Chapter 7
As I always I thank you for reading this. For those curious I loved both All In and All Out.
Britt Baker was outside the arena and walking up to Mandy. "There you are," Britt says. "Do you want something Britt?" Mandy asks annoyed. "What was that last week? You screwed over Jamie," Britt complains. "No, I beat Jamie," Mandy says annoyed. "With help," Britt yells. "I've heard enough. I need to focus on MY title shot," Mandy says turning to walk away. Suddenly Britt is nailed from behind by Toni Storm. "Cut," Madison Rayne who is overseeing the segment yells. "How was it?" Mandy asks. "Good. But I think we should do one more. Mandy walk just a big faster. Toni hold an extra beat. TK's made it clear he wants people to question if Mandy is in on the attack," Madison says before moving her injured foot. "You do okay coach?" Britt asks. "Yeah just will be glade when I am healed up. Let's take it from the..." Before she can finish several loud bangs are heard. "I mean let's take five until the ring crew is done closing up the trucks," Madison says.
AEW Dynamite
It was time for main event. Rush's music was already playing as he came down to the ring flanked by Jose, Preston Vance, and Dralistico."Taz you were a world champion. What were you thoughts on Riley Morgan taking such a dangerous title defense for his first title defense?" Excalibur asks. "I always took pride in being a fighting champion. So I respect Riley for doing this. And if he wins he makes a real statement because that man Rush is no joke. He is a very accomplished member of the AEW roster," Taz says. Riley's music starts to play. He again is dressed in black hood but has the AEW title wrapped around the jacket. Mandy is behind him. Riley climbs into the ring. Just before the referee can call for the bell MJF's music starts to play. The former world champion comes out and stands on the ramp. Both Riley and Rush look annoyed. Once again Aubrey Edwards is about to call for the bell only now Bryan Danielson's music plays. He makes his way out and stands on the other side of the stage than MJF.
Finally the bell rings. Champion and challenger go right into a lock up. Rush tosses Riley down to the ground with surprising ease and then taunts Riley to get up. Riley stands up and moves around the ring. Rush looks for another lock up only for Riley to land a stiff and thudding leg kick. Rush picks his leg up and shakes it. "They have both made a statement very early," Tony says. Rush fires in a chop. Riley responded with one of his own than a spinning back kick aka the rolling solbut. Rush doubles over and Riley goes for a headlock. Rush forces him off and hits a shoulder tackle. Body slam by Rush and he covers counts of one count of two, Riley kicks out.
Rush pulls Riley up and rams his head into the corner and again and a third time. Powerful clothesline by Rush sends Riley over the top the floor. Rush draws the referee attention which let's Vance and Dralistico attack Riley. Mandy tries to step in but Jose blocks her path. "Jump knee by Mandy," Excalibur says as Mandy hits the move and KO's the assistant. Dralistico sees this and now moves toward Mandy. Riley lands a head kick that drops Vance, he than grabs Dralistico and tosses him at Vance who is starting to get back though uses all this as a chance to get out of the ring and toss Riley into the steps shoulder first. Rush than goes under the ring and pulls out his bull rope and whips Riley with it. "The referee has lot all control." Excalibur says on commentary. Rush whips Riley again.
Mandy steps in front of Riley to try and protect him. "This is brave and I know that is her husband but this is too risky," Tony says on commentary. "MOVE!" Rush screams. She won't. "OH DON'T YOU DARE!" Tony yells when Rush rears back and looks like he could whip Mandy. Vance stops him. "To far, to far," Vance pleads. Finally the referee has had enough and ejects the rest of LFI and Mandy from ringside and forces Rush to hand over the ropes. Rush does but while the ref is getting rid of the weapon Rush sends Riley into the steel steps face first. The camera gets a shot of Riley who is bleeding. The challenger tosses the battered champion back into the ring. Cover by Rush count of one count of two. Riley kicks out. Rush hammers down punches onto Riley's face drawing more blood. Rush pulls Riley up and hits a running power slam but something goes wrong and Riley land Riley on his shoulder.
Right away Riley knows something is wrong. "Time I need some time," he says to Rush before rolling out of the ring. "Okay Riley I know it sucks. But you got to finish the match," he thinks to himself. "Riley are you okay? Can you go?" Aubrey Edwards asks. He rolls back in the ring and yells yes. Rush grabs a headlock. "Shoulder?" he whispers to Riley. "Yeah just watch it I can get to the finish," Riley assures him. "Right, Do a back drop..." Rush says starting to call the match to get it back on track.
Riley hits the backdrop suplex with Rush actually doing most of the work. "Ode to Chono!" Excalibur calls. Rush goes down to one knee. When he gets back up Riley hits a series of round house kicks that finally put Rush down. "As long as Riley's has legs to kick he can win a match," Taz says. Up on the ramp MJF looks unhappy. "We know MJF thinks Riley got lucky. He might feel Rush would be the tougher opponent," Excalibur says on commentary. Meanwhile Bryan Danielson is more that of of a man studying learning.
Back in the ring Riley's shoulder is still killing him. Fans can tell something is off. Riley looks for the cobra clutch suplex or Cobra Bite and is able to hit it. In her earpiece is getting instructions from the back. "Riley, do you need the trainer?" She asks. "No, I can get to the finish," Riley insisted. Both men get back up and Rush lands a headbutt and Riley is down again. The challenger pulls the champion to the corner looking for the bulls horns drop kick. "New champion guys," Taz says as Rush hits it and pulls Riley to the center. Cover by Rush count of one count of two Riley kicks out. "How?" Tony asks. Rush now in a panic pulls Riley up and whips him into the ropes and looks for a clotheslines but Riley ducks it and comes back with a leap lariat using good arm. Both men are down.
It's Rush who manages to stagger back to his feet first while Riley needs the ropes. Release German Suplex by Rush he goes for it again. "He landed on his feet," Excalibur exclaims. Riley hits an ode to Chono to the back of Rush's head. Muay Thai clinch is locked in and Riley with a series of knees to the body and head. Rush is stunned. Riley sets up for The Tiger Driver 91 but he puts Rush back down. "That shoulder might be shot," Taz says. Riley grits his teeth and gets Rush up to hit the tiger driver 91. Riley covers count of one count of two count of three. "The winner and still All Elite Wrestling heavyweight champion of the world. Riley Morgan!" Back up on the ramp MJF has put the Dynamite diamond ring and is moving toward the ring when Bryan Danielson steps in front of him.
Meanwhile Riley has gotten both the belt and microphone. He taps the microphone to draw everyone's attention. "Did you guys like what you see? Or were to busy trying to figure out how to steal my spotlight?... Oh hey Max I just tied your total number of successful title defenses," Riley taunts. "YOU ARE A FLUKE!" MJF screams. "I thought you were more creative than that up with a new line man. Anyway, Rush you hit like a truck I need stitches and yeah my shoulder is messed up. But I'm not done. Let's hold another open challenge for the world title," Riley says drawing cheer. Danielson comes to the ring and takes the microphone. "What are you doing? You proved your point. You need to focus on our match," Danielson says. "You worried about something Bryan. Because there has been this little bit of disrespect I am getting sick of," Riley says. Danielson is about to say something only to be cut off when music start to play. "WHOSE HOUSE?" As his music plays Swerve Strickland makes his way to the stage. "Riley it's been a long time my friend. But if you are handing out world title shots I should be the one getting the chance," Swerve says. MJF is still on the ramp and is mouthing at Riley "NO!" "You're on Swere! See you next week," Riley says.
Backstage Minutes Later
When Riley made his way to the back it was clear to everyone he was in a lot of pain. He didn't even waste time and headed over to get checked out by the training staff. "Do you think you tore it again?" Doc Sampson asks. "Nah it feels different. I can still move my arm. It just hurts like hell," Riley says. I think yo might have sprained your shoulder. "Is there anything you can do?" Mandy asks. "I can tape it up. But not much more than that," Doc Sampson says. "Am I going to have to miss time?" Riley asks. "Well Riley is one of those injures that rest and time are going to do the most for it. I also getas world champ missing time isn't always an option. Now it's compromised you could wind up hurting it worse. Now you could also be fine," Sampson says.
The doctor tapes Riley up. Walking back to the locker room, Mandy can see Riley is still in a lot of pain. "You know Tony would understand," Mandy say not needing to explain what Tony would understand. Riley takes a deep breath she's not sure if it's due to the pain or he was about to snap at her. "I have at least have to get through the match with Swerve. My shoulder might be fine in a few days," Riley says. "It's not going to be fine. Riley anyone can see you are clealry in agony," Mandy tells him.
"Well I feel worse than I look. But I'm the world champion. Kenny was torn apart, Mox was run into the ground, I've seen Okada barley able to move and drag himself to the ring. I wanted to be a world champion well now I have to be a world champion. And I love you for worrying about me. But if the shoe was on the other foot..." "I would be the one wanting to take the risks. But I didn't break my neck," Mandy says. "Mandy the title had enough problems the last few months. We've had enough people crying in there Pepsi," Riley says.
Back In Orlando
"Fuck," Riley thought for at least hundredth time since getting hurting. HIs shoulder wasn't getting better. Hell at this rate it was hard just raise his arm. Grabbing a bottle of liement he applied it to his shoulder. He took several deep breaths feeling the burn. An old memory ran through his head.
It was late as Riley Morgan made his way into his parent's home. He had just worked a small indie show in Omaha for very little money but he was less than a year into his career so he needed every match he could get. He even got to be in the main event. Sure it was a main event in front of a small bar but still a main event. "Oh fuck my back," Riley thought. During his main event had taken a spot where he had been whipped into some chairs. Like an idiot he messed up the bump and had driven his back into the steel frame of the chair. After getting an ice bag he headed up stairs. "Thank god everyone else is alseep," Riley thought. He headed into the bathroom and pulled off his shirt. "Riley, my god." His father who had been passing by says seeing the massive bruise on his back. That's what he got not shutting the door.
"What happened? I've seen worse bruises after bar fights. I least when you were doing Karate or kickboxing you were learning to defend yourself. I could see the value in it. But now you are getting hurt for a fake sport," His father went on. There were a million things he wanted to say but bit his toung. "Will you two keep it down I am trying to sleep," Josh says coming out of his bedroom. "Go back to sleep! Riley and I are still talking and don't wake your mother," Robert says. "Dad I am tried and I'm sore. Can you finish yelling at me in the morning?" Riley finally asks. "What's next you staring using light tubes or barb wire," Robert says. "Of course not dad," Riley lies. For enough money he would likely do both at this point.
Early 2022
Riley stood in the ring. Dynamite had just wrapped up and he had won the main event. He was in charge of doing the thank you for coming but please stay for Rampage between show promo. "So I'm sure you all saw The Bucks aren't here. Kenny is well MIA, Gallows and Anderson went to hell on earth... I mean New York. Hangman is still with those Dork Order guys. Even Mandy is off this week. But I'm not alone. You guys want to meet my dad?" Riley asks and the fans cheer and then start a Papa Morgan chant. Riley's dad comes down wearing one of Riley's t-shirt and gets in the ring. "Now dad when I was a little boy you told me if I worked hard I could achive all my dreams," Riley says. "I did," Robert says knowing where this is going. "And than I turned eighteen and spent my life savings to go to wrestling school. And you told me it was stupidest thing I could ever do," Riley says.
The fans start to boo. "Easy people easy. This is still my dad. But dad when it comes that claim what were you?" Robert takes a deep breath. "Let the record show I was wrong." Riley starts to jump up and down. "I got my father to admit he's wrong! Score one for children everywhere!" Riley yells doing a victory lap.
"Riley," Mandy calls bringing him back to reality. "Yeah sorry," He says. "How much of that stuff did you use?" Mandy asks. "Only half a bottle," he jokes. But it's not that far off. It's a new bottle and he's used a decent amount of it. "On a scale of one to ten how bad today?" She asks. "Eight," Riley says as he heads into there bedroom. "You look nice by the way," Riley says. "I'm wearing an old t-shirt and jeans," Mandy says with a smile. "Yeah well you make an old t-shirt and jeans look really nice," Riley says moving toward her and kissing her.
