WWE 'Fastlane' Guide
The pay-per-view bridging of the "Royal Rumble" and "WrestleMania" has manufactured few history-making moments in recent memory, with the show merely serving its purpose of being a gateway to WWE's biggest event of the year and nothing more.
WWE "Fastlane" will emanate from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday night, filling the spot on the calendar once held by the "Elimination Chamber" for a second year in a row. This year's card looks strong in terms of in-ring workmanship, but once again, there's very little mystery as far as which superstars and Divas will have their hands raised when it's all said and done.
Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose (Winner challenges Triple H for WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 32)
The Authority tried desperately to remove the WWE World Heavyweight Championship from around Roman Reigns' waist, yet here he is, less than one month after dropping the belt, vying for a shot at becoming a three-time champion in what may be the shortest span ever.
Adding "The Lunatic Fringe" Dean Ambrose - who has gotten more screen time than his "Brother in Arms" over the past couple of weeks - to the equation changes the dynamic of the bout, but doesn't alter the desired result.
WWE management has laid the groundwork for a Reigns-Triple H showdown for over a year, so it's highly unlikely they'll change course without a big payoff for the two. Including Ambrose means Brock Lesnar doesn't have to be involved in the decision, because keeping "The Beast Incarnate" looking as invincible as possible remains of the utmost importance.
An Ambrose heel turn may just be around the corner, and while "Fastlane" may not provide fans with a full-fledged shift in character, there could still be some more seeds planted during this Triple Threat match for the inevitable split of the former Shield allies.
Winner: Roman Reigns
A.J. Styles vs. Chris Jericho
The pairing of A.J. Styles with a veteran as savvy as Chris Jericho for "The Phenomenal One's" first feud with the company has been the perfect way to introduce Styles to an audience that may not be aware of his past accolades in Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honor, or New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Jericho has worked hard to put over his adversary leading up to "Fastlane," acknowledging his moves, title history, and just how formidable he is between the ropes during backstage segments and on commentary.
There's more value in having Styles defeat the Fozzy frontman one more time to break their 1-1 series tie, thus moving on to bigger things for his next program at "WrestleMania 32." He's the new kid on the block with something to prove.
Wins and losses don't phase Jericho at this stage of his career. Remember, it wasn't too long ago when he got rolled up at WrestleMania 29 by Fandango, who hasn't been seen or heard from in forever and a half.
Winner: A.J. Styles
Big Show, Ryback, and Kane vs. Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, and Luke Harper
This six-man tag team match won't be a technical masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, with all participants working stiff and hitting hard.
An ongoing criticism of WWE chairman Vince McMahon is that he has an unhealthy infatuation with giants, and it looks like "The Black Sheep" Braun Strowman may be his latest pet project.
Still a work in progress, Big Show and Kane, along with Ryback, are the right talents to help make Strowman look like a million bucks, especially if his name gets called for a high-profile match on the "WrestleMania" card. Practice makes perfect.
Winners: The Wyatt Family
WWE Divas Championship: Charlotte (c) w/ Ric Flair vs. Brie Bella
It would be a feel-good moment for Brie Bella to upset Charlotte and become a two-time Divas Champion after her husband, Daniel Bryan, announced his retirement from professional wrestling.
She did, however, hint at calling it a career herself during a recent interview with "Good Morning America."
Charlotte has really come into her own as a dastardly heel in the division with her legendary father by her side. With Brie's future as a performer up in the air, Charlotte should continue her reign of dominance by putting a second Bella out of her misery.
Winner: Charlotte
Other matches
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Kevin Owens (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler
The rivalry between Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler had no backstory, substance, or reason for existing up until six days ago when Owens became Intercontinental Champion. It was just a multitude of matches from two guys who could wrestle their tails off and captivate the audience for 10 minutes at a time, while not bringing much else to the table.
Ziggler was involved in the Fatal 5-Way title match Owens inevitably won on "Raw," so you'd figure if WWE wanted "The Show-Off" to be wearing gold, it would be him carrying the strap and not his Canadian adversary.
Winner: Kevin Owens
Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch vs. Naomi and Tamina Snuka
WWE hasn't yet capitalized on the post-match attack of Sasha Banks on Charlotte at the "Royal Rumble," and for good reason. A battle of former "Four Horsewomen" members and NXT alumnus is best served on a grander stage, with this tag-team match biding time until we get to the women's bout everyone is aching to see.
Becky Lynch is an X factor, as she too could find herself back in the title hunt, if she's the one picking up the decision here against Team B.A.D.
Winners: Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch
WWE United States Championship (2-out-of-3 falls): Kalisto (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio
Getting bumped to the Kick-Off Show may be a blessing in disguise for Kalisto and Alberto Del Rio, as now they'll have more time to flesh out a match that should reach the maximum three falls.
The two Hispanic stars have played hot potato with the United States Championship after John Cena brought it back to prominence with his Open Invitational, so a little consistency would be appreciated. Just don't hedge your bets on that happening here, though. Now that Sin Cara has returned from his shoulder injury, the Lucha Dragons can begin working their way back up the tag-team ranks, leaving Del Rio to win back the United States Championship for the League of Nations.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio