Highlights of WWE Fastlane

​
The last stop on the road to WrestleMania, Fastlane, definitely had its ups and downs. We saw a title change hands, a match brutally interrupted, friends turn on each other, we saw Asuka make her choice, and we saw a man's dream of headlining WrestleMania go down in flames.

In the preshow, we watched Breezango and the "perfect 10" Tye Dillinger face off against Gable/Shelton/Mojo Rawley. The match was lackluster at best. The only highlight of the match was when the crowd chanted "You can't wrestle" in Mojo Rawley's direction. Tye Dillinger brought the win to his tag team, pinning Rawley for the 1..2..3.

Shinsuke Nakamara and Rusev kicked off the main event with a bang. It was Rusev day vs. Nakamara day. There were more nearfalls in this match than in any other match we saw last night. Ultimately, Nakamara brought the win against Rusev, cancelling "Rusev Day."

History was made in the United States Championship match, as we saw Randy Orton and Bobby Roode bring everything they had. The title that had eluded Orton throughout his 16 year career, finally made its way home. Orton RKO'd his way into history, winning the championship and becoming a Grand Slam Champion. The celebration was short-lived when Jinder Mahal came out and attacked Orton. Roode joined the mix, hitting his 'Glorious' DDT on both Orton and Mahal.

The women's division saw a tag team match. Natalya and Carmella faced off against Becky Lynch and Naomi. While the match lacked spunk, we saw a very dangerous and physical side to Carmella. It was this side of her that gave her and Natalya the win against Lynch and Naomi.

The Tag Team Championship between The Usos and The New Day was deliciously physical. However, the match ended in a 'no contest' when The Bludgen Brothers came out and destroyed both tag teams. I tell you, it was one of the most heinous attacks I had ever seen on WWE. Xavier Woods suffered a thorasic spine injury and he's still being evaluated by medical staff.

The Women's Championship between Charlotte Flair and Ruby Riott was one of the most highly anticipated matches of the night, and it didn't disappoint. Riott matched Flair blow-for-blow, but it wasn't enough to win her first championship. Flair set her up in the figure-8 and Riott tapped out. Flair retained her championship.
Shortly after the match, Asuka came out and chose the top female champion wrestler, challenging her at WrestleMania.

The 6-man WWE Championship was the best match of the night. So many interlocking storylines made for an incredible match. All 6 men had their eyes on headlining WrestleMania as champion, none more so than John Cena. Cena had the most at stake in this match, as he was looking to solidify his name in history as the 17-time champion. The match was also his only ticket to WrestleMania, so he brought everything he had. AJ Styles wasn't going to let go of his championship without a fight. The friendship between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn unraveled before our very eyes. Shane McMahon made matters worse when he interrupted the 3 count for both men. Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin also brought their A-game.
Ultimately, the Phenomenal One was victorious against his 5 competitors, with Cena's WrestleMania dreams up in smoke.
I, like most viewers, waited for a miracle after that last match. Rumors were running rampant that The Undertaker was in attendance at Fastlane. A lot of us were hoping for The Phenom to come out and accept a challenge from Cena. Sadly, we all went to bed disappointed, none more so than John Cena.
​
There's always tonight's Raw! We still have hope, Cena! It isn't WrestleMania without you.​

---