THE ONE MAN ARMY

2#

"RAW is WAR"

Part II

"As you can see, Jericho and Sheamus have been fighting tooth and nail during the break, while the rookie, Nevan Flaherty, is still recovering on the outside. And here's why..." Michael Cole explained as the replay showed Nevan being power-bombed from the penthouse to the outhouse, courtesy of one Roman Reigns.

Who, of course, was no longer part of the equation thanks to an ambush by Rusev. In fact, cameras rolling backstage found the two having to be pried apart by a dozen security personnel. Meanwhile... We still had the matter of determining who would face Finn Balor in tonight's main event, leading to a Summerslam match to be crowned the first-ever WWE Universal Champion. Case in point... Jericho and Sheamus tangling in the ring while Nevan tried to pick himself up off the floor, the big time power-bomb proving difficult to recover from.

Sheamus and Jericho went back and forth. Sheamus missed a hefty punch, but then blocked a Codebreaker attempt, using the opening to try and lock in the Cloverleaf. Jericho squirmed and fought back, managing to kick Sheamus away, then hit him with a drop toehold. Up next? Vintage Jericho... A Lionsault right on the mark. Quick cover, 1... 2... Sheamus still had some left in the tank! Frustrated, but not overly so, Y2J then stood Sheamus and swung, but Sheamus countered with one of his own and popped Y2J on the comeback in a quick elbow. Then came an attempted 3rd Brogue Kick... Blocked... Walls Of Jericho!

Could this be it? Would Chris Jericho be the one to meet Finn Balor later? And maybe even Seth Rollins at Summerslam? The pain was evident on Sheamus' face and it seemed he wanted to tap, but was refusing to let himself do so. Too much was on the line... Too much was at stake! Jericho pulled back, put everything he had in forcing Sheamus to submit. Sheamus' trembled, his face contorted, his legs and back pulled in ways the human body was never meant to be pulled. He reached for the ropes... Closer... Closer... Not close enough! Damn it, he had no choice, he had to... He brought his hand up and dow... MISSILE DROPKICK OUTTA NOWHERE FROM NEVAN TO JERICHO! DIRECT HIT! SUBMISSION BROKEN, PINFALL ATTEMPT, 1... 2... JERICHO KICKED OUT!

Put on a show... Make them remember your name... Who you are. Triple H's words echoed in Nevan's mind, he had to make this moment count. Jericho rolled under the ropes out of harm's way, but Sheamus was still down. Hurting but not out of it, Nevan climbed to the top then landed a huge spinning elbow drop onto Sheamus! Hook the leg, 1... 2... Jericho saved the match with a last second dive! So close but so far away for the One Man Army. Jaw stinging from the dropkick, Jericho ignored the pain and set Nevan up for a slam, but the rookie slipped out the back then grabbed the back of Jericho's head, put it against his shoulder... Think of it as a reverse-stunner... But he calls it Dropping The Hammer! Jericho down, 1... 2... Y2J BARELY KICKED OUT!

"Nevan Flaherty showing he can hold his own. Whatcha think, Corey?" Byron wondered.

"He hasn't won yet, Saxton. I'll admit if I'm wrong but only if I am."

"Win or lose, first Finn Balor with a great performance and now the 2nd NXT Draftee showing a courageous effort. Monday Night Raw is in good hands, we can all agree on that," Michael Cole added.

Nevan could feel it. Hell, he could taste it. He hadn't dominated the match by any means, but it felt like he was in the right spot in the right moment. He had another move in mind and waited for Jericho to stand. However, his focus fixed on Y2J, he didn't notice Sheamus had rose up and was approaching from behind. Irish Curse anyone? Sheamus positioned Nevan perfectly, but before he could drop it... Received a Codebreaker, but with Nevan right behind him... SCHOOL-BOY BY NEVAN... 1... 2... JERICHO COULDN'T REACT IN TIME... 3! HE DID IT! NEVAN DID IT!

"Your winner - and facing Finn Balor in the main event - The One Man Army... Nevan Flaherty!"

Flaherty rolled to the outside, weak but filled with excitement. Hell, the kid did it! He qualified to fight for the Summerslam spot! And... The crowd was cheering him on! The dream came true... Nevan Flaherty was a bonified WWE Superstar! With help from the referee, and his hand raised in victory, Nevan smiled wide, his heart thumping about a million beats a second. God damn... The dream had come true... That's all he could think as he headed up the ramp, letting the experience sink in, letting the whole damn thing sink in.

Chris Jericho scowled in utter disgust. To him, this match was his. Hell, it was his devastating Codebreaker that sealed it. No... This couldn't stand... It shouldn't... And if Y2J had a shred of pride left... It wouldn't.

"Fans, how about this for a main event tonight? Two stars in the making... Two NXT Standouts... It will be Nevan Flaherty versus Finn Balor, with the winner meeting Seth Rollins for the new WWE Universal Championship at our next Pay-Per-View... Summerslam! Be back after this... A tag match, it will be Sasha Banks and Bayley competing against Charlotte and Dana Brooks."

:::Backstage:::

Following the commercial break, the cameras caught up with a few Superstars and other personnel congratulating Nevan on the victory. Though, passing by Kevin Owens, he received nothing but a cold glance. Nevertheless, his good mood couldn't be broken. He kept down the hall until he found Raw General Managers, Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley. Also with them? Nevan's opponent and next hurdle en route to the Universal Championship... Finn Balor.

"Look at this, Mick," Stephanie proclaimed proudly, unable to keep the smile off of her face, "Our NXT investments paid off. We have Finn Balor and Nevan Flaherty in our main event. What a way to start off a new era!"

"You're right about that, Steph," Mick agreed, "Now to the reason why we called you two here. We know your history. You've fought each other twice... Both matches ended in a draw. In fact, the second one... That really landmark Iron Man match from TakeOver Chicago... Is what sold us on drafting the two of you."

"Honestly," Stephanie interjected, "That match can and will go down as one of NXT's greatest. But, back to what Mick was getting to... Being aware of your history together and knowing things could get a little heated, we just wanted to make sure the two of you keep your match clean and honest. We want a good match in the ring, to settle once and for all not only who the best man is, but which man meets Seth at Summerslam."

Mick capped it off, "The Fatal 4-Way's got a little out of control. We just want to make sure the main event between you two doesn't veer off the tracks, if you catch our drift."

Both Finn and Nevan understood. The GM's wanted a hard-fought but fair and clean match. Of course, they needed a definitive victor. It went unspoken... But Finn and Nevan also felt like Stephanie and Mick were maybe hinting at the fact that if this went to a draw, then the Raw feature for Summerslam would be up in the air. Of course, that would probably be just fine and dandy for Seth Rollins, if he had his way. Finn was about to speak up for the two of them when the conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a still irate Y2J Chris Jericho...

"Are you two out of your minds?" Jericho couldn't even look at Nevan he was so mad, "Two no-names are headlining the first Monday Night Raw of the New Era? Did you not see the travesty that was my match? I was robbed!" he pointed at Mick, "And you know it," at Steph, "You know it," at Finn, "You know it," then Nevan, "And, most of all, you know it!"

"Actually, Chris," Stephanie corrected her one-time friend, "If anyone was screwed out of anything, it was Roman Reigns. But, be that as it may, the main event is set. I'm sorry, but you had your chance."

If it was possible for a human being's anger to boil so badly that they breathed fire, it would have happen then and there for Y2J, "Mark my words... This injustice will cost you all dearly."

Once Jericho was gone, Foley spoke up, "Alright well, all that unpleasantness aside... Are you two ready for this?"

Nevan and Finn turned their heads toward each other and then to Steph and Mick, speaking in unison, "Yeah, we are."

:::The Main Event:::

"The time has come. Here we are, ready to determine who will face Seth Rollins, who it is that will help make history at Summerslam. First, it was Finn Balor defeating Cesaro, Rusev and Kevin Owens. After that, it was Nevan Flaherty overcoming Sheamus, Roman Reigns and Chris Jericho. Ladies and gentlemen, here is your main event to kick off the new Monday Night Raw Era... Finn Balor versus Nevan Flaherty!"

The bell rang, both Superstars standing in the ring. There was an excitement in the air. It had been well noted, Finn and Nevan competed against each other twice... Both matches coming to time limit draws. One a NXT Taping that went thirty. The next was at a TakeOver event... The last NXT appearance for the two... And it went a full sixty minutes without a single decision. Eyes locked, they approached each other in the center of the squared circle, ready to...

Redesign... Rebuild... Reclaim!

The match was put on hold as Seth Rollins made his way down the entrance ramp, smirking and laughing, enjoying stealing the spotlight from the two men who fought hard to earn it. He took his time, too. Once at ringside, he grabbed a time-keeper's chair and set it up, taking a seat, "Just pretend I'm not here, guys. You do your thing."

Needless to say, neither Finn nor Nevan were happy to see Rollins. But, that wouldn't stop them... It would only fuel the competitive fire. No more distractions... The two stepped forward and...

Break the walls... Fight!

Now what? Right there on the stage for all to see, Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens, the two men who seemed to have the hardest time in dealing with the fact that their chances at Summerslam history had slipped right through both their grasps. While they didn't go to ringside, it appeared they wanted a closer look at this match as well, opting to stand just under the Titantron.

"Okay now, this is getting ridiculous," Byron remarked.

"It's a big landmark match-up to kick off the new era," Corey responded, "Can you really blame anyone for wanting a closer look?"

Cole joined in, "I agree with both of you. But, I feel like there's a little more going on here than just wanting a closer look."

No more distractions, collar and elbow tie-up, neither giving an inch until Nevan took to the offensive with a side headlock. Finn pushed him off into the ropes, hit the canvas as Nevan hopped over him. On the comeback, Balor with a monkey-flip, but Nevan landed on his feet. Yet, for his effort, was met by a Pele Kick. Knowing every advantage was crucial, Finn executed a quick double-stomp right then and there and hooked the leg, 1... 2... It would take more than that to pin Nevan.

Match continued, the momentum on Balor's side. He hoisted Flaherty up and dropped him down with a beautiful vertical suplex. Sitting up on the mat, he made eye contact with Seth Rollins who was yawning, pretending to be falling asleep. It obviously annoyed Finn, distracting him just long enough for Nevan to come up from behind and hit a nice Tiger Suplex. Bridge... 1... 2... Surprise or not, Finn Balor wasn't so easily defeated. Both Superstars made it up to their feet, Nevan with a boot to the gut of Finn, whip to the ropes, Finn hanging on and Nevan getting nothing but air with a dropkick. Nevan sitting up but quickly drop-kicked back down. Another cover, 1... 2... Nevan kicked out.

"Come on, guys," Seth taunted from ringside, "Show me something here."

"Do you see?" Y2J gestured to the match, talking to Owens, "It should be you and I in there entertaining the masses. Not these two stupid idiots!"

"You're right, man," Owens agreed, "You're right."

Finn waited for Nevan to rise up, then went on the attack with multiple kicks to the legs and midsection. Last would be an enziguiri, but Nevan ducked and quickly dove down, trying to lock in his Crossface aptly named Re-Arranger. But, Finn fought back and Nevan was unable to get it on. Both men up, exchanging blows then chops, the whoo's in full-effect. Flaherty stumbled back into a corner. Finn dove in, Nevan moved and it was Balor eating turnbuckle. Nevan had a set of Dropkicks he liked to use in the corner, called them Boot Camp. One, two, three and for the fourth he would go to the opposite corner and run forward. This time... He missed, as it was Balor's turn to dodge danger.

As luck would have it, Nevan ended up hung upside-down in the turnbuckles. The crowd beginning to start digging into the match, there was no better time for Balor to execute a second double-footed stomp, this one in the corner, the fans in the first row swearing on Social Media that they heard bones crack in Nevan's upper body. Hook of the leg, was this Balor's moment, 1... 2... Barely a shoulder up! Nevan clutched his ribs, rolling onto his side as Finn got up, already plotting his next move. The first match had taken a greater toll on Nevan than he first realized, his chest, back and ribs feeling an explosion of pain. He couldn't stay down, though. He knew Finn, he knew he would capitalize if he were to stay on the canvas for too long, even if a second was too long. Nevan reached for the middle rope, starting to pull himself up, but receiving a straight kick to his ribs.

"Nevan looks hurt, guys. This could be ending soon."

Finn had to seize the opportunity, there was no two ways around it. He lifted Nevan up into a fireman's carry then fell backwards, letting Nevan fall onto his knees in a Gutbuster! The groan nearly echoed as Nevan felt all the oxygen in his body rush out. He gasped for air as his leg was hooked, 1... 2... So close, but no! A sharp intake of air while straining to kick out, Nevan managed to survive. Outside... Rollins laughed at Balor, mocking him for not being able to get the job done yet. Finn had only been on Raw less than three hours and he was already sick of Seth, restraining the urge to jump out of the ring and fight him right then and there. And while that distraction took place, Jericho and Owens took it upon themselves to start slowly heading down the aisle, Y2J's eyes fixed on the recovering rookie that managed to upstage him earlier in the night.

Finn glanced over his shoulder, noticing Owens and Jericho creeping closer. He stepped to that side of the ring, their movement halting momentarily when he did. In the background, Nevan had time to stand, only to be knocked back down by an expertly executed Slingblade from Balor! But, instead of staying focused on the task at hand, Finn let his momentum carry him outside of the ring where he lunged at Rollins, a flurry of punches before a kick that sent the former Champion back against the barricade. Then an incredible 540 kick that sent Seth packing to lala land, right over the barricade into the first row! Good night, Mr. Rollins!

Unfortunately for Balor, by the time he re-entered the ring, Nevan had reached a vertical base. Dropkick into the ropes, hip toss on the comeback. Finn quickly got back up, taking a wild swing. Nevan ducked and hit a German Suplex, but this time he rolled through and locked in his version of the Crossface! Would Finn Balor's temporary lapse of focus end up costing him the Summerslam match!? Nevan pulled back as hard as his aching body would allow, cursing the weakness plaguing his arms, cursing Roman Reigns' massive power-bomb, but fighting against it all to try and keep the submission hold in place. Would he? Could he? He shouted at Finn, all but begging his opponent to give in. Tap out! Just tap out, damn it! Give up! GIVE UP!

Finn fought back, knowing this hold well, having been in it a total of three times before in their earlier battles. Instead of fighting against the pulling, he tried to move with it, the inches feeling like miles, but managing to reach the ropes and break the submission! Nevan released his grip, falling back against the mat, catching his breath, the exhaustion beginning to seep into his system. That was it... That was his Ace... And it wasn't enough. Nevan got up first, but it was Y2J and Kevin Owens who caught his eye as Seth Rollins wearily climbed over the barricade, holding his head, maybe even seeing a few stars before his eyes.

Nevan shook his head, approaching the set of ropes closest to the entrance ramp, "You guys had your chance. Get the hell out of here!"

"And let you continue to make a mockery out of a business I help build with my blood, sweat, tears and unbound greatness?" Jericho replied, "Not a chance, Junior!"

The distraction proved costly, as Balor was gifted the chance to down Flaherty with a lifted inverted DDT. But, as he rolled over for the pin attempt, the vultures descended! All three... Seth Rollins, Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens viciously attacked the two competing Superstars. Finn and Nevan had no chance as the referee immediately called for the bell, the match thrown out. It didn't take long at all... Balor being planted with not one, but two spot-on Pedigree's. Then, not to be outdone, Owens and Jericho combined their talents to devastate Flaherty with a fantastically brutal Pop-Up Codebreaker! Lights out, Rookies!

Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley came out onto the stage, looking on in shock at what had transpired. What of the New Era? What of the two promising NXT Draftees? They were laid out flat in the ring, neither moving an inch off the canvas. Oh god, what of the historic Summerslam Match crowning an inaugural WWE Universal Champion? All these questions begged answers from the WWE Universe that couldn't be given. And the first Monday Night Raw of The New Era ended with its two most talked about Superstars since The Draft laying unconscious in the ring.

:::After The Show:::

New set of clothes on, his bags packed, Nevan was on his way out of the building. What a night... What a debut. It still felt surreal to him. The dream was alive! He probably looked like the biggest dork, but he couldn't help but smile and sing to himself, maybe even dance a little as he approached the set of double doors. This was what he wanted, to be a WWE Superstar. He was now among some of the greatest the sport had ever produced. In one night, he fought the legendary Chris Jericho and a legend in the making... Finn Balor. Man, he couldn't thank Finn enough, either. Tonight was only a taste of what's to come, but he couldn't help but be excited for more, the two just seeming to somehow bring out the very best in each other. And to tangle with THE Chris Jericho? Man, it was just too incredible to properly describe.

"Hey, no goodbye?" there was Hunter with a smile of his own and an applause, standing next to Stephanie.

Nevan had been too lost in his haze to notice them, "Thank you guys so much. This would have never happened if you didn't push for me to join this soon."

"You deserve it, Nevan," Stephanie spoke up, "Your performance was great. So far, so good. I'll see you next week. I'll be in the car," she said to Hunter before leaving.

Hunter had a few pointers to pass along, "First and foremost, you and Finn did good not to reveal too much. It might not come for awhile yet, but we want you two to save your best for future matches. Second, we had an idea while watching it. You obviously know how Finn has The Demon King persona, but he only uses it for big Main Event matches? Well... We're thinking maybe we'll try that with you from now on with The One Man Army. But, don't hold me to it, we're not decided yet. Last thing, everyone liked the German Suplex into the Crossface. Keep it, make that your main move. Other than that, just keep your phone on you at all times during the week in case something comes up."

"Will do," Nevan assured him, "And, thanks again, Hunter. I know you're taking a chance on me here and I just want to make sure you know how much I appreciate it. I won't let you down. This is what I've worked so long for, this is what I want, there's no way I'm letting it pass me by."

THE ONE MAN ARMY

3#

"Talk is Cheap"

There you have the Two-Part opening. Hopefully it's enjoyable. I know it's a stretch to put Nevan into such a high spot from the get-go. But, I wanted to start off with a bang. Thanks for the support so far, it's very appreciated. As long as there's at least one review, I'm going to keep on posting. We dive a little into the behind the scenes aspects of the story next chapter.