Fastlane 2016 Reactions
Photo courtesy of WWE.com
February 22, 2016
Well, it was it what it was.
Unlike the Royal Rumble reaction, which can be found on this link, this reaction is going to be a short and sweet.
Well, it was it what it was.
Unlike the Royal Rumble reaction, which can be found on this link, this reaction is going to be a short and sweet.
- I went 6-for-7 on my predictions, which can be read here. My lone loss was the six-man tag-team match between Ryback, Kane, The Big Show vs. The Wyatt Family.
- Good opening match with Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch vs. Naomi and Tamina. Was entertaining and fast-paced. Enjoyed it. 3.75/5
- Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler put on a fantastic match, yet again. Two great performers and Owens relished in his role yet again. I'm truly buying into Wrestlemania 32 potentially being KOMania. 4/5
- The tag-team match was better than I expected, however, I did not expect much. Both teams were full of energy and while it was slow at times, Ryback's energy was infectious. Also, hysterical that he almost flew out of the ring on his third running knee attempt. Big Show with that mammoth spear got me to chuckle as well. I hope Luke Harper is okay after that horrible fall he took during the botched Shellshock. 3.5/5
- Charlotte and Brie Bella delivered a very solid title match. Good back and forth with each playing their heel/babyface role well. Brie got in some signature moves from both Daniel Bryan and her sister, Nikki. That was fun to see and she gave a helluva an effort. Charlotte is master class. I can't wait for the inevitable Charlotte/Sasha matches to come. 3.75/5
- Was really looking forward to A.J. Styles vs. Chris Jericho and they did not disappoint. Fast-paced, hard-hitting and told a wonderful story. There were a couple of botches, but what match doesn't have those. I just hope that one day, A.J. will be able to hit his backflip deathdrop DDT. The handshake aka "passing of the torch" was a nice moment and proved that Styles is truly phenomenal. 4.25/5
- Decent segment between the New Day and Edge and Christian. It promoted the show and had some good back-and-forth. The inclusion of the League of Nations was unnecessary, but getting dissed in the end was a cheap pop. 2.75/5
- The triple-threat match was entertaining, however, predictable. Roman pulls away victorious by pinning Dean Ambrose. I could have told you that finish the night on RAW when the match was announced. I'll delve more into this match in just a moment. 4/5
The Main Event
Photo courtesy of WWE.com
While I called Roman as the winner, I don't like it. I don't think I'm alone either.
Don't get me wrong, I like Roman Reigns. I think when he finally gets a long run with the title, he will eventually win the fans over. I like his character and move set, but he's not the right guy for the moment.
Is Brock Lesnar? More so than Roman. I think his performance on Sunday along with his credentials would sell you.
Is Dean Ambrose? To a majority of us fans, yes, he is. And I truly don't see why he isn't a more viable option as champion. He is over with the fans, he sells merchandise, and he puts on great matches. Am I missing something? I don't understand why one would build him up so much as this indestructible superstar only to have him be downed by one spear. I figured as soon as the match was announced that he would be the one to take the fall and I'll give credit where credit is due; creative did a good enough job to convince me that there was a chance for him to win. Kudos.
With Roman Reigns vs. HHH set as the main event at Wrestlemania 32, how are the fans going to react? Is HHH the babyface at this point? Will he become that character? I know conventional wisdom says no, but how do you have Roman as the pure fan favorite in six weeks when it took over a year for WWE to fix his horrendous Royal Rumble 2015 booking? Do you attach The Rock at his side at the big event? That's the only thing I can think of to help cauterize the wound for now.
I hope for the company they can make it work.
Don't get me wrong, I like Roman Reigns. I think when he finally gets a long run with the title, he will eventually win the fans over. I like his character and move set, but he's not the right guy for the moment.
Is Brock Lesnar? More so than Roman. I think his performance on Sunday along with his credentials would sell you.
Is Dean Ambrose? To a majority of us fans, yes, he is. And I truly don't see why he isn't a more viable option as champion. He is over with the fans, he sells merchandise, and he puts on great matches. Am I missing something? I don't understand why one would build him up so much as this indestructible superstar only to have him be downed by one spear. I figured as soon as the match was announced that he would be the one to take the fall and I'll give credit where credit is due; creative did a good enough job to convince me that there was a chance for him to win. Kudos.
With Roman Reigns vs. HHH set as the main event at Wrestlemania 32, how are the fans going to react? Is HHH the babyface at this point? Will he become that character? I know conventional wisdom says no, but how do you have Roman as the pure fan favorite in six weeks when it took over a year for WWE to fix his horrendous Royal Rumble 2015 booking? Do you attach The Rock at his side at the big event? That's the only thing I can think of to help cauterize the wound for now.
I hope for the company they can make it work.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I thought it was a good show, but nothing earth shattering. The matches were good and helped end--hopefully--some current rivalries. I'm curious to see how the Road To Wrestlemania finally gets shaped starting tonight on Monday Night RAW.
Overall rating: 3.75/5
Overall rating: 3.75/5
