Sabian and Riley are back up. Kip goes for an Irish whip but Riley reveres it. Sabian hits the ropes and than takes a high back body drop. Kip makes the mistake of standing right up. Riley sends him over the top rope with a lariat. Penelope runs over to check on her boyfriend. Kip is able to stand back up. Riley acts like he is about do a suicide dive. Kip covers up. Riley stops himself and chops Kip hard on the back. Kip yells just before Riley pulls him back into the ring and hits a German suplex. "The ODE TO CHONO!" Excalibur yells once Riley hits it after Kip stands back up. Riley covers count of one count of two. Kip kicks out.
Riley goes for the scorpion death lock. "He just about took his head off with that kick," Tony Schiavone observes. "And now he's trying to break his back... Sabian manages to reach the ropes," Jim Ross calls. Bryce forces Riley to break the hold. Riley pulls Kip up and starts landing chops, elbows, and punches. Penelope jumps up on the apron and grabs one of Riley's arm. "Let him go and get off the apron," Bryce yells. Kip uses this distraction to hit round house kick to the back of Riley's head. Mandy has come over but by no Penelope had let Riley go and dropped back to the floor and is backing away from Mandy. In the ring Kip hits the Ghostbuster brain buster and covers. Mandy turns back to the ring to see Riley kick at two. Sit out face buster by Kip and than he locks in Cruciatus Clutch.
"This is a version of the octopus hold and this is real insult to Riley Morgan given his long history in Japan," Jim Ross says. Kip can't keep the hold locked on and has to let it go. Kip hits the a reverse frankenstenier. "On Your Head Son!" Excalibur calls just before Kip goes for a pin, count of one, count of two, Riley kicks out. Kip goes for a Michinoku driver but Riley breaks free and hits a spinning hook kick. Kip is dazed and Riley is able to hit a back breaker. Kip is hurt but Riley can't follow up. Both men gets to there knees and start to exchange elbows. Riley quickly gets the advantage. Riley feels a rush of adrenaline and hits a power bomb. He covers count of one count of two Penelope puts Kip's foot on the ropes.
Kip is able to get back up and Riley charges. Kip side steps and Penelope trips Riley. Mandy had seen enough and spears Ford. This distracts the referee and Riley giving Kip a chance to get into his tights and pull out the brass knuckles from last week. He spins Riley around and looks for a knockout shot. Riley ducks and hits the Final Wave. Riley covers Bryce had been dealing with the women but jumps back into the ring to count the one the two and the three. "Guys a big win for Riley Morgan," Excalibur says. Mandy gets into the ring to celebrate as the fans cheer. Kip rolls out of the ring. Jim Ross knows he needs to wrap up the segment. "I have a feeling this issue isn't over yet."