Fastlane Reactions *spoilers*

Hey guys,

With the run up to Wrestlemania, we've just had our last PPV before the grandest stage of them all *count how many times that's said from now until WM*. The card has been set for Raw and last night Smackdown solidified their path to New Orleans. The card was an odd bunch, from Becky & Naomi v Natalya and Carmella (which really had no lead up) to a bloody 6-pack challenge for the Championship (I mean it's one way to make sure most of the roster have a match). I had some reservations about last night but thank you WWE for not messing it up and having a pretty awesome PPV:

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev

Another match with no real heat or long term lead up, however, Rusev Day v Nakamura Day is not something I am against. Two great workers who are extremely over with the crowd, it was always going to get the crowd hyped, especially on Rusev Day. I actually really enjoyed this match even though some people might have thought it was an obvious outcome and maybe slow paced compared to the other matches of the night. Both superstars got a nice about of offence and it was great to see the Bulgarian Brute and the Rockstar working together because we got to see Nakamura's odd and unique style but also Rusev's aggressive yet massively agile style. It was obvious that Nakamura was going to win and it's building great momentum going into WM.

United States Championship: Bobby Roode (c) vs. Randy Orton (new c)

I won't lie, I've never been an Orton fan and I'm not to sure on Roode as a face (because sometimes I actually forgot who was what), but, as the match continued, I did get more into it. There's no denying that both these stars are so experienced and know how to put on a great match. We had some nice spots from the two of them, including a pretty epic superplex from the top rope and an RKO out of nowhere. I definitely think this was the most shocking result but it's going to start a nice build up to WM and let's see where it goes from there.

Becky Lynch & Naomi vs. Carmella & Natalya

Like I said in the intro, this match really had no proper lead up or storyline to back up the point of the match. It's just solidifying the creative team's attempt to make sure all the women are involved by throwing together pointless tag matches. I didn't really think much of the match and I guess it did what it said on the card: put a spotlight onto Carmella for a potential cash-in at WM. All stars did well and, although there were no stand out points, there was nothing wrong with the match.

Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c) vs. The New Day - DQ

Apart from the odd, but understandable ending, the match had the potential to be match of the night if it had continued, there was a decisive winner and then Luke and Rowen came out. It started off as quick and exciting as every Uso and New Day match has and, by using the two speedsters of the New Day, the match was fast pace and dynamic. I think the high points was definitely when we saw each of the superstars doing the other teams moves such as the Usos attempting Trouble in Paradise, the Boom Drop and Midnight Hour and the New Day attempting to do the frogsplash and superkick. I wasn't too upset about the match ending in DQ with the Bludgeon Brothers because I think it's a nice lead up to a possible triple threat match at WM.

Women's Championship: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ruby Riott

Any match with Charlotte is going to show off the opponent off in such a good light and we actually saw the potential that Ruby Riot has to be a proper heel, especially with the Riott Squad in her corner. It did what we all expected, made us think that Ruby had some shot at winning but really solidified Charlotte's dominance in the women's division. The real talking point of this match was the aftermath when Asuka came out and challenged Charlotte to her WM match and I can see this being a fight till the death. The Queen v The Empress - well the title says it all.

WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) vs. John Cena vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler
By god wasn't this an amazing match. I had to write down all the good bits because, as there were so many, I was so worried that I was going to forget something. It started with John Cena throwing AA's all over the place and, from then, it was all go. Each superstar had there own spotlight from my baby Ziggler countering an AA with a famouser, Dolph and Baron going into the crowd and flying through a screen of some sort and Baron throwing the steel steps at everyone. Sami and Kevin also had great chemistry throughout and there was a point where we thought Sami was #friendgoals, until KO decided 'na, I won't trust him to lay down the title' and went into a full on brawl. However, it's not an SD match with Sami and KO without interference from the big, sweaty GM himself Shane McMahon. Twice that bastard decided to interfere by pulling the ref to stop KO winning and by pulling Sami to stop him winning. Well, what do we expect from fame hogging Shane? We also cannot forget the man of the match and still WWE Champion AJ Styles. He crashed through a table, broke up so many pinfall attempts and threw out some amazing moves - AJ really is phenomenal and I can't wait until his match with Nakamura!

So, we're on the way to Wrestlemania and the card seems much clearer and exciting! Only time will tell if there are any last minute changes!

Until Next Time,

Bye!