Chapter 12
Riley was still laughing. "You really find it this funny?" Mandy asks him. "Yes! I do, how often do you see some idiot claim AWE is only winning because Vince is playing fair? People saying all Vince has to do is put Raw or Smackdown talent on NXT for a few weeks and they would crush us. Well now we can see how untrue that is. Look Murphy is great, AOP might wind up being pretty good and there is Seth… they aren't going to turn the tide. Sure ratings will spike a bit but sooner or later it will become normal to see them," Riley says. "Okay but what is so funny?" Mandy asks. "I can just see Seth. Guy likely begged for weeks to get put on NXT. Its like when he tried to do some off Kenny's moves it will just backfire. Plus how great will it be if he's appearances don't do anything," Riley says.
"That's a good point. Charlotte appearing didn't do that much," Mandy says starting to laugh. "What if they go down? I mean he's a big reason for why Raw's ratings slip so much as the show goes on. He could totally lose his mind again like he did the night with Will," Riley says. "I remember that night the entire locker room was following it wanting him to just stop. He was making us all look bad," Mandy recalls. "I have a lot of things I do have to worry about. Seth Rollins and company aren't among them," Riley says.
Sonya's Apartment
"I don't believe this," Sonya after just getting off the phone. "What's wrong?" her girlfriend asks. "That was the head of talent. I'm being moved back to NXT for the time being," Sonya says. "Why?" "They gave a bunch of reasons. Needing to freshen up the rosters. Feeling I could contribute a lot to NXT. They said they have an angel for me," Sonya. "You don't sound to sure." "End of the day NXT doesn't do TV on the road. Its the least watched show WWE does. Its not on the pay per views except for Survivor Series and maybe WrestleMania," Sonya vents.
Orlando The Next Day
Mandy and Sonya were meeting for lunch. "Did they give any hints what the story line could be?"Mandy asks as Sonya had just told her about being moved back to NXT. "They said they will explain at TV this week," Sonya says. "Keep faith. I mean with Rhea needs new challengers," Mandy reminds her. "It would be great if I wound up challenging for a title," Sonya says. "And they are putting Seth on there now," Mandy adds. "Except Seth, Murphy, and AOP will still be on Raw as well. They way it was explained to me I'm just going work in NXT," Sonya says. "Look at what going back to NXT did for Finn," Mandy says.
Being The Elite
Riley and The Bucks are standing a sidewalk. "So we are in Kansas City Kansas," Matt says. "Wait Kansas? Its Missouri Matt," Nick says. "No but the president said..." "Let's not go there," Riley says. "So wait it' the Missouri City Missouri," Matt says. "No stupid it's Kansas City Missouri," Nick says. "But there is a state of Kansas. How is Kansas City in Missouri?" Matt asks. Nick is about to reply but than start to think. "That makes no sense. Riley you are from this part of the country explain," Nick finally says. "I don't know. Its just one of those things its always been that way," Riley says. "And you don't know," Matt says trying to shame Riley. "Well they might have mentioned it when I was in school," Riley says. "What kind of student were you?" Nick snaps.
Mandy walks into the shot. "Hey guys what is going on?" She asks. "Riley doesn't know why Kansas City is in Missouri and not Kansas," Matt says. "I don't know who I married," Mandy says before running off. "Wait now I remember it derived from the name for the Kaw River and and was given the name when Missouri became a state," Riley says. "Hey Matt check out this nerd," Nick says. "Yeah what kind of dork would know what. What did you never have a date in high school? All you could do is stay home and study," Matt mocks. Riley just walks off sadly.
Full Sail University
It had been a long time since Sonya had come to Fail Sail to perform on a show. "Just make it through this. Show the company you are up for anything," she thought to herself. Sonya checked in and headed for the women's locker room. "Sonya before you get changed Hunter wants to see you," Sara Amato says passing by her. "Where is he?" Sonya asks. "Ringside," Sara says. "I'll head there now," Sonya says. She heads down to the ring and sees Hunter is talking to Seth Rollins and Murphy. "There she is. Sonya over here," Hunter says. Seth and Murphy don't move that tells Sonya what ever Hunter wants it won't take long. "Guys welcome the newest member of your faction," Hunter says. "Welcome to the team Sonya," Murphy greets. "You should do great. Really going to be a nice surprise tonight," Seth says. "Here is your promo," Hunter says handing Sonya the script.
NXT TV later that night
Seth was in the middle of the ring cutting his promo to open show. "I am here because NXT should better. Some where along the line NXT lost focus. Back when I was NXT champion this was the hottest thing going in sports entertainment. Even those dorks who live a key board and want to sound smart by trashing the WWE would post on there little message boards how great NXT is. So what the hell happened?" Seth asks drawing boos. "You should boo because it's sad that NXT like Raw lost its way," Seth says drawing more boos. "I'm here to show what Elite really is. I have got AOP back on track, I made Murphy a champion and now I will unleash the Jersey Devil," Seth says as Sonya's music plays.
"What?" Beth Phoenix says in shock. Sonya enters wearing her hood. When she gets into the ring Seth hands her the microphone. "Thank you Seth. I remember being in NXT as I started my career in sports entertainment. I remember everyone in that locker room striving to be the best. I remember everyone with something to prove. Yet now I see a new a group of talent living off a reputation other's built. A problem of self entitlement. Something that spread through out the WWE," Sonya says. The fans keep booing as Seth reclaims the microphone. "Sonya Devillie reached out to me a few months ago. She wanted to help me spread my message to Smackdown. Yet I asked her to keep our connection private until the right time emerged," Seth says
"And than low and behold Fox and USA make a deal to send me back to NXT. And USA allows Seth to appear on both Raw and NXT" Sonya says. "That's right. Now I will not be here every week. That is why you will be key Sonya. I need you hear to be my eyes and ears," Seth says. "We are seeing the future of the yellow and black brand change in front our eyes," Mauro Ranallo says before NXT goes to break.
AEW Dynamite
Kip was in the middle of a match with Sonny Kiss. Penelope jumped up on the apron allowing Kip to hit a low blow to take control again. Kip finishes the match with Deathly Hollows the referee counted three giving Kip the win. Penelope came into the ring and they kissed to celebrate. Riley's music started to play. Kip and Penelope both looked annoyed as Riley and Mandy appeared on the ramp. At this point the show went to break on TNT but picture and picture keep playing as well as the steam on Fite. As Riley and Mandy got close Kip and Penelope acted like they wanted a fight but than bowed out of the ring. By the time the show had returned Kip and Penelope had got to the commentary table. Kip stole Tony's head set and Penelope took Excalibur's.
When the show returns JR explains he's not very happy about this change. "Well you know what I'm not very happy about. Riley Morgan interrupting my moment," Kip rants. "How fragile must the ego's of those two be? Mandy likely couldn't stand to see another woman in the spotlight," Penelope adds. Michael Nakazawa's music starts to play and makes his entrances. "Oh how unfair is this?" Kip rants. "For those that were wondering if Riley Morgan was favored by management he gets this easy match," Penelope adds on. "Kip with all due respect Sonny Kiss is a great young talent but he's not exactly a betting favorite," Jim Ross says.
Meanwhile Michael Nakazawa is oiling up on the outside of the ring. Finally he enters the ring and the referee calls for the bell. Riley hits the ode to Chono and than the Final Wave and covers. Count of one count of two count of three. "The winner of the match The Dog of War Riley Morgan!" Kip and Penelope storm off upset at how easy Riley just had it. Tony and Excalibur get back on headsets. "That might be the quickest win in All Elite Wrestling history," Jim Ross. "We will have to check the time but the only match that comes close was Jon Moxley's victory over Nakazawa," Excalibur says. Riley and Mandy make there way over to the table.
"Great job," Jim Ross says handing Riley as he hands Riley a microphone. "I was two last week. I blew through Naka Naka Nakazawa with ease. Sunday Mandy and I take care of Superbad and Bad Girl... JR you use to do those hot lines back in the day right?" Riley asks. "I did," Jim Ross says talking about the old 900 hot lines that charged fans for insider information. "Here's a scope for free. I'm going to be ranked number one so rather its Le Champion or Death Rider they are my target," Riley says intensely before tossing the microphone back to Mandy. "With the roll he's been on lately guys I wouldn't bet against him. And Penelope I see you as my first step to my own title shot," Mandy says.
Backstage
Jen Decker was with Kip and Penelope. "How do you two respond to the comments of Mandy Rose and Riley Morgan?" Jen asks. Penelope suddenly slaps Jen who drops the microphone and walks off holding her cheek. Penelope picks up the microphone. "If I am willing to do that to someone just doing there job what will I do to Mandy Rose," Penelope says. Kip takes the microphone. "And Riley I see you have a little plan. Likely thinking about how the belt will look around your waste. I am the man that is going to ruin all those plans," Kip rants.
NXT TV
Johnny Gargano and Velveteen Dream were in the main event when Seth, Murphy and AOP did a run in. They quickly took out Dream. A jump knee by Murphy knocked out Johnny. Seth has gotten a chair which he sets up to curb stomp Gargano into. Candice LeRae runs out and shoves Seth away from her husband. Sonya enters the ring and gives Candice with a square up kick. AOP picks up Candice letting Sonya kick her again. Seth than gives Johnny the stomp. "A wave of destruction has washed over NXT," Mauro yells closing the show. Sonya poses with the rest of the group standing over the fallen bodies of Johnny and Candice.
Once the show is over the heels leave the ring why officials run out to help Johnny and Candice. There is a quick spot with Dream getting up to lay out Murphy for a sends the fans home happy pop. Sonya's role was done. "Now that was how do things," Seth yelled. "It was a good start," Murphy says. "Yeah decent heat," Sonya adds. "Decent heat? That was big time heat. That was proof WWE is still unmatched in telling stories," Seth says walking off. Even though he had been nice to her so far. Even though his comments could be see him being encouraging Sonya had a feeling she was in for some long weeks. As if he was reading her mind Murphy goes, "You will get used to him eventually."
AEW Dark
Mandy and Big Swole were in the ring as the referee called for the bell. Lock up and Swole forces Mandy into the ropes and breaks clean at first but than hits a palm strike. Another lock up and Swole goes for a snap mare but Mandy lands on her feet. Swole charges right into a power slam by Mandy. Swole is back to her feet quickly but Mandy lands a Tilt-a-whirl head scissors take down and covers count of one count of two, Swole kicks out. Both women get back to there feet and circle around the ring. Another lock up but this time Mandy gets an arm drag and goes into an arm bar which is broken quickly by Swole getting to the ropes.
Exchange of chops with Swole getting the edge. She hits a spine buster on Mandy and covers count of one count of two and kick out. Clap your hands a surfboard submission by Big Swole but she can't hold it long to get a win. Swole climbs to the top and goes for a diving cross body and hits it. Count of one count count of two Mandy kicks out. Swole pulls Mandy up and whips her into the ropes looking for a back body drop. Mandy hooks the ropes and than lands a kick because Swole has set to soon. Thez press slams into the mat by Mandy. Swole rolls to the apron needing a second. Swole stands back up and Mandy suplexes her back into the ring. Bicycle knee by Mandy followed by the bed of Roses. Cover count of one count of two count of three. "The winner of the match Mandy Rose!"
The next day
Mandy laid in bed watching last night's NXT she smiled watching Sonya take part in a huge story. Her best friend did great. The door opened and Riley entered followed by Brandon Cutler who had his camera with him. Mandy puts her tablet down. "What's going on?" "I have an idea for Being the Elite. Needed Brandon to film it," Riley says. "Oh so a bit?" Mandy asks. "Not really a bit. Its more something to set up the stuff with Moxley," Riley says. "Do you need any help?" Mandy asks. "Not really we should be quick. It will actually be more post work than anything," Brandon says.
Riley pulls a chair into a spot so they have good light from the window. Mandy watched as Riley sat down and pulled out his phone. Riley had a very intense but contemplative look on his face. He typed something on the phone. Finally he set the phone down and than took a deep breath and leaned back in the chair look up as if seeking guidance from above. Brandon moves over so he can get a good shot at what Riley supposedly just sent via text. "Cut, good take Riley let's watch it back," Brandon says. Riley gets up and goes over to watch it on the small screen on Brandon's camera. Mandy gets up and and sneaks a peak at Riley's phone.
Before all this starts I want to thank you Jon. Before Kenny, before Cody before the Bucks you were the guy helping me out. But I'm not that young boy anymore. See you Wednesday I'll be the guy getting in your face.