WWE Champion The Miz (w/ Alex Riley) beat Randy Orton to retain the WWE Title. Orton RKO’ed both Miz and Riley after the match.

RELATED LINKS
- World Wrestling Entertainment > Digitals > Worldwide > 2011 RAW in Quito, Ecuador

WWE Superstar Alex Riley says he plans to stick with The Miz for now – but won’t rule out going solo in the future.

The NXT Season Two rookie has been working as an apprentice for The Awesome One in recent months, helping his mentor to win the WWE Championship.

And while Riley says he is happy to learn under the guidance of The Miz while he’s on top of the game, he might “forge his own path” if the pair’s successful streak comes to an end.

“As long as things are going well, why leave? That’s the way I think about it,” he told skysports.com.

“He’s doing great right now, we have a great partnership going and I’m going to stick around for a while.

“If things start to go sour with our relationship or maybe he isn’t doing as well in the future as he is now, then maybe I’ve got to forge my own path.

“But right now I’m in a great spot. He’s the WWE Champion, but he understands that I add to what he’s doing and there’s absolutely no jealousy there.

“I’ll do what I can to help him.”

Riley admits he has had a “dream” run in the WWE since finishing third in NXT last summer and signing a “personal services contract” with The Miz.

He has since taken part in the Royal Rumble and faced the likes of John Cena in singles matches and he says the experience gained on NXT has been invaluable.

“It’s amazing, it’s like a dream come true,” he said.

“I’ve been in the development system for a while and they gave me the opportunity to come up through the NXT show, which was a fantastic experience for me.

“It was more improvisational a lot of the stuff. We didn’t prepare for what was going on and it was a true reality show. I really enjoyed that and the ability to take my character wherever I wanted to.

“Then they stuck me with The Miz, the WWE Champion, so life is pretty good.”

Riley is now looking forward to WrestleMania and then has his sights set on a return to the UK in the Spring.

He visited the UK in the autumn and says he can’t wait to get back in front of UK fans when the WWE hits Great Britain for a string of live shows in April.

“I love it out there,” he added.

“The fans are really into the show and I really like going and walking around the cities.

“I was there a few months ago for the first time and it was a blast. It was AWESOME!”

I have just added two exclusive photoshoot outtakes of Alex to our gallery. I don’t know where these are from since I found them on a forum, but they’re still pretty good to look at. The pictures are from his official NXT photoshoot. Enjoy!

RELATED LINKS
- Miscellaneous > Photoshoot Outtakes

FRIDAY, APRIL 1
8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The Miz, Alex Riley, Edge, Booker T, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Arn Anderson, Beth Phoenix, Maryse, The Bellas, and more!

SUNDAY, APRIL 3
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
“Rowdy” Roddy Piper, The Miz, Alex Riley, Daniel Bryan, Nexus, Christian, R Truth, Eve, and more!

WWE Champion The Miz vs. Randy Orton
Match ended in a classic “Miz way” cheating his way out with Riley’s interference (pity on that cause WWE should build him strongly) just to get RKOed (him and Alex Riley) once the match was over. Miz interacted with the audience before the match in a pretty rusty Spanish taking a lot of heat. As for Randy Orton, the guy was really over with the crowd.

If you would like to donate your candids to Alex-Riley.com, all you have to do is email us at admin@alex-riley.com.

RELATED LINKS
- World Wrestling Entertainment > Digitals > Worldwide > 2011 RAW in Santiago, Chile

Miz and A-Ri out to the stage dressed in shirts and ties, but a bit more casually. Miz says last week the fans embarrassed themselves. He saw grown men jump up and down weeping like little girls over another man. That man was the Rock. Don’t get him wrong, in 1999 he remembers sitting in his Dad’s living room watching the Rock electrify. He ripped apart his opponents verbally. You can imagine his excitement when the Rock was in the ring and said his name. What classic line would Rock say about him? Then the Rock said it, the Miz absolutely, unquestionable, undoubtibly completely sucks!

Really? Really? That’s the best Rock can do? One of the best talkers in history and that’s all? He’s heard kindergarteners say worse than that. Do you people think he sucks. They do. Really? Really? Really? Well, now he’s a little hurt. Let him check his tears in the reflection of his Championship gold. Rock might be hosting, but Miz is main eventing, beating Cena.

Rock and Cena have one thing in common, their both cultural icons and the fans love them for it. Miz tells them he could care less what they think of him. They could chant that he sucks, he’s awful. He takes it one step further, it doesn’t matter what they think. He’s the most see WWE Champion in the history of this company. Can you see that? He absolutely, unquestionably, undoubtibly, 100% completely is awesome! (sic)

Ding-Ding! Cole calls for attention for the email from the RAW GM. And I quote, “Enough about the Rock, I’ll deal with him when I’m ready. However, the Rock and Sock Connection is a formidable tag team. So, tonight, the WWE Tag Team Titles will be defended against you Miz and your partner tonight, John Cena.”

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: JOHN CENA & THE MIZ VS. SLATER & GABRIEL

The Corre to the ring, Wade and Zeke included. Miz and A-Ri out, but they wait at the bottom of the ramp. Cena out, salutes, then runs into the ring.

Miz tells Cena to get out and watch. Gabriel and Heath talk, but Slater starts. They lock up, then Miz takes Slater down. Slater up with an arm bar on Miz. Miz rolls through and hits an arm drag, then another. Miz keeps the arm bar on Slater, who rolls through, but Miz turns it into a hammerlock. Back elbow to Slater, then a knee to Slater’s face for two. Slater up, elbows to Miz’s head, then Gabriel tags in.

Immediately drop toe hold to Gabriel, then blows. Cena, looking angelic, tags in. Gabriel whipped, then a running bulldog to Gabriel for two. Blows to Gabriel then a suplex from Cena. Miz wants back in. Cena gives the tag.

Blows to Gabriel, then he’s whipped. Miz gives his running clothesline in the corner. Gabriel to the mat trying to recover, selling well. Miz hits his SCF and Miz pins for three.

WINNERS AND NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Miz & Cena

Miz is all excited about the win, Cena is royally pissed. They pose on corners as Miz motions Cena to pose too. Wade on mic tells them to hold it right there. They want to invoke their rematch clause and right now.

Ding-Ding! There’s no Cole! Josh rushes over to the podium. King tells him not to say ‘And I quote.’ Josh says the RAW GM says – ring the bell!

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: JOHN CENA & THE MIZ VS. SLATER & GABRIEL

Miz with an arm bar on Gabriel on the mat. Miz up and tags in Cena. Gabriel flees and tags out. “Cena!” chants. Slater kicks at Cena, then elbows to the top of his head. Cena comes back with a flying cross body for two. Miz tags in and chops Slater. Cena chops Slater, then out. Slater telegraphs, then big Zeke trips Miz, then Slater on him with blows. A-Ri on the apron yelling. Baseball slide sends Miz flying from the ring. Gabriel on Miz with blows outside as Zeke and Wade kept A-Ri away. More blows from Gabriel, then back in and he pins Miz for two. Blow to Miz, but then he kicks Gabriel, but Gabriel slams Miz back to the mat for two. Slater tags in.

Miz slammed into the corner, kicked by Gabriel, then Slater pins for two. Miz choked in the ropes, then a cheap shot from Wade outside. Knee to Miz’s back, jaw wrenched back by Slater. Miz up, blows to Slater, but a neck breaker to Miz for two. Cena’s reaching far, but pulled back. Gabriel tags in and chokes Miz on the bottom rope for two. Blows to Miz, he comes back with his neck breaker stunner mix.

Slater tags in and stops Cena from getting the tag. Slam to Miz, then Slater drops a knee on Miz’s face for two. Chin lock on Miz in the center of the ring. Cena about spazzing on the apron. Miz slams Slater to the mat, but is stopped from tagging out. Gabriel tags in and chokes Miz with a foot up in his throat. Gabriel stomps Miz and pins for two. Chin lock on Miz in the center of the ring. Miz up, but can’t reach Cena. Miz back down on the mat in a side headlock. Miz fights up, then blows, but backed hard into a corner. Shoulder blocks to Miz’s gut. Gabriel elevated over the ropes, but a big forearm. Gabriel up and flies, but Miz gets a foot up into Gabriel’s face.

Slater and Cena tag in. shoulder blocks to Slater, then slams him to the mat. Five Knuckle Shuffle, to Slater, then he gets Slater up, but Miz rushes in and gives Cena a SCF. Slater pins Cena for three.

WINNERS AND NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Slater & Gabriel

Miz and A-Ri flee up the ramp, getting as far from Cena as possible. On the stage Miz acts like his neck hurts, then raises his strap in dominance.

We get a video package that highlights the events that have led up to this match. The Miz is the first man out to the ring, of course with Alex Riley in tow. Riley is carrying his briefcase, as always, and Cole is throwing objectivity out of the window as he stands up to applaud the Miz. The King is out next, to a surprisingly large pop from the crowd. It’s amazing to watch Lawler get bigger pops that most of the younger wrestlers half his age, especially considering how long the gap was in his consistent wrestling career in the WWE.

The bell rings and we’re ready to kick things off. Lawler tries for a roll up right off the bat, but he only gets a two count. Miz lays into Lawler with a series of blows to the back, but Lawler is able to come back with a backslide, then an inside cradle, both for two counts. Miz locks in a headlock and hits a clothesline. King tries to come back with a hip toss, Miz tries to counter, and Lawler finally hits a clothesline. Lawler hits a shoulderblock and a big cross body block. Lawler lays into Miz with a couple of big right hands before mounting Miz in the corner and raining down with 10 big punches to Miz’s head. Lawler is then able to launch Miz over the top rope to the outside with a big clothesline. Lawler follows Miz to the outside, but he’s distracted by Alex Riley, and this allows Miz to send Lawler crashing into the ring post. Miz hangs King up on the ring apron and hits a big running knee, but back in the ring Lawler is able to kick out of a pin attempt.

Miz continues to wear down Lawler and Riley is even able to sneak in a cheap shot, but Lawler isn’t out of it yet. Lawler blocks a punch from Miz, but when he tries to send Miz into the corner, it’s blocked and Miz hits his signature corner clothesline. Miz goes to the top, but he’s crotched by Lawler. Lawler goes up after Miz, but Miz tries to fight him off. King is able to fight back, and connect with a pretty scary looking superplex that’s good for a two count. Miz and Lawler trade blows in the middle of the ring, and King is able to connect with a dropkick. And then another. King hits a back body drop and follows it with a fist drop for a two count. Lawler goes for a slam but Miz fights out of it. Lawler goes for another fist drop, but Riley trips Lawler. The ref suspects as much and he ejects Riley from ringside. Miz charges Lawler in the corner, but Lawler moves and rolls Miz up for a two count.

Lawler tries for the piledriver, but Miz fights it off. Miz hits a big boot, but Lawler is able to send Miz to the outside with a clothesline over the top. Lawler follows Miz out, and he’s distracted by Cole yelling at him. Miz uses this as a distraction and slams Lawler into the ring apron. Miz tries to slam Lawler head first into the announce table, but Lawler blocks it, slams Miz’s head into the table, and launches Miz over the announce table, and right into Michael Cole. Lawler tosses Miz back into the ring and King goes up to the top rope, coming off with a big right hand that’s good for a near fall. Miz tries to come up with the DCF, but Lawler fights it off. Miz hits a reverse DDT, but King fights back and hits a DDT of his own.

King goes up to the middle rope, drops the strap, and leaps off with a fist drop, but when he pins Miz, Miz is able to get his foot on the rope. Lawler tries for a piledriver, but the Miz turns it into a pin. Lawler reverses, and Miz comes up with a big kick to the face, following it up with the SCF. Miz pins Lawler, and this one is over.

Winner and STILL WWE Champion: The Miz

Michael Cole looks pretty happy as he celebrates and makes his way into the ring to lift Miz’s hand. Even though Lawler may have lost the match, the crowd gives him a lot of respect in the form of a big ovation from the crowd. Lawler looks pretty flattered as he makes his way to the back.

Digital Photos ∙ Screen Captures

KOFI KINGSTON VS. THE MIZ WITH ALEX RILEY

They lock up and Miz with a waist lock but Kofi with a standing switch. Miz with a wrist lock into a side head lock. Miz with a shoulder tackle but Kofi with an arm drag into an arm bar. Kofi works on the arm and puts Miz in a hammer lock. Miz with an elbow but Kofi with a series of cross bodies for near falls. Kofi with an arm bar on Miz and he returns to the hammer lock. Miz backs Kofi into the corner and Miz with punches while the referee separates them. The referee warns Miz. Kofi with punches and kicks followed by an Irish whip. Kofi leaps into the corner but Miz moves out of the way. Miz kicks Kofi in the back of the leg and Kofi lands on the mat.

We are back and Miz kicks Kofi and then he suplexes the Intercontinental Champion and gets a near fall. Miz stretches Kofi but Kofi gets to his feet Miz sends Kofi back to his knees and Miz puts his knee in Kofi’s back. Kofi counters with a back slide and gets a near fall. Kofi with kicks to Miz but Miz kicks back and he punches Kofi. Kofi with kicks and punches. Kofi tries for the SOS but Miz gets away from Kofi and tries to send Kofi into the corner but Kofi slides into the corner and then he connects with a forearm to Miz.

Kofi with a rana that sends Miz into the turnbuckles. Kofi follows that with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Miz runs Kofi into the corner and then he charges into the corner but Kofi moves and hits the pendulum kick. Kofi with a high cross body from the top turnbuckle and he gets a near fall. Miz with the Reality Check for a near fall. Kofi kicks Miz in the head and then into the leg. Miz tries to throw Kofi out of the ring, but Kofi holds on to the ropes and then he hits the Superman punch.

Kofi with the Boom Drop on Miz and he sets for Trouble in Paradise. Alberto Del Rio makes his way to the ring and Kofi does not realize that Del Rio is about fifty feet away while Miz is only a few feet away and in the ring. The distraction allows Miz to get a near fall with a rollup but Kofi rolls through and gets a near fall of his own. Kofi punches Miz. Del Rio snaps Kofi a few times with his scarf while Riley distracts the referee. Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale for the three count.

WINNER: The Miz with an assist from Alberto Del Rio.

The apprentice of The Miz will be at ringside when the WWE Champion defends his title against Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler with the winner set to carry the belt to WrestleMania XXVII.

If they come through that bout unscathed, then Riley and The Miz will have a close eye on the RAW Elimination Chamber match, which will decide who gets a WWE Title opportunity at WrestleMania.

Six Superstars – Sheamus, John Cena, Randy Orton, CM Punk, John Morrison and R Truth – will enter the chamber hoping to emerge with a championship match on the Grandest Stage of Them All.

skysports.com caught up with Riley ahead of the big event, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports HD1 from 1am on Sunday night (Monday morning), and he gave us his verdict on the men involved.

He also shares his views on the sensational return of The Rock to the WWE after the People’s Champion was confirmed as the special guest host at WrestleMania…

Riley on… The Miz: “I love The Miz. His approach to his job is second to none; it’s extremely important to him that he prepares on a daily basis. I travel with him and from the moment he gets up to the moment he goes to bed it’s all WWE, all sports entertainment. He keeps his body in shape and he is a true champion in the ring and out. He’s a great representative of the company and I’m learning a lot from him, not only on TV but outside as well.”

Riley on… Jerry Lawler: “I’m surprised he has the courage to put the mic down and step in the ring. I respect Jerry, I think he’s great… but he was great 20 years ago. I think he’s about 20 years outside his prime. The Miz is a guy in his late twenties, in the prime of his athletic career and I’m 6ft4ins and 220lbs and I’ll be ringside making sure nothing happens to him. I don’t see Jerry standing much of a chance to be honest with you. It’s cute that he’s going to give one last effort to get to WrestleMania and a lot of people are going to be behind that because they love rooting for the underdog. That’s exactly what he is, but he might be the biggest underdog of all time and I don’t see him winning – or even making it a close fight. He’s in there against a guy at the top of his game as the WWE Champion and we’re on the road to WrestleMania here. I don’t see anything deterring us from getting to where we started the year trying to get to.”

Riley on… going into the Elimination Chamber: “I would love to go into one of these matches, it would be a great thing for my career. Right now I’m doing my thing with The Miz, the grass is green on both sides because he’s on a great run as the WWE Champion and I’m learning from him. I would like an opportunity to be in the Elimination Chamber, but who’s to say that opportunity won’t come in the future and who’s to say I would be this far without The Miz? I’m in a pretty good spot right here.”

Riley on… the Raw Elimination Chamber match: “The great part about the match is anyone can win. There’s a lot of top stars locked in that thing, it’s not straightforward, so anything can happen. Of course, the favourites are going to be people like John Cena and Randy Orton who have been in there before and have the experience, but the great part of any triple-threat or fatal-four-way is that you get unpredictability. Anything can happen on Sunday night and that’s what makes the WWE great. If Alex Riley was in there then things might be a little bit different, but I’m not so anyone can win it.”

Riley on… John Cena: “Even before I was involved in the WWE, he was always an amazing talent. I have a lot of respect for John, but there’s things he does that I don’t quite agree with – I’m more of a Miz fan you might say so me and John don’t get along too well. But I do respect him and I think he’s an amazing talent. His chances in the Elimination Chamber are better than most because he’s been there before. Once you get locked inside that cage it gets scary, but he’s played that game before. He seems to come alive in the ‘WrestleMania season’. He’s good in the play-offs, he’s good late in the game and we’re real late in the game right now. He’s one we’re going to have our eyes on.”

Riley on… Randy Orton: “Just like John he’s been around for a long time and he’s been in that match a ton of times, facing guys like The Undertaker in the run up to WrestleMania. You don’t want to be facing a guy that’s comfortable in that environment because it’s very hard to be comfortable in that chamber for as long as it goes on. Those goys know the deal and Randy will be prepared and ready to go.”

Riley on… CM Punk: “I can’t fault him for what he’s doing. He’s taken advantage of an opportunity, using what Wade Barrett started with the Nexus and now he’s got all of these talented guys on his side. I like CM Punk, I think he’s an amazing talent and whatever you ask him to do, he can do well. I see him taking advantage of his opportunities in there and maybe sneaking out of there with a win.”

Riley on… the return of The Rock: “If he points his arrow in our direction then we’ll have an answer for him, but I’m extremely excited to see him back. He brings a lot to this company. He closed the show on RAW with a 20-minute ‘insult-fest’, which to me is always so entertaining. He does it with such charisma, he opens people’s eyes and he shook the place up a little bit. There’s a certain power structure and people have their spots – and then he comes back and turns the place on its head. Now you don’t know what to think. He might be after John Cena. He might be after The Miz. The Rock is going to be an amazing person to have at WrestleMania because of all the history and the draw he will bring. When you go into a fight you want to fight the best in the world and The Rock is definitely that.”