WWE Fastlane 2018: Recap, Reaction, Results (March 11, 2018)

By: Jamie Henry –

Last night’s WWE Fastlane, emanating from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, begins with Shinsuke Nakamura vs Rusev. Aiden English comes out to announce Rusev with a funny little rap before the match begins. With opposing chants for both Rusev and Nakamura, Rusev shows a little more aggression than Nakamura. Eventually, Nakamura wins with a Kinsasha, though there were quite a few close calls. The end of the match proves that Nakamura can handle a huge stage like Westlemania.

Randy Orton vs Bobby Roode for the United States Championship is next, and I can’t help but wonder why Jinder Mahal isn’t in this match, as he was the only one continuously left standing when it came to these two men. Orton dominated early, but Roode capitalized several times. In the end, Orton clinched the victory and the United States Championship with an RKO, finally having captured every WWE title. During Orton’s celebration, Jinder Mahal comes out and immediately attacks Orton, with Roode coming in and attacking Mahal before also attacking Orton, being the only one standing. This leads to a Wrestlemania match, which has me very interested in seeing where they’re going to take this.

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are backstage, talking about Zayn pinning Owens during last week’s match as Zayn explains that what he said about tonight didn’t count for last week when it came to laying down for Owens. Owens doesn’t believe him and walks away mid conversation and fans of the two can’t help but wonder not only if their friendship is over but also if Zayn will, hopefully, become champion.

Naomi and Becky Lynch vs Carmella and Natalya is up next with the four woman showing their aggression early on as they each regularly team up against one another. With the crowd actively bored during the match, Carmella attempts to use her Money In The Bank briefcase but is unable to – though, she is still able to pin Lynch, allowing herself and Natalya to win the match.

The New Day vs The Uso’s is next and the match begins, as expected, with the two teams on fire. From mocking each other to stealing the other team’s moves, both The New Day and The Uso’s give this match their all, which can be expected this feud always produces quality matches. The Bludgeon Brothers interrupt the match, which actually has me quite disappointed as they ruined a good match. They attack The New Day and The Uso’s causing the match to be ended in disqualification and leaving the crowd disappointed.

Next is Charlotte Flair vs Ruby Riot. Riot comes out alone and the match starts, with Riot dominating early. When Flair begins to dominate, the others in the Riot squad come out and distract Flair, which Riot uses to her advantage. When it seems like the Riot Squad will attack Flair, who is outside of the ring, Naomi and Lynch come running out. The crowd appears dead until Flair does a Moonsault off the barrier, with both woman connecting with one another once more as the match continues. The Riot Squad, Lynch and Naomi end up being removed from ringside and Riot, arguing with the referee about it, is distracted enough for Flair to attack and pin her with the Figure Eight. As Flair holds up the title, RAW’s Asuka comes out, pointing to the Wrestlemania sign, essentially challenging Flair to a Wrestlemania match.

It’s time for the Main Event – AJ Styles vs John Cena vs Dolph Ziggler vs Baron Corbin vs Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn for the WWE Championship and a shot at the Wrestlemania main event. The match begins as an all-out brawl, with some notable moments include everyone beating down on Cena all at once, Owens frog-splashing Ziggler and nearly pinning him, Corbin sending Ziggler through the glass board in the arena, Cena smashing Styles through the announcer’s table, Zayn actually laying down for Owens only for Owens to attack and the two to brawl, Zayn and Shane McMahon, who had come down to watch the match, arguing as Owens accidentally kicks McMahon instead of Zayn, and McMahon costing both Owens and Zayn the match. AJ Styles ends up pinning Kevin Owens to retain his title, and I find myself wondering what’s next for Owens and Zayn alongside Shane McMahon, and if Zayn will ever get an opportunity for the WWE Championship that he so deserves.