WWE Fastlane isn’t exactly the strongest of cards going in, with WWE focusing all of their efforts on promoting the main event. That said, what a main event it is, with Brock Lesnar versus Dean Ambrose versus Roman Reigns. Not only should that deliver strong action and big narrative twists, it is also guaranteed to name the new number one contender to Triple H’s WWE Championship.
The rest of the card has been a so-so promotion, with the company only announcing some of the matches six days before the event. There isn’t even really a definitive co-main event, it is just a collection of bouts, many of which fans could usually see on a Raw or Smackdown.
Indeed, Kevin Owens versus Dolph Ziggler, and Chris Jericho versus AJ Styles, have been done several times on television this month. However, in the context of a special, it could prove to be something a lot more substantial. Jericho and Styles in particular, their Fastlane match could be the best match of the year so far.
Beyond that, Charlotte defends her Divas Title against Brie Bella, and the card is rounded off with Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks versus Naomi and Tamina.
Ryback, Big Show and Kane versus Braun Strowman, Erick Rowan and Luke Harper is the bathroom break match, while Alberto Del Rio versus Kalisto makes for a stronger than usual pre-show bout. Here’s the results you can count on.
7. Kalisto (C) Vs Alberto Del Rio – 2 Out Of 3 Falls, US Title
Kalisto versus Alberto Del Rio is always a good match, but it has happened way too many times in the last few months. It’s a stale booking, which is likely why WWE dropped it to the preshow.
Nevertheless, Alberto is one of the best workers in the company, and Kalisto is an exciting high flyer. In terms of action, it should be fun.
The two out of three falls stipulation is either a blessing or a curse. If they get time, it will be a great stipulation. But like with all two out of three falls, it could end up feeling rushed and unsatisfying if the time is short.
In terms of result, it doesn’t make sense to job Kalisto so soon, especially on a preshow that some fans won’t even be watching. Thefore, Del Rio wins the first fall, concedes a second fall via DQ (to protect him) and then Kalisto wins the decisive third fall with a reversal and a roll up. It’ll be a typical underdog victory that still gives the heel some heat.
Winner: Kalisto
6. Ryback, Big Show And Kane Vs Braun Strowman, Erick Rowan And Luke Harper
This six man tag is a horrible match and lazy booking, only being established on this week’s Raw.
It is all about making Braun Strowman look good, with insider reports indicating that he’s on a big push for future feuds with Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. So it is a bit of a given that he’ll be going over, getting the pin after a KO to one of the babyfaces.
For Ryback, Show and Kane, they are only in there as glorified jobbers. They’re capable of good performances, but it is doubtful if they’ll be up to the task against Strowman. Any good exchanges will likely come between Harper and Kane, before Strowman gets in for the choke finish on Big Show.
Winners: Braun Strowman, Erick Rowan, Luke Harper
5. Becky Lynch And Sasha Banks Vs Naomi And Tamina
In keeping Fastlane unpredictable, WWE may look to throw an unexpected finish in the Divas tag match, by having Naomi and Tamina go over.
This would lead to Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch falling out in the post-match and blaming each other, thus furthering a narrative in which both women argue over who is the better wrestler. They could then do a mini feud on Raw in which the winner gets Charlotte at Mania, or set the tone for a triple threat at Mania.
Fastlane will be the typical booking for such an angle. Becky looks like she has the match won, but Sasha does the blind tag, leading to them arguing, and Naomi hitting a roll up during the confusion.
Winners: Naomi and Tamina
4. AJ Styles Vs Chris Jericho
This is going to be the match of the night, and quite possibly the match of the year. Jericho is one of the best ever, and Styles is one of the best right now. Both are capable of doing something really special if given adequate time this sunday.
It is going to be a step above their television efforts, you have to think it will get a good twenty minutes. Expect technical wrestling, building into high spots and near falls, before Styles hits the Styles Clash for the one, two, three.
That’s the logical finish. Jericho is already a made man, whereas Styles is the newbie who still needs establishing in WWE. This win could be big for him.
On the other hand, Jericho is doing great in his veteran heel role, so maybe WWE would be tempted to give him the win and run with that. But the safe money remains on Styles, the babyface completing the trilogy as victor is logical.
Winner: AJ Styles
3. Charlotte (C) Vs Brie Bella – Divas Title
This match looks like it could be Brie Bella’s final ever bout, so of course she’ll be doing the honours on her way out. It is also just a filler booking until Charlotte defends her belt against Sasha Banks (and possibly Becky Lynch) at WrestleMania.
It makes sense that Brie would put up a valiant effort, before finally having to tap out in the Figure Eight. Charlotte would then exit the ring and allow Brie her moment to soak up an applause and say goodbye. Maybe Daniel Bryan will come out and join her, adding some poignancy to the occasion.
Sympathy is on Brie’s side right now, so it does have potential to be a solid face vs heel story against Charlotte, but don’t expect the wrestling quality to be up to much. It’ll be done in under ten minutes.
Winner: Charlotte
2. Kevin Owens (C) Vs Dolph Ziggler – Intercontinental Title
The booking with this match has been weird, with Ziggler having defeated Owens on television, but Owens then winning the Intercontinental title in a five way match this week on Raw. It has devalued the belt a little, in addition to making Owens Ziggler feel stale.
With reports that Sami Zayn could be coming in for a match with Owens at WrestleMania, there could be another title change this sunday. Following on from their exchanges at Royal Rumble and unresolved NXT history, Zayn could crash Fastlane and distract Owens. Ziggler would then capitalise on this with a Zig Zag for the win.
It moves Owens on to the Zayn feud, in addition to giving Ziggler something to work with as Intercontinental champion.
Winner and new Intercontinental Champion: Dolph Ziggler
1. Brock Lesnar Vs Roman Reigns Vs Dean Ambrose – Number One Contender Match
Roman Reigns has been WWE’s plan all along for challenging Triple H for the WWE Title at WrestleMania 32. With the Fastlane booking, it appears they made this match to simply fill a gap. Ambrose is in there to take the fall, Reigns is there to get the pin, and Lesnar is there to add some star power.
However, with Dean Ambrose gaining great momentum on Raw, and with Lesnar’s Triple H Raw face off getting a strong reaction, combined with Reigns’ dip in popularity, maybe the company could be tempted to change plans at the last minute. Ambrose in particular would be a Daniel Bryan type of story if he got the win this weekend and went on to beat Hunter.
Still, you can’t bet against Reigns, he has to be the safe pick for winning at Fastlane. The likely scenario is Bray Wyatt turns up and drags Lesnar from the match, with Reigns and Ambrose then fighting it out for a final five minutes. The Big Dog then hits the spear and takes the win.
Post match, they’ll tease the Ambrose heel turn, but right now it makes more sense for him to shake Reigns’ hand and put him over. They can then execute the turn in the post-Mania period, with Ambrose challenging Reigns for the WWE Title.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Comment Below Your Favorite wwe fastlane match winner
0 comments:
Post a Comment