Chapter 21
So I wasn't sure what I was going to do. If you have followed me writing you know I try to keep the stories close what AEW, WWE, NJPW, IMPACT etc are actually doing. If you have noticed I have even tried to keep up with cites so Dynamite was in Denver I set that chapter in Denver. But end of the day this is just a story in a fake world. Plus well its not like I follow the real world that much given I have Mandy Rose working for AEW and Seth Rollins is appearing on NXT in this thing. So here we go on with Love During War. Stay safe everyone. As always thank you for reviews, putting me on alert lists and of course thanks for just reading.
Also real quick I need to explain something from chapter 20. Why I explained about the name of Mandy's father. Well at first I planned to do a scene with Riley and Mandy meeting with her parents. But it didn't go to well so I deleted it but stupidly left in the note about the dad's name tweak.
Riley looked over his collection of gear. He normally could pack up for a road trip pretty quickly. But this wasn't normal. A world title match on US television was one of the biggest matches of his life. Right up with his Tokyo Dome efforts and his match with Jericho. So he wanted to pick out the right gear. "I really should get some colors besides black as the primary," Riley tells Mandy. "I have told you that many many times," Mandy says. "I know. I know. Its not just the color. Part of me thinks I should wear jeans or something that looks like fight trunks," Riley says holding up two pair of tight one with red trim the other with dark blue. "What is Moxley wearing?" Mandy asks.
"I don't know. I mean he's mostly been sticking to the combat boots and cameo in AEW. But in Japan he worse those shots for matches with guys like Ishii. I think we want to channel that kind of match," Riley says. "Hey what about these?" Mandy asks pulling out a pair of long red tights with the name Morgan written on the back. On the side in looks to be chains in silver. "You had those made and have never worn them," Mandy reminds him. "Thought it was a good idea at the time. But now I'm not sure. I mean black is kind of trademark for me and it's the Elite's color," Riley says. "Isn't a big part of this feud that you are separated from The Elite. And I think you look great in red," Mandy says.
"You really think so?" Riley asks not sure. "Just try them on. I mean Brandon Cutler's wife always does a great job," Mandy says. "Riley take off his jeans and t-shirt and pulls on the tights. Mandy picks up a pair of his boots black as the base but also had a red and orange design that looked fire exploding. "Try these on." Riley pulls on the boots and looks at himself in the mirror. "I think you look great. You just need a jacket or vest," Mandy says. "Hold on since I am changing things up..." Riley stops in mid thought and goes into his bath room. He comes back with a black towel wrapped around his neck. "I like it. Give you a different persona in a way," Mandy says. "At least for this match. I'll likely be back to black next week," Riley says. "Big match gear," Mandy says snapping a photo she or he can later put on Instagram.
"I don't know why I am packing so soon," Riley says. "Because you wanted my feedback and I have to leave for LA," Mandy says. She had gotten the part on the Twilight Zone which would be filming this week. Story wise the timing was great. Mandy was supposed to be off selling Brit Baker's attack. Although both were disappointed she wouldn't be there for the match with Moxley. They also got it was a big chance to grow her career outside of the ring.
WWE Backstage
Renee Young sat in her makeup chair. "You dreamed you got arrested?" Paige asks. "Well taken in for questioning. That is what I get for watching cops show before I go to bed," Renee says. "Renee we have a last second change," One of the producer says coming up to her. "What kind of change?" Renee asks. "Pre recorded promo by Seth Rollins. Word came in from Vince its now a weekly segment," The producer says. "What?" Renee asks having been blindsided. "Vince I guess loved the shoot stuff he did on NXT. And Fox thinks it will really spice things up." "Alright what segment?" Renee asks. "Last one we are dropping some the Twitter questions."
The producer walks off. "You okay?" Paige asks. "Not really. Remember last time Seth was on the show? And there has been other stuff with him and Jon," Renee tells her coworker. "How is Jon doing?" Paige asks. "He's great. He's busy wrestling every kind match he could ever want. Has plans to head back to Japan has a series of matches planned with Riley Morgan," Renee says. "Mandy's husband?" "You know any others that work for AEW?" "That guy is getting a title shot doesn't AEW have better options?" Paige asks. "Oh not you two. Paige I get enough side way looks after posting those photos of Jon holding up the AEW belt. I don't need you to be one of those us vs. them types," Renee pleads. "Hey calm down you have to remember what my family did for a living. I guess its Morgan has always been the other guy in his stable," Paige notes. "Well Jon plans to change that," Renee declares.
WWE Backstage That Night
Renee looked into the camera and did the intro for Seth's segment. "NXT Champion Seth Rollins has never been shy about sharing his opinions on the world of sports entertainment. We now on WWE Backstage introduce a new segment… The Messiah's Pulpit," Renee says. A graphic of Seth's new logo appears. The scene shifts to Seth backstage at Raw. He stands at a pulpit and even has the NXT title on top of it. "People ask me Seth why do you care so much. Why do you feel the need to keep defending the WWE. Why do you get so upset about other companies. Why do you belittle people like Kenny Omega and Riley Morgan. Let me ask you why shouldn't I? Do you people know how hard I had to work to get to the WWE?"
Seth pauses to let his words sink in a moment. "How do you people not get it? I am the one that should be cheered. For all my issues with him Kevin Owens should be cheered. Adam Cole, Roderick Strong should be cheered. They took the risk. They came to the WWE. Everyone tells me how Vince McMahon ruins people. How he and this company are out of touch. But that is not true. Look at people like Johnny Gargano and Ciampa. Bigger stars than ever. Look at me I was this poor kid trying to make it. I had my mother and father telling me son time to move on time to get a real job. Now I am living my dream. Here comes another statement I am sure will be twisted, but here it goes," Seth says before another pause.
"I make more money in a single month working for WWE than those Independent Heroes make in a year. And there is nothing wrong with being paid the most for what you do. Yet I get treated like the bad guy because I dare to point that out. I don't hate Kenny Omega, I think Kenny Omega has a lot of talent but he should be showing that talent in WWE. Him not coming here tells me he doesn't think he's good enough to make it. But I don't really care about Kenny Omega right now. My real issue is with Riley Morgan and well I got some really interesting news. Riley Morgan will be on NXT this week," Seth taunts as the video ends.
Renee is shocked but manages to recover. "Very shocking words form Seth Rollins. Guys you all have been in the ring what are you thoughts on a potential invasion from another company?" Renee asks Booker T, Paige, and AJ Styles who is joining them that week. "Tell me he just didn't say that? Seth Rollins has enough to deal with. He needs to leave these other guys alone," Booker T rants. "He wouldn't dare show up," Paige claims as she looks at AJ. Everyone is silent as AJ is the one that knows Riley the best. "Stop poking the bear Seth. Worry about things in the WWE. Because you don't want piss Riley off," AJ says.
"Meaning what?" Booker asks. "Meaning I've seen a pissed off Riley Morgan a few times and it doesn't go well for people. Seth we got WrestleMania coming up that should be your focus not All Elite anything,," AJ warns. "Well I guess all I can say is you should be sure to check out NXT on USA Network," Renee says wrapping up the segment.
Riley's hotel room
It was the first time in months Riley and Mandy had been apart. When the first started dating it was common for her to be on the road with WWE while he was in Japan or with ROH or taking other Indy dates. When they married he had briefly retired after an injury but when he return it was a lot of separation again. That changed once AEW started and she joined they were able to make up for lost time. So it was strange not having her around so he decided to take advantage of it by watching Evil Dead. It was a movie he always loved but horror wasn't Mandy's thing. The movie was just about over. Ash was walking out of the cabin thinking he had won only for some force to attack him behind. Just as the credits rolled Riley turned off the movie. He checked the time. "Ah not to late and the call time isn't to early. Three Stooges," Riley thinks as he turns on the classic comedy team.
A knock at the door surprises him. "Riley is Cody open the door." He get off the bed knowing something is up. Something serious judging by the tone of Cody's voice. On the other side of the door are Cody and Brandi. "Its not Mandy she is fine but we have a situation," Brandi says as if reading his mind. Cody explains about Rollins appearing on Backstage. "What are they going to pull a faker Razor and Diesel like they did when Hall and Nash went to WCW?" Riley asks. "We aren't sure. We just wanted to give you the heads up," Cody says. "I think you guys are overreacting. I am not about to no show a a world title match to go appear on NXT," Riley says. "That is not our worry. What worries us is Seth trying to draw a reaction from you," Cody explains. "Especially given your history with member of the WWE roster," Brandi adds.
Same Time
Mandy was impressed with the film set she was on. The story for the Twilight Zone she was doing was of a nerdy guy that made a deal with the devil to make himself attractive to women. Mandy would play a woman in the main character's office that would pull him into her office and start to make out with him. In the classic Zone twist the woman would lose all control to the point of being so aggressive the would hurt the guy. The set looked a lot like a real office building. Good enough she bet some people were fooled and think it was filmed on location. The hair and make up people were touching or really messing up Mandy's hair. "Okay Mandy for this scene its real simple. Blocking hasn't changed. Just follow Justin's lead. In terms of character just go over the top.. If we need to pull back we will," the director tells her. "Got it," Mandy says as she looks like at herself in the mirror. Her clothes looked messed up and torn to simulate like she had nearly had sex in an office.
What Mandy missed was her phone going crazy as people that had seen or heard about Rollins were trying to contract her. Mandy returned to the set. "Okay everyone we are set to go. Mark, camera, ACTION!" The director yelled. Mandy waited taking a deep breath. The lead actor opened the door Mandy waited until he reached the mark and than she came out. "TOMMY!" She yelled. "No please no," the guy pleaded. "Cut, great job Justin and Mandy. Let's reset and go again get the secondary shots. Mandy just a little bigger over the top on the yell. Justin do watch the side of the cubical." "That is different from wrestling we don't get a second take," Mandy says.
Mandy I'm sure if you haven't seen or head about Rollins. I've talked to Cody to Brandi and well the best thing is to just fire back and call him a liar. But I think we just need to ignore him. I already saw a lot of people ripping him and mocking him online already. Other than his crap everything is fine with me. I'm sure you are doing great. Love you.
Riley looked over the text message and sent it. Another knock on his door caught his attention. He wondered if it was Cody or Brandi or one the other EVP's. He opened the door to Moxley. Outside of the t-shirt he was wearing and the fact his jacket had no paint on it he looked like he was about to step into the ring. "You seen the latest shit my old buddy is spewing?" He asks not even waiting for Riley to say anything. "No but I heard about it," Riley says signaling him to come in. "You know I think it I got figured it out. Why Seth is acting like this," Moxley says. "He's in love with you," Riley cracks. "That' a theory I don't want to explore. But you know stories about HBK in 96?" Jon asks. "Yeah he was world champ the top guy in the company and his behavior got worse and worse backstage. Pretty much sets the stage for Montreal," Riley says.
"Seth is HBK. He's been busting his ass for years to get to the top. Even though he had a long title run before there was no denying Roman and Cena were still the top guys. Last year he got to be the top and fell right on is face," Jon says. "Makes sense. So why am I his target?" Riley asks. "Because he keep moving down the line Omega didn't work out for him neither did Ospeary. We have a great match hopefully shuts him up… Speaking of the match you okay the finish?" Moxley asks. "Yeah I'm fine with it just don't kill me," Riley says.
Full Sail The Next Day
"You have got to be kidding me?" Adam Cole says as he and Bobby Fish walk past some of the crew setting up for tonight. "What?… Oh wow they are going all out," Bobby says having seen the fake door had the name Riley Morgan on it. "You know how stupid this makes us look?" Adam asks not caring who heard. He figured it was time to be a the squeaky wheel. Let it be known he wasn't in favor of this stuff. It wasn't about losing the NXT title. The last few years had been building NXT into a third brand now it was coming off like a bitter little Indy. Hell all Seth doing was advertising AEW Dynamite. Finn Balor comes up to them. "You guys seen that?" "Of course," Adam asks.
"I know those Elite guys couldn't stay away," Charlotte Flair quips passing by. They can't tell if she is joking or not. "These things have got to change," Adam says. "Well if they have a door they are clearly going to film something," Finn says. "Well here comes the champ," Bobby says seeing Seth enter. About a second later Hunter also enters. They power walk to the area Hunter uses for an office during NXT taping. "I wold love to be a fly on the wall," Finn says. "You aren't the only one," Adam admits.
Arena Where AEW Will Be Held
Riley was going through a show day workout. It was a good way to blow off the nerves. Also he always wanted to test out the ring. Make sure the ropes were at the right tension. Make sure the boards of the ring were solid and ready for the show. It also gave him a chance to scout the arena a bit for stuff to work into spots. "You are looking good Riley," Tony Khan says approaching the ring. "Thanks Tony," Riley says stopping his rope run. Tony climbed onto the apron. "Look I don't like to blow smoke but I want to say this. I think you and Moxley is going to be amazing. Maybe the best match we will ever have on Dynamite," Tony says.
"Tony if I am being honest… My goal is to have the best match in All Elite Wrestling history," Riley says. "Will be hard to top what Kenny, Hangman and The You Bucks did. But again you and Mox can do it," Tony says. Khan has to deal with other things. Riley gets out of the ring. He looks around at the empty seats. In a few hours they will be packed. Riley felt pressure but it was a good pressure. "Tear the house the down," He thinks walking to the back.