Chapter 31
"Man it is coming down hard," Mandy says as she and Riley drive home from the airport in the rain. "The good news is usually when its a strong downpour it doesn't last very long," Riley notes. "At least our flight landed before the weather turned to crap," Mandy says. "True I'm tired enough as it is. Didn't need to be stuck in a holding pattern as our flight circles the airport hoping for an opening," Riley says. "As you said many times dear," Mandy replies. "You want to get a bite on the way home?" Riley asks. "In other words you want fast food," Mandy says knowing him all to well. "Hey I'm hungry and there is a great Pizza place coming up, and a good burger joint..." "Okay than this counts as your cheat day," Mandy says. "Fine... no wait there is that UFC show I want... Why do I follow your diet rules," Riley complains. "They aren't my rules. They are general good diet rules and you don't want a pot belly for your title shot," Mandy says.
"Isn't this the future shouldn't we have like fast food that doesn't make you fat?" Riley asks. Mandy laughs. "Can't change facts, heavy grease, salts, sugars and bad for the body. And how do you think I feel I do a whole you tube series about eating food. And I built a whole brand on doughnuts. Yet I also have a fitness app and I do modeling," Mandy says."Yeah well once this match with Moxley is done I'm going to start wrestling in a t-shirt. Than I can eat what ever I want and pack on fifty pounds," Riley says. "Let's not stop we will be home soon enough. We have been gone a few days not like anything had time to go bad at the house," Mandy says. "Alright the exit is coming up anyway," Riley says. They talk a bit more setting some plans for the week. The rain starts to let up still falling but not a total downpour.
Finally they reach they neighborhood. "Who is blocking out driveway?" Mandy asks seeing a car parked so they can't pull in. Riley is tensing up he's got a good idea whose car that is. "I honestly thought it could be over," Riley says. It takes Mandy a second to grasp what is going on and than she finally says, "Seth." "Yeah stay in the car," Riley says parking by a curve. "Riley you fighting didn't change anything you aren't doing it again," She says to him. "I'm not going to fight him. I'm going to talk to him," Riley claims. "I'm not staying in the car," She tells him. "Just keep you head on a swivel," Riley says before they climb out of the car. Seth climbs out of his. Both the Morgans scan the area looking for any backup Seth might have but he seems to be alone. "Rollins if I just give you all the money in my wallet will you just leave," Riley says just wanting what ever this is to be over already. Rollins shakes his head no.
The spray of the rain kept falling. Mandy whipped it from her eyes and forehead. "Its time to settle this Morgan," Rollins says locking eyes with Riley. "Seth you could have won that fight and beat Riley up knocking him around the gym and you wouldn't be happy. And you know why?" Mandy yells. Rollins doesn't respond. "No listen Seth you have issues," Mandy says. "My issue is about to be taken care off,," Seth says advancing toward them. Riley protectively steps in front of Mandy. But she steps back in front of him. "No look Seth you like to pretend AEW is some issue for you. But you weren't happy in developmental because you thought you were to big of a star. You weren't happy on top because you didn't perform," Mandy says. "Shut your damn mouth. I don't need to be lectured on working by someone like you. I can out wrestle you my legs were shot," Seth says. "Your right Seth you can. But I don't care. I'm happy with my career," Mandy says.
"My career is… People just don't get how good I am" Seth claims. "And you are going to prove this by getting into another fight with Riley?" Mandy asks. Her words are really hitting a raw nerve with Seth. "Lets do this Morgan," Seth says trying to ignore her. "Do what? Fight again only this time in the streets? Mandy is right Seth even if you win it won't help you. You will find something else to be mad about" Riley yells. "I'm not here to talk," Seth says moving toward them ready to throw a punch. Riley again puts himself in front of Mandy. But she moves back in front of him. "No come on Seth. Do you think this will improve your promos or improve your matches." Seth reaches toward her. Mandy strikes him right in the throat. Seth starts to choke. Riley grabs him and tosses him against the car holding on arm in a hammer lock and uses his free arm and presses it to Seth's throat.
"Listen to me Rollins! And Listen good! I have tolerated you. I even gave you a chance to settle this like a man. You couldn't even have the pride and dignity to lose like a man. Now I can't stop you from being a twitter troll or a moron in interviews. I sure as hell can't stop from doing stupid Vince Russo worked shoot BS. But if you come to my house, you take a step toward my wife, or bring up my parents or siblings I will finish you!" The tone of Riley's voice is cold and detached. Mandy had never been scared of her husband until that moment. He lets Rollins go and kicks him toward the car. Rollins turns back but ultimately gets in his car and drives off. Riley is mad he is shaking. "Riley," Mandy says. He clearly takes a deep breath and stars to relax. "Lets get inside," he finally says. "I think you scared him off," Mandy says.
Being the Elite
Riley walks into his bedroom he open his closet and pulls out an old Bullet Club t-shirt. A clip of Riley celebrating with Nick, Matt, and Kenny back in Japan is shown. Riley puts that shirt down before reaching in and pulling out a hat bought at Cracker Barrel. The old photo of the entire BTE cast including Marty sitting in front of a Cracker Barrel in rocking chairs wearing hats is show. Riley tosses hat onto the bed and than turns back to the closet. Next he pulls out a Coat Tail Rider shirt he used to sell. A smile crosses Riley's face as a montage of of photos and clips of he and Mandy play. Soon that shirt joins of the growing pile on the bed. Next he pulls out out the old IWGP US title, The ROH TV, and ROH World title. Clips of Riley celebrating winning those belts and celebrating with the others plays. Soon those title belts are placed on bed.
By this point Mandy has entered the room and just watches him. Back at the closet Riley pulls out an AEW shirt now footage of the company being formed and things Riley has been through in the company. Riley tosses that onto the pile. Finally he pulls out one final shirt at first it looks like the shirt Moxley put on when he won the AEW world title at Revolution. You see the I was there on the back of the shirt. Riley turns it around it becomes the clear its a different shirt. Instead it reads Morgan World Champion with the date for this week's Dynamite. The shot pans up as Riley smiles one final time.
AEW Dynamite Taping
"It is time for our main event of the evening relaxed rules set for one fall with a TV time remaining for the All Elite Wrestling heavyweight championship of the world," Justin Roberts announces. Riley's music starts to play. "This young man came so close to winning the world title a few weeks ago. He gets a very rare second chance," Jim Ross says. "And JR you notice the big difference from that match to this one is the woman you see following behind him. His wife Mandy Rose back in Riley's corner," Excalibur says. Riley climbs into the ring as his music fades. Moxley's music plays and the AEW champ makes his entrance through the crowd with his AEW world title around his waste. Moxley hopes over the top guard rail and gets into the ring. "Guys if I may quote an old friend of mine to be the man you have to beat the man. Riley Morgan came close but he did not beat Jon Moxley. That has to be on his mind," Tony Schaivone says.
The lights go down as both men stand in opposite corners. "Introducing first in the corner to my left he is the number one contender from Omaha Nebraska. During his career he captured the IWGP United States championship, The Ring of Honor Television and World Heavyweight championships. He is the dog of war RILEY MORGANNNNNNN!" The fans cheer as Riley throws his hand into air. "And in the corner to my right. During his career he has been been a champion in HWA, CZW, FIP, the WWE, and is current IWGP United States champion. Tonight he defends the All Elite Wrestling heavyweight championship... the Death Rider... JOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNN..."
Before Roberts can Riley and Moxley walk to the center of the ring and get face to face. Aubrey Edwards tries to force them back. But she can't get either to budge. Just Roberts has bailed out of the ring knowing the powder keg is about to blow. Knowing she is about to lose control Aubrey calls for the bell. Moxley and Morgan go right back to punching each other. Moxley quickly gets the edge and knocks Riley down who than rolls to the floor. Moxley follows him out. Regal knee by Moxley hits Riley right in the head. "He might be out," Tony notes seeing Riley go limp. Moxley props Riley up against the guard rail and than hits a running lariat knocking Riley into the stands. "These are relaxed rules so referee Aubrey will give them some room," Jim Ross says.
Double ax by Moxley off the guard rail. "Moxley looking for the knockout blow," Jim Ross says as Jon hooks Riley's arms for the double arm DDT. Riley blocks it and escapes and hit a judo toss on the floor. Diving uppercut to the back by Riley. Both men get up and start to exchange punches. Riley scores with a boot to the gut and than he rams Moxley into a wall. Spinning hook kick to the back of the head by Riley. Moxley drops. Riley grabs a chair. Moxley gets up and turns around and gets the chair tossed in his face. But Moxley catches it and hits Riley in the head. A second of more chairs have been cleared by fans who have left them. Front face lock into a standing release suplex by Moxley and Riley hands hard. "A vicious landing for the challenger. He came right now on his head right on that bad neck," Jim Ross declares.
They wind up over by the ramp way. Body slam by Moxley. "Moxley is climbing up the tunnel," Jim Ross declares. Diving elbow drop by Moxley. "We talked how close Riley came to winning. Its clear the champion doesn't want him to get that close again," Tony theorizes. Moxley holds his arm but manages to get back up and than sets for a power bomb. "No! This is not no DQ or falls count anywhere. Get to the ring," Aubrey yells. "For those wondering why this is relaxed rules and unsanctioned match, in an unsanctioned match the title can't be on the line," Excalibur explains. Moxley drags Riley back down to ringside and again sets for a power bomb. Riley reveres into a rana. Riley gets back into the ring and Moxley follows him. The champion is back to his feet first while Riley has to use the ropes. Running bulldog by Moxley and he makes the first cover of the match, Count of one count of two Riley kicks out.
Moxley pulls Riley up and whips Riley into the ropes looking for a spin side slam that connects. "Classic move here the bow and arrow," Jim Ross calls as the hold is applied by Jon Moxley. Riley's back is stretched over Moxley's legs but Riley does manage to escape on roll onto Moxley and hook a leg with his own legs for a quick pin fall attempts. Count of one and Moxley escapes. Both men are back to there feet and Riley throws a round house kick that catches Moxley right in the arm. Moxley suddenly backs up but Riley with a hop move hits another kick. "And that's the arm Moxley uses on his elbow drop. We saw him holding it earlier and now Morgan is kicking the living hell out of it," Tony yells. Using his good arm Moxley swing looking for a clothesline which Riley ducks. "Ode to Chono!" Excalibur yells when Riley hits the running Yakuza Kick.
Not missing a beat Riley gets a flying arm bar and gets Moxley down to the mat. Moxley gets his boot on the ropes. "One two three four," the referee counts before the hold is broken. Riley with a hammer lock body slam making it a point to land Moxley on his arm. "Brilliant move by Morgan here. Fans you have to keep in mind Paradigm Shift requires a particular grip and for Jon Moxley to elevate his opponent into the air. Well you take out the arm that becomes much more difficult," Ross explains while stomps at Moxley arm. "You know in the back Arn Anderson approves," Tony says given Double A was known for working over the body better than any man. "Come on Riley," Mandy yells. Riley with another hammer lock and he drives Moxley into the turnbuckle shoulder first and than locks in a cobra clutch leading to the cobra bite suplex.
Riley with a tiger driver and goes into the pin, count of one, count of two Moxley kicks out. "Could be a brain buster here," Excalibur says as grabs a front face lock and tries to pick Moxley up. "Nice reversal into the snap suplex," Tony calls as the AEW champ does gets the move on his challenger. Moxley is trying to get feeling back in his arm so he shakes it. Series of elbow strikes with his good arm but he doesn't have the same force as the ones that ended the first match. Riley gets back his feet and he hits a series elbows, forearms and chops. Moxley with a head butt and it drops Riley but his arm is still bothering him so he can't follow up. Riley rolls to the floor. Moxley with the suicide dive and it whips out Riley.
Moxley gets up and gives Riley a back drop suplex on the floor. Moxley than gets a table and sets it up. Riley has recovered enough that he gets up and hits a jumping enziguri. Running power slam by Riley though the table. Riley gets up and starts to toss pieces of the broken table into the ring. There is one last big piece that Riley smashes over Moxley's head. Riley puts Moxley back in the ring and than sets up the table pieces in the center in the ring so that that two jagged pieces are sticking straight up. "The dog of of war has a vicious idea in his mind," Jim Ross calls as Riley places Moxley on the top turnbuckle looking for a superplex. On the outside Mandy closes her eye knowing what was next and not wanting to see it actually happen. Moxley shoves Riley off causing him to go flying and than crash land onto the broken wood.
"Dear lord Riley Morgan's back is lacerated," Jim Ross yells as Riley is in pain. Elbow drop by Moxley using his good arm. Cover by Moxley count of one count of two Riley kicks out. Moxley goes for the STF but Riley gets the ropes before its locked on. Moxley sets up for the midnight special but his arm gives out and Riley hits an ace crusher. Both men are down. Finally both get back to there knees and pulls themselves up using the ropes. Riley goes for the Ode to Chono but Moxley ducks it causing Riley to get hung up on the ropes. Back break off the ropes by Moxley and than he gets Riley in Sharp Shooter. "Not a move we usually see from Jon Moxley but Riley's back has taken a beating in this match," Excalibur says. "And Riley is far from the ropes," Tony adds. Riley won't tap but looks like he is about to pass out. He looks over at Mandy who is across the ring. Riley gets up to his elbows and crawls dragging Moxley across the ring to the ropes. "He got it," Ross yells as Riley just barley gets a hold of the ropes.
Moxley breaks the hold and picks Riley up looking for the Paradigm Shift. He goes for the move but cant' Riley up. Spinning back fist by Riley and Moxley goes down. Riley is still in agony and blood flows out of his back. Shinning wizard by Riley but he can't follow up right away. Jumping DDT followed up by an exploder suplex by Riley. "Go for the pin," Tony yells but Riley instead decides to go for a Fujiwara arm bar. Riley can't keep the bridge and loses the hold. Both men scramble. Moxley hits a boot to the gut and hits the Double Arm DDT and he covers count of one count of two, Riley kicks out. "That was the full version of the Paradigm Shift," Excalibur yells. The crowd starts to cheer and many turns to watching the ramp as Kenny runs down to ringside. Kenny starts to pound on the apron. Mandy joins in as Nick and Matt run down to join as well.
Riley gets back to his feet clearly catching a second wind. Bicycle jump front kick by Riley. Cody is now at ringside. "Its clear the support of his friends and wife has given Riley Morgan a second life," Jim Ross says. Riley hits the final wave and rolls Moxley over for the pin hooking both legs. On the outside Mandy jumps into the air celebrating. The rest of The Elite count along with the referee. Count of count of two Moxley kicks out with force catching his second wind. "Come on Riley hit give me your best shot!" Moxley yells getting right in Riley's face. Riley goes for a round house again but it's a mistake as Moxley catches the leg and hits a dragon screw leg whip. Riley goes down holding his knee this lets Moxley hits another Regal Knee and he covers. Count of one count of two, Riley gets his shoulder up.
"These two men push each other to there physical limits. All for one reason to be the best. To know they are champion of the world," Jim says. Moxley has a look of pure determination on his face and he lock in the double arm DDT and this time gets Riley into air for the Paradigm Shift. Moxley covers count of one count of two Riley kicks out. Moxley moving quick goes to hard elbow strikes even trying to use his bad arm but pain rips through his body and stop. Riley goes for an arm bar but than changes to an inside cradle. Count of one count of two Moxley gets free. Riley rolls into the Koji Clutch. "Will Moxley tap?" Ross asks. Hangman Page has come to ringside. The rest of the Elite and Mandy freaking out. "Tap!" Kenny yells at Moxley raises one hand looking like he might break but he gets the ropes instead.
Riley lets the hold go he crawls to one corner and Moxley to the opposite side. Both men slowly stand up totally spent. "This is like a fight in an old western movie and both guys are down to one last bullet," Tony says. Moxley beckons Riley to come forward. Instead Riley stays in the corner the pain and exhaustion making even a few small steps difficult. Moxley charges coming in pinning Riley to the ropes with punches, palm strikes, chops and elbows. Riley drops to a knee and gets a firemen's carry into a basic amateur pin attempt count of one count of two Moxley kicks out. Superkick by Riley when they both stand up. Moxley falls out of the ring. Riley stumbles and winds up turning around.
"What the hell was that? Why would you do that?" Jim Ross yells after Hangman Page had jumped onto the apron and than hit the Buckshot Lariat on Riley. Hangman runs off with Kenny and Matt both chasing him. Moxley has manged to get back into the ring as badly dazed Riley gets back to his feet. Paradigm Shift by Moxley and he covers count of one count of two count of three.
Backstage
Riley was in the trainer's room getting stitches on the cuts on his back from the superplex spot. "I should kill you for doing that," Mandy says watching the doctor work. "To be fair I manged to talk Moxley down from his Bar Ba Que fork sport," Riley claims. Mandy remembers the night on the Jericho Cruise and there dinner with Renee and Jon. "Well thank you for that dear," Mandy says. The doctor is done and lets Riley off the table. "So what did you think?" Riley asks wanting to know her thoughts on the match. "What you need you ego didn't get serviced enough with the standing ovation?" Mandy jokes. "Your opinion matters to me," Riley says lovingly. "I thought it was great. The day you actually win the world title the fans will go crazy," Mandy says.
"If I ever win it. Right now I'm just worried about this angle with Hangman," Riley says. "Yeah that is the thing about wrestling You can have the best match of your life and than have to get right back in the ring," Mandy says. "Well actually Tony wants me to take next week off to heal. I'm sure if you ask we can actually bask in my glory," Riley says drawing a laugh. Riley gives her a hug. "You know what ever comes next as I long got you I'll be fine," Riley says before they kiss.