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Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: The Devil’s Advocate

The Tension Builds – The Alliance Forms

The days following the encounter with Seth Rollins were filled with an air of uncertainty and shifting allegiances. Jaxon Cross had always prided himself on doing things on his own terms, but now, for the first time in his career, he was forced to reconsider that strategy. He had faced Brock Lesnar, he had stood toe-to-toe with The Undertaker, and he had earned his respect, but now a new challenge was looming—one that required more than just brute strength. It required wit, strategy, and a partner who knew how to play the game.

Jaxon couldn't deny the truth behind Rollins' words. The WWE was an unpredictable landscape, and even the most dominant forces could be toppled by betrayal, alliances, and manipulation. He knew that if he was going to survive the chaos ahead, aligning with Seth Rollins—a man who understood the business like few others—was his best chance.

But as always, there was a catch. Seth Rollins was no angel. His past was filled with the kinds of manipulation, deceit, and opportunism that Jaxon had learned to avoid in his own journey. But in the world of WWE, sometimes, it wasn't about being the hero. It was about surviving.

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Monday Night Raw – The Devil's Advocate's Plan

The arena was buzzing with energy, the crowd was on fire, and the stakes were higher than ever. The WWE Universe had been eagerly waiting to see what would happen next between Jaxon Cross, Seth Rollins, and the looming threat of Edge and Randy Orton.

The night began with a darkened arena, the sound of Seth Rollins' theme blasting over the speakers. He strutted to the ring, a cocky grin on his face as he grabbed the microphone. The crowd's mixed reaction only fueled his confidence.

"I've been hearing a lot of talk lately," Rollins began, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Jaxon Cross, the future of WWE. The one who's going to take down The Undertaker. The one who's going to rise above all. But here's the thing, Jaxon. You might have the heart, the fight, the will to win. But you don't have the one thing that matters most in this business."

Jaxon's music cut off Rollins mid-sentence. He marched to the ring, his eyes locked on Rollins, who was now standing at the ropes with that smug smile still plastered across his face.

"And what's that, Seth?" Jaxon said, voice cold and steady.

Seth's grin widened. "You don't have the vision, Jaxon. The WWE isn't just about fighting. It's about making your mark, carving your name into the history books. You need someone who understands the business. Someone who can show you the way."

The crowd murmured in confusion.

Jaxon took a step forward, not backing down. "And that's why you think I need you?"

Seth nodded slowly. "Exactly. I've been there. I've been where you are. You want to beat Edge and Orton? You want to keep surviving in this jungle? Then you need to learn how to play the game. I can help you. Together, we'll make sure that The Undertaker, Edge, and anyone else who stands in our way is nothing more than a footnote in your story."

Jaxon's eyes narrowed. The idea of aligning with Rollins—someone who had been as much of a manipulator as an innovator—left a bitter taste in his mouth. But he knew that sometimes, in order to survive, you had to make hard choices.

"Fine," Jaxon said after a long pause. "Let's see what you've got, Seth. But if you screw me over, I'll make sure you regret it."

Seth extended his hand, a mockingly serious expression on his face. "It's a deal then. Welcome to the future."

They shook hands, the crowd still unsure of whether this alliance would be one of necessity or betrayal.

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The Match – Cross and Rollins vs. Edge and Orton

The tension in the arena was palpable as Jaxon Cross and Seth Rollins prepared for their first match as an official team. Their opponents: Edge and Randy Orton—two men who thrived on chaos and manipulation, and who had already shown they weren't afraid to fight dirty.

The bell rang, and immediately, Rollins took control, displaying his signature agility and technical prowess. He worked well with Jaxon, showing an almost eerie level of chemistry between the two men. Jaxon, still brimming with the intensity from his recent battles, followed Seth's lead, keeping Edge and Orton at bay with his powerful strikes and calculated movements.

The match was fast-paced, brutal, and a true test of strategy. Edge and Orton, as expected, used every dirty trick in the book to gain the upper hand. Edge, ever the opportunist, sent Seth into the steel steps, while Orton took Jaxon down with a devastating RKO on the apron.

But Seth wasn't going to let them run away with it. He fought back, using his own version of mind games, luring Edge into the ring and hitting him with a perfectly timed curb stomp. The crowd erupted as Jaxon followed up with a brutal crossbody, knocking Randy Orton out of the ring.

As the match neared its climax, the strategy became clear—Jaxon and Seth were fighting not just for the win, but for the future of WWE. Jaxon hit Edge with a vicious powerbomb, and Seth was quick to follow with another curb stomp. The two men made the pin, and the referee's hand hit the mat—one, two, three.

They had won. But the war was far from over.

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Aftermath – A New Era?

As the referee raised their hands in victory, Jaxon Cross and Seth Rollins stood side by side in the center of the ring. The crowd was still buzzing, unsure of what to make of this new alliance. For the first time, Jaxon felt like he was standing at the precipice of something much bigger than himself. Something that would either make or break his legacy.

Seth rolled out of the ring first, turning back to look at Jaxon. "That's how you win, Jaxon. With vision, with strategy. Welcome to the future of WWE."

Jaxon's eyes never left Rollins. "Don't get comfortable, Seth. We may have won tonight, but the storm's just getting started."

The lights flickered for a brief moment, and the familiar sound of The Undertaker's bells rang out, sending a chill through the arena.

The storm was coming. And Jaxon Cross knew that no matter how many allies he had, no matter how many strategies he employed, the darkness was something that could not be escaped.

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