The show, which took place in Indianapolis on Saturday, was the “most-watched and highest-grossing Fastlane” in company history. It was also the highest-grossing WWE event to ever take place in the city of Indianapolis.
This was the first Fastlane event since 2021. Viewership for the show was up 71 percent from that previous record. Fastlane 2021 was the first WWE pay-per-view to ever stream on Peacock.
“The sold-out show marked the largest gate ever for any Fastlane, up more than 31 percent versus the previous record set in Cleveland in 2016,” WWE wrote. “In addition, Fastlane sponsorship revenue was up 60 percent versus the previous record set in 2021.”
The main event of Saturday’s show saw Seth Rollins defeat Shinsuke Nakamura in a Last Man Standing match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. There was also a tag team match with John Cena & LA Knight defeating The Bloodline’s Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa.
WWE’s next premium live event is Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, November 4.
With Fastlane taking place in Indianapolis, Pat McAfee made a surprise appearance at the show.
McAfee appeared prior to the tag team match between John Cena & LA Knight and The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa). McAfee cut a promo, introduced Cena, and then joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary.
Indianapolis is McAfee’s adopted hometown. He played for the Indianapolis Colts for the entirety of his NFL career.
McAfee also voiced the opening video for Fastlane.
McAfee traveled to Indianapolis after doing ESPN’s College GameDay earlier on Saturday. College GameDay was in Texas for the rivalry game between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners.
In September 2022, McAfee left his role as a full-time WWE commentator due to his College GameDay commitments. McAfee has remained part of WWE despite no longer doing weekly commentary.
McAfee also made a surprise appearance on WWE programming last month. He returned on SmackDown alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The unlikely duo of Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso are now tag team champions.
The Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles changed hands with Rhodes & Uso defeating Finn Balor & Damian Priest at Fastlane. A miscommunication between Priest and JD McDonagh led to Judgment Day losing the match.
McDonagh attempted to hit Rhodes with Priest’s Money in the Bank briefcase, but Rhodes moved out of the way and McDonagh accidentally struck Priest in the knee. Rhodes laid McDonagh out, then capitalized on the situation by giving Priest a Cross Rhodes onto the announce table.
Uso gave Balor a superkick and held him in position so Rhodes could hit a Cody Cutter. Rhodes followed that up with a Cross Rhodes before pinning Balor to win the match.
This is the first championship Rhodes has held since returning to WWE. For Jey, it’s the only title reign he’s ever had with someone other than his twin brother Jimmy.
McDonagh, who is friends with Balor, has been trying to get a spot in The Judgment Day in recent months. Priest hasn’t wanted McDonagh to join the group.
LA Knight gets his megastar moment as he teams up with John Cena on tonight’s Fastlane pay-per-view from Indianapolis.
Cena & Knight are taking on The Bloodline’s Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa. Two weeks ago, Knight was revealed as Cena’s Fastlane partner when he saved Cena from a Bloodline attack. AJ Styles was originally aligned with Cena against The Bloodline, but Styles was taken out in a beatdown by Jimmy Uso and Sikoa.
Shinsuke Nakamura gets another chance to become World Heavyweight Champion when he challenges Seth Rollins tonight. Rollins retained the title against Nakamura at Payback last month. Their rematch has a Last Man Standing Stipulation.
IYO SKY defends her WWE Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair and Asuka in a triple threat match. The Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles will also be defended in a match pitting Finn Balor & Damian Priest against Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso.
Plus, Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar will have a mystery partner as they face off against Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits in a six-man tag.
Tonight’s PPV streams live on Peacock/WWE Network at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There is also an hour-long pre-show leading into the event.
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KICKOFF SHOW
Kayla Braxton welcomed us to the Kickoff show and announced that tonight’s Premium Live Event was sold out with an attendance of 14,529 members of the WWE Universe in Indianapolis, Indiana tonight. Braxton then introduced tonight’s panel of Jackie Redmond, Booker T, Wade Barrett and Peter Rosenberg before the group did a rundown of tonight’s matches.
After they showed a video preview of tonight’s Six-Man Tag Team match, Rey Mysterio was backstage with a concerned Santos Escobar. Escobar wanted to know if Mysterio was able to get through to his contact for tonight’s upcoming match and Rey stated that he knows they read the message but that he hasn’t received a response. Mysterio stated that they would get through this tonight.
Before the panel showed a video preview of the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match tonight, Byron Saxton was backstage with Paul Heyman. Saxton referred to LA Knight and John Cena as the “Mega Tandem” and Heyman took immediate offense. Heyman stated that it would be an easy victory for The Bloodline tonight because they’re family. Saxton then asked what if The Bloodline lost and Heyman went ballistic on Saxton, making fun of his attire tonight, calling him a canary and requesting that Kayla Braxton do the interview next time.
After they previewed the tag team title match, in what could be the highlight of the night, Booker T and Wade Barrett competed in what could be called a “Trick Off” as they showed Trick Williams’ entrance from NXT No Mercy last Saturday night. Both Booker and Barrett shared their own lyrics and “dance moves” during a replay of William’s entrance which had both Braxton and Redmond in hysterics.
The panel previewed the tag team match between LA Knight & John Cena against The Bloodline but before they could make their picks, Redmond informed us that Cathy Kelley was backstage with Damage CTRL. After Kelley asked a question, Bayley put her down and asked her if this was her first day on the job. Bayley then started praising IYO SKY and the game plan for tonight but SKY cut her off. IYO stated that she had her own game plan and that she didn’t need Damage CTRL tonight before walking off. Bayley then stormed off as well as Dakota Kai looked upset.
In the final moments of the Kickoff show, a long white stretch limo arrived into the arena. When the limo door opened, a stunning looking Jade Cargill appeared and was met by Triple H as the panel watched on with excitement.
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MAIN SHOW
Fastlane opened with former Indianapolis Colt and WWE Superstar Pat McAfee providing the Cold Open.
Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso defeated The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor & Damian Priest) to become the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team champions
This match was great! I fully didn’t expect a title change but with the way JD McDonagh accidentally nailed Damian Priest with the briefcase, it sets up massive implications for the championship match between Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura. If they play up an injury to Priest’s leg then we probably won’t see a cash-in tonight. However, if Priest is out for blood after losing his titles after the misstep by McDonagh, he may not want to leave the arena without a championship in hand.
Uso and Priest started the match with Damian outpowering the much smaller Jey in the opening moments but Jey would hold his own using his speed and agility before making the tag to Rhodes. Cody came into the match and immediately focused on the leg of Priest before tagging Uso back into the match.
Priest made the tag to Bálor, once again using his size and strength and after Rhodes and Uso had been showing some great tag team chemistry, the champions started connecting making quick tags back and forth.
As Uso was being worn out by both Bálor and Priest for the next several moments, Rhodes was becoming frustrated on the ring apron not being able to tag in. After a misstep by Priest, Uso was able to finally make the hot tag to Cody.
A fired up Rhodes took out Bálor with a Disaster Kick but could only mange a two count. Bálor would attempt a comeback that included him heading to the top rope for his Coup de Grace but Rhodes caught him and nailed a massive delayed vertical suplex.
Rhodes made the tag to Uso and Bálor was able to make the tag to Priest and some back and forth, Priest attempted to land the Razor’s Edge but Jey escaped and nailed both Bálor and Priest on the outside with a dive through the ropes.
Back inside the ring and Priest was down and out in the middle and Uso went up top and landed his Uso Splash but Bálor was able to make the save before Rhodes nailed him with the Cody Cutter.
It was now back to Uso and Priest in the ring and Jey nailed Damiana with a massive spear but couldn’t capitalize as Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley headed to ringside. Uso would lay out Mysterio on the outside and Ripley got in his face.
Back in the ring and Priest nailed Uso with a hurricanrana and Bálor followed up with his Coup de Grace but Rhodes made the save. Both teams then stood toe to toe before going to battle once more. JD McDonagh then arrived ringside and as chaos was taking place everywhere, Ripley nailed Uso with the briefcase but Bálor could only land a two count and was shocked.
Priest and Rhodes battled on the outside of the ring and as Damian attempted to put him through the announce table, McDonagh accidentally nailed Priest with the briefcase and Rhodes followed up with a Cross Rhodes wiping out Priest.
Bálor was now outnumbered and after Rhodes hustled back into the ring, Cody nailed Bálor with the Cross Rhodes and that was all she wrote as we had new tag team champions!
Backstage, Booker T was with Wade Barrett. Xavier Woods interrupted their conversation and talked out ordering pizza. Barrett looked like he was going to chew out Woods but played him instead. Tonight’s event was being sponsored by Pizza Hut.
The LWO (Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar) & Carlito (w/Zelina Vega) defeated Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits
It was interesting to see them start the match as a 2-on-3 but it played out well with establishing Lashley and the Profits and a potential major force with their strength in numbers, almost completely wiping out The LWO in a matter of twenty-four hours. However, Carlito to the rescue and he got a great pop tonight too!
After Escobar made his entrance with Vega, Mysterio made his entrance with nobody by his side with it looking like it was going to be a 2-on-3 match.
Escobar and Montez Ford began the match and both men looked to gain momentum using speed and technical skills but due to the fact that Ford was a little bit too cocky, Escobar found himself with the advantage.
Escobar followed up with a standing hurricanrana where both men were standing on the top turnbuckle that looked absolutely incredible. Ford followed up with a chop block however and Lashley soon made his way into the match to dominate.
Escobar had made the tag to Mysterio and Rey was on the receiving end of the same beating that presumably began last night on SmackDown with the difference being that the Profits were legally allowed to take part tonight as well.
As Mysterio attempted to make a comeback, Ford yanked Escobar off of the ring apron which prompted Vega to get involved and wipe out Ford. As Vega cheered on a down and out Mysterio in the middle of the ring, a familiar music hit the air and Carlito made his way to the ring!
Carlito ran down to the ring and jumped up on the ring apron and reached his arm out to a relieved Mysterio who quickly made the tag.
Mysterio and Escobar played interference while Carlito looked great inside the ring for the first time since Backlash. As Ford was stunned, Carlito nailed his patented Backstabber to pickup the huge win for a grateful LWO.
– Footage was once again shown of Jade Cargill arriving to the arena in a limo and being met by Triple H backstage.
IYO SKY defeated Asuka & Charlotte Flair in a Triple Threat match to retain the WWE Women’s Championship
IYO SKY is one of the greatest pure performers, male or female, in the WWE it was great to see her get the pinfall victory over one of the greatest champions in WWE history. It’ll be interesting to see where they take things with Asuka clearly tapping to Charlotte’s Figure Eight but nonetheless, a HUGE victory for “The Genius of the Sky” tonight!
SKY came down to the ring without Damage CTRL and after alll three women were introduced by Mike Rome, the bell rang and after SKY was sent to the outside, Asuka hit the mist to the face of Flair and it was almost a very quick victory for Asuka but SKY was able to save her title.
As Flair was being tended to by the officials on the outside of the ring, it became a singles match for the time being inside of the ring and SKY almost scored a victory of her own. As both women were down, an irate Flair reentered the match, landing a massive boot and started showing her power game to both women.
SKY would regain control of the match and Flair was soon on the outside once again. As both SKY and Asuka remained focused on one another, Flair climbed to the top rope and landed a great crossbody on both women before motioning the title was coming her way.
Flair followed up with a chop fest on both women and then after failing to land a double suplex on both of her opponents, finally was successful. With Flair looking dominant at this point, you almost got the sense that it was a 2-on-1 match.
After SKY looked to pickup the win after landing a sweet springboard sunset flip, action spilled to the outside. All three women hit high flying moves with the crowd booing Flair when she setup for her top rope moonsault to the floor.
Flair attempted to go to the top successfully once more but she was caught by SKY. Flair managed to get SKY up on her shoulders and as she looked to land an avalanche fallaway slam, Asuka caught up with both women and nailed a massive powerbomb.
Asuka attempted to get pins on both ladies but could only get two counts. Asuka attempted to start using her submission game on Flair but Charlotte countered into a Figure Eight but SKY nailed Flair with the Meteora. Both SKY and Asuka then locked in simultaneous submissions on Flair but Charlotte wouldn’t give up.
Asuka followed up by attacking SKY and when Flair recovered, she nailed Asuka with the Spear but could only get a two count. Bayley then made her way to ringside and as SKY was arguing with her, Flair nailed SKY with a boot to the face. Asuka attempted to capitalize on Flair but couldn’t get the victory and soon found herself trapped in the Figure Eight as SKY was nowhere in sight.
Bayley jumped up onto the ring apron to distract the referee as Asuka was purely tapping out. SKY then out of nowhere nailed Flair with her Over The Moonsault, shoved Asuka out of the way and scored the massive 1-2-3 to retain her title.
After the match, SKY and Bayley hugged to celebrate IYO’s victory.
– It was announced that the new WWE Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso would be part of the Fastlane Press Conference immediately following the event tonight.
– LA Knight was shown arriving to the arena earlier in the day in the Slim Jim car he was awarded with for winning the SummerSlam Battle Royal earlier this year.
John Cena & LA Knight defeated The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa) (w/Paul Heyman)
Awesome to see John Cena still wrestling in 2023 but even more awesome to see just how over LA Knight truly is. I didn’t expect the hot tag to Knight to take as long as it did but Cena knows how to sell and when that tag was made, it was an awesome sight to see. Add the fact that Knight was the one to get the victory for his team and it was a great play on old school tag team matches building Knight up to be an even bigger WWE Superstar than he is already.
Before the match began, legendary Indianapolis Colt and WWE Superstar Pat McAfee came down to the ring wearing a Colts championship title. McAfee put over the city of Indianapolis, the fans in attendance and said Indianapolis deserved a WrestleMania. McAfee then introduced John Cena before making his was over to the announce table to call the match.
Cena began the match with Uso as the crowd paid their respect to Cena with a “Let’s go Cena!” chant. After Uso failed to gain the upper hand in the opening moments, he tagged in Sikoa where Cena was ready and willing to battle the enforcer of The Bloodline.
Sikoa challenged Cena to come at him and it was a bad idea by Cena and Sikoa nailed him with a stiff shot. Uso was tagged back in and as Cena was potentially seeing stars, Jimmy started showboating but still controlled the match.
Knight looked like he was starting to get impatient standing on the ring apron but he could do absolutely nothing at this point as Sikoa was tagged back in to dominate Cena with pure brute force.
As Uso and Sikoa continued to make tags and make Cena suffer, Sikoa setup Cena in the corner and landed his massive hip attack as Cena looked like he was done for at this point.
Cena attempted a comeback but Sikoa wiped him out with a spinning heel kick. Uso was tagged back in and as Cena looked even more down and out, he nailed Uso with an Attitude Adjustment out of nowhere. Both men now looking to make tags and while Uso was successful, Sikoa cut off Cena as Knight was getting even more impatient.
Sikoa followed up with a Banzai Drop in the corner but Cena kicked out at two. Sikoa failed to follow it up and when he went for the same move again, Cena got his legs up and it was soon a race to both corners. Sikoa made the tag to Uso and finally, Knight got the hot tag!
Knight entered the ring a house of fire before Uso was able to hit a super kick. Uso went to the top for the Uso Splash but missed and Knight countered with his big elbow drop. Sikoa broke things up and Cena landed a flying crossbody off of the top rope (not a typo) on Sikoa. Uso then landed an Uso Splash on Cena as all four men were now down and out.
Cena went for the AA on Sikoa but was super kicked by Uso. Knight would eventually catch Uso on the top rope and landed a running superplex on Jimmy. Sikoa was knocked out of the ring and after Cena hit the Five Knuckle shuffle, Knight nailed Uso with the BFT to pickup the win for the “Mega Tandem”.
After the match, Knight raised Cena’s hand as the crowd cheered for both men.
– Backstage, The Judgment Day was contemplating not leaving Indianapolis without the World Heavyweight Championship as Priest wanted to cash-in. However, Ripley stated that tonight wasn’t the night as Damian handed his briefcase over to Rhea.
– A video promo aired for WWE Crown Jewel 2023 taking place on November 4th as a Premium Live Event.
Seth “Freakin” Rollins defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the World Heavyweight Championship
I’ll be the first to admit, I definitely didn’t predict this one accurately. But wow, what a main event! Nakamura looked like the Nakamura of old in this match and how Rollins won this has me dumbfounded. When Nakamura spit that mist and Rollins went crashing through the announce table, I thought that was it and you could feel it from the crowd. Same thing when Nakamura hit the Kinshasa through a table and many more moments like that in this stellar main event. With that being said, I feel someone in the WWE is a fan of Rocky Balboa movies as if you’ve ever seen Rocky II, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when it came to the finish.
Nakamura began the match playing a cat and mouse game with Rollins before Seth reached under the ring and grabbed a kendo stick but failed to strike Shinsuke. After the match took to the outside, Rollins hit a suplex on Nakamura and attempted to follow up by ripping up the mat surrounding the ring but Nakamura was too quick for Seth.
It was moments after the match began and it was already starting to look like a car wreck at the Indy 500 as tables, chairs, garbage cans and kendo sticks were scattered everywhere. Nakamura managed to land a shot on the ring apron to Rollins before grabbing nunchuku underneath the ring. Nakamura attacked Rollins with the nunchuku and as Seth was trapped in a garbage can, Shinsuke followed up by attacking the can with kendo sticks.
As Nakamura continued his attack and then shifted once again to the champion’s back, Rollins was able to hit a Sling Blade and then follow it up kendo stick shots before landing a plancha through the ropes to the outside.
We’re back in the ring and Rollins nailed a frog splash but Nakamura was quick to make a comeback. As Rollins was setup in the corner against a table, Nakamura flew across the ring but missed and Seth followed up with the Stomp but Shinsuke was able to recover at the count of eight. Rollins took the match back outside the ring and after setting Nakamura on the announce desk, setup a ladder to create even more of a scene but Shinsuke was able to roll off of the desk before Rollins could fully climb the ladder.
Rollins followed Nakamura and the match was now into the stands but before Seth could capitalize, Nakamura managed to save himself by sending Rollins through a stage several feet below. Rollins recovered just before the count of ten and both men then headed back to the ringside area.
Rollins attempted to hit Nakamura with a Pedigree on the exposed concrete but he failed and back body dropped instead. Rollins once again recovered just before the count of ten and as the match headed back inside the ring, Seth successfully nailed Nakamura with the Pedigree. Nakamura recovered with half a second to spare and as the match headed once again to the outside, Nakamura nailed double knees on Rollins through a table.
As the match furiously went back and forth with neither Superstar wanting to give up, Rollins was hellbent on using the ladder. As he climbed it again, Nakamura climbed up the other side, hit him with red mist and sent Rollins crashing through the table below. Again, Rollins recovered at the count of nine!
We’re back inside the ring and Nakamura nailed Rollins with a massive Kinshasa through a table. Rollins at the count of 9.99 rolled out of the ring and landed on his feet to continue the match. What a match!
Both men then headed back up towards the stage area and Rollins nailed Nakamura with a Stomp. Rollins followed up with a huge Falcon Arrow through a table and as the referee got to the count of nine, Rollins rose and Nakamura collapsed and Rollins miraculously somehow walked away with his championship tonight.
WWE is bringing a pay-per-view event to Indiana this October.
During Tuesday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show, it was revealed that Fastlane 2023 will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Saturday, October 7. The show is set to stream live on Peacock/WWE Network.
Seth Rollins was supposed to be on The Pat McAfee Show to announce the news, but Paul Heyman ended up appearing instead. Rollins is defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker on NXT tonight.
Fastlane is returning for the first time since 2021. It will be the first time a WWE PPV has been held in Indianapolis since Clash of Champions 2016.
Before this year’s edition of the event, Fastlane was a PPV that took place on the road to WrestleMania.
McAfee and The Pat McAfee Show are based out of Indianapolis.
WWE’s PPV schedule for the remainder of 2023 is now starting to take shape. Last week, it was announced that Pittsburgh will host Payback 2023 on Saturday, September 2. That event is taking place during Labor Day weekend.
Here’s a look at the updated WWE PPV calendar:
Saturday, July 1: Money in the Bank at O2 Arena in London, England
Saturday, August 5: SummerSlam at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
Saturday, September 2: Payback at PPG Paints Arena In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Saturday, October 7: Fastlane at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
Three months after losing a Firefly Inferno match to Randy Orton, “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt re-emerged with a new look at Fastlane.
The Fiend returned to WWE programming by helping Alexa Bliss defeat Orton at Fastlane tonight. The Fiend broke through the ring during the match and stared Orton down. With Orton’s attention turned to The Fiend, Bliss jumped off the middle rope and pushed Orton into a Sister Abigail from The Fiend. Bliss then pinned Orton to get the win.
The Fiend was wearing a new mask and gear tonight that had supposedly been burnt when Orton lit him on fire in their Firefly Inferno match at December’s TLC pay-per-view.
In the months since TLC, Bliss has been tormenting Orton in storyline. Bliss said that if Orton wanted her out of his life, he’d have to take her out of it at Fastlane. Orton wasn’t able to get his hands on Bliss in tonight’s match. Bliss used fire during the match and made a piece of lighting equipment fall, almost hitting Orton. As part of him being tormented by Bliss, Orton was also coughing up black liquid before the match started.
WWE’s Peacock era begins tonight with the final pay-per-view before WrestleMania 37.
Tonight’s Fastlane PPV will be headlined by Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan facing off for the Universal Championship. Edge, who will challenge for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania, will be the special guest enforcer for the match.
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus will meet in a no-holds-barred match tonight. McIntyre is set to challenge for Bobby Lashley’s WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
Ahead of Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair’s SmackDown Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania, they’ll team up and challenge for Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler’s WWE Women’s Tag Team titles tonight. Alexa Bliss vs. Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Seth Rollins, Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Championship, and Riddle vs. Mustafa Ali for the United States Championship are also set for Fastlane. Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon was announced for the PPV but isn’t currently being advertised on WWE.com.
Tonight’s PPV will be the first WWE event to stream live on Peacock. It will also be the final WWE PPV to air on the standalone WWE Network in the United States. The pre-show starts at 6 p.m. Eastern time, with the main card then starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. Jax & Baszler vs. Banks & Belair will open the main card.
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Pre-Show Recap
Kayla Braxton introduced the Fastlane panel members Booker T, Jerry Lawler, and Pete Rosenberg. Braxton explained how to sign up for the WWE Network on Peacock.
The panel ran down the line up for tonight. They aired a video for Drew McIntryre against Sheamus that highlighted their 20-year friendship and feud.
The panel discussed WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler against Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair. They showed footage of Baszler kicking Jax in the face on SmackDown. Both teams are having problems. The panel also discussed Banks defending against Belair at WrestleMania 37.
The panel turned their attention to the Randy Orton and Alexa Bliss feud. Sonya Deville joined the panel to discuss Intercontinental Champion Big E against Apollo Crews.
They recapped Shane McMahon putting Braun Strowman through the announce table and then dumping slime on him on Raw last Monday. Braxton reported that McMahon injured his knee earlier today. They showed a still image of McMahon holding on to his knee in pain.
In the back, Sarah Schreiber was standing in front of the Doctor/Trainer room. She noted she’s waiting to get an update on McMahon’s injury. The panel treated the injury seriously and thought McMahon shouldn’t compete with an injury.
They recapped the Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura feud.
Kevin Patrick interviewed Seth Rollins in the back. Rollins was wearing an incredibly flashy suit that words can’t do justice. Rollins welcomed Patrick to the WWE and bragged about his suit. He mocked Cesaro and promised to defeat Nakamura later.
United States Champion Riddle defeated Mustafa Ali (w/Retribution) to retain the title
Riddle and Ali had a good pre-show match.
They recapped Riddle beating Ali on Raw to retain the title. After the match, Ali was furious that he lost and blamed Retribution.
Riddle took Ali down and hit a series of knees for the early advantage. He followed up with a gut-wrench suplex and broton for a near fall. Riddle attempted a second broton, but Ali got his feet up to take over.
Ali sent Riddle into the ring post and yelled at Retribution at ringside. Ali slowed the pace down and targeted Riddle’s ribs. Riddle attempted the Bro Derek, but Ali slipped out the back and hit a dropkick.
Ali regained control but seemed to injure his knee. He then hit a rolling backstabber for a close near fall. In a cool spot, Ali went from a running neck breaker, but Riddle reversed into a submission.
Riddle hit a powerbomb into the final flash for a near fall. Ali attempted a tornado DDT, but Riddle rolled through and hit a fisherman buster. Ali fought back and locked on the koji clutch.
The finish came when Riddle climbed to the top rope, but Ali cut him off. Riddle fought back and hit Bro Derek off the second turnbuckle for the win.
After the match, Retribution tried to help Ali, but he started yelling at them. Reckoning stepped forward, and Ali got in her face. He demanded she get back in line, but she walked away instead.
Slapjack walked off as well. Ali yelled at Mace and T-Bar and blamed them for his loss. Mace and T-Bar had enough and gave Ali a double chokeslam.
The panel discussed Universal Champion Roman Reigns defending against Daniel Bryan with Edge as enforcer referee.
Main Show
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler (w/Reginald) defeated Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair to retain the titles
This was a good match. The story of the match was both teams teasing dissension.
They recapped Banks and Belair’s argument from SmackDown. Michael Cole noted both teams are having problems with each other.
Both teams argued with each other before the match started. Banks and Belair worked over Baszler for the early advantage. Belair hit a head-spring moonsault for a near fall.
Baszler and Belair seemed lost at one point, and they just stopped running in the middle of a spot. They quickly recovered, and Baszler rocked Beliar with a knee to the face. Baszler went to stomp on Belair’s elbow, but Jax made a blind tag.
Banks and Belair worked together, and Banks hit a hurricanrana on Jax. The heels took over when Baszler caused a distraction, and Jax knocked Belair off the apron.
Baszler slowed the pace down and locked on a submission. The heels isolated Belair on their side of the ring and cut her off from her corner. Belair fought back, and Banks got the hot tag.
Banks ran wild and hit a Tornado DDT on Baszler for a near fall. Belair then hit a 450 Splash, but Reginald jumped on the apron.
Banks tagged back in and locked on the Bank Statement on Baszler. Belair jumped in the ring to stop Jax from breaking up the submission. Jax pushed Belair onto Banks to break up the submission anyway.
Belair and Banks started to argue and yell at each other. Banks pushed Belair and called her a rookie. Belair started to leave the ring when Baszler rolled up Banks for the win.
After the match, Banks and Belair continued to argue. Banks then slapped Belair across the face and left. Belair was in shock but looked up at the WrestleMania sign.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed Shane McMahon injuring his knee earlier today. McMahon walked out of the trainer’s room on a crutch with ice on his knee.
Elias and Jaxson Ryker approached McMahon. Elias wanted to discuss his pitch for a performance at WrestleMania 37. He mentioned making Bad Bunny look bad. McMahon has an idea he wants to talk about with them.
Intercontinental Champion Big E defeated Apollo Crews to retain the title
Crews and Big E had a good hard-hitting match until the finish. The finish was a bit messy and confusing.
They charged at each other and traded shots in the middle of the ring at the start. Big E speared Crews off the apron to the floor and followed up with a splash on the apron.
Big E was firmly in control and taunted Crews. He followed up with a second splash on the apron. Big E then gave Crews two belly-to-belly suplexes across the ring. He attempted a splash in the corner, but Crews attacked Big E’s knee.
Crews took over and hit three rolling German suplexes. He stomped on Big E and hit a frog splash for a near fall. Crews attempted a standing moonsault, but Big E got his knees up.
Big E missed a charge in the corner and went shoulder first into the ring post. Crews attempted a powerbomb, but Big E slipped out the back.
Big E attempted the Big Ending, but Crews avoided the move.
The finish came out of nowhere. Big E attempted an inside cradle, but Crews attempted to reverse. During the reversal, Big E appeared to pin Crews. Cole and Graves were confused by the finish as well.
After the match, Crews attacked Big E and hit a series of Angle Slams.
In the back, Joseph Average was selling Old Spice when Tozawa approached looking for 24/7 Champion R-Truth. Truth was hiding in the display case. Average ended up pinning Truth, but Truth won the title back.
They showed footage of Shane McMahon injuring his knee earlier today while practicing his jumping knees.
McMahon then introduced Elias for a concert. McMahon came out on a crutch and announced that Elias is taking his place tonight. Elias was surprised to find out he was facing Braun Strowman.
Braun Strowman defeated Elias (w/Jaxson Ryker)
This was basically a squash match. Strowman dominated Elias and easily won.
Strowman beat down Elias and had the early advantage. Ryker tried to help Elias, but it backfired. Strowman ran around ringside and knocked Elias onto the barricade.
Ryker distracted Strowman, and Elias briefly took over with a DDT. He hit an elbow off the top rope for a near fall. Strowman rocked Elias with a hard clothesline to regain control. Strowman then hit the running power slam for the win.
They recapped Retribution turning on Mustafa Ali during the pre-show.
In the back, Riddle was riding around on his scooter. He approached Shinsuke Nakamura and wished him luck with his match later. Riddle told a story, but Nakamura hid until Riddle walked away.
Seth Rollins defeated Shinsuke Nakamura
Rollins and Nakamura had a good match. They started at a slow pace, but it picked up towards the end.
They recapped Seth Rollins feud with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura had the early advantage, but Rollins quickly took over. He rocked Nakamura with a series of knees. Rollins followed up with a backbreaker for a near fall.
Rollins slowed the pace down and hit a knee drop for a near fall. Rollins continued to beat down Nakamura and started yelling about Cesaro giving him the giant swing.
Rollins teased giving Nakamura the giant swing. Nakamura fought back and went for an armbar, but Rollins made it to the ropes. Nakamura took over and hit a sliding dropkick on Rollins. He followed up with a knee on the apron.
Nakamura hit a huge knee in the corner for another near fall. Nakamura attempted the knee off the second turnbuckle, but Rollins knocked him to the floor. He followed up with a suicide dive.
Rollins hit a springboard knee to the face and the sling blade for a near fall. Rollins attempted the buckle bomb, but Nakamura escaped and hit a kick to the head. Nakamura followed up with a sliding German suplex.
Nakamura went for the Kinshasa, but Rollins countered with the buckle bomb. He followed up with the falcon’s arrow for a near fall. Rollins attempted the curb stomp, but Nakamura avoided the move.
Rollins went for a running knee, but Nakamura ducked. Rollins countered by hooking his leg on Nakamura’s and delivered a kick to the back of the head. Rollins then hit the curb stomp for the win.
The Raw commentators briefly discussed Rhea Ripley debuting tomorrow night.
No Holds Barred Match: Drew McIntrye defeated Sheamus
McIntrye and Sheamus had a really good hard-hitting, and brutal match. They both had bruises and deep cuts all over their backs when it was over.
They wasted no time and started trading shots. McIntrye caught Sheamus with a belly-to-belly suplex and sent him to the floor with a clothesline.
Sheamus fought back and sent McIntrye into the barricade.
McIntrye recovered and hit a belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. McIntrye cleared off the announce table and pulled out kendo sticks from under the ring. Sheamus jumped McIntrye and sent him into the ring post.
McIntrye hit another belly-to-belly suplex on the floor and threw Sheamus into the steps. Sheamus rocked McIntrye with a knee as he entered the ring.
Sheamus took over and hit McIntrye with a kendo stick several times. McIntrye fought back and rocked Sheamus with the Glasgow kiss.
McIntrye grabbed the kendo stick and hit Sheamus in the back. He then tried jabbing the kendo stick into Sheamus’ eye. The kendo stick shots left deep cuts on both of their backs.
Sheamus rolled to the floor. McIntrye charged at Sheamus, but he moved and sent him into the steps. They fought on top of the announce desk. McIntrye attempted the Future Shock DDT, but Sheamus avoided it.
Micintrye threw Sheamus off the table into the barricade. They brawled around the ThunderDome into the stands. McIntrye attempted a suplex, but Sheamus countered with a suplex. They fought on the platforms in front of the screens. Sheamus took over after hitting a rolling senton on the platform.
Sheamus set up for another rolling senton, but McIntrye broke free. He then threw Sheamus, and he crashed into the screens, which exploded with sparks flying everywhere.
McIntyre placed Sheamus on a box and rolled him back to ringside. McIntyre then gave Sheamus a suplex on the floor again.
McIntrye tried to carry Sheamus back to the ring, but Sheamus poked him in the eyes. Sheamus then hit the Brogue Kick, and McIntrye flew over the barricade.
Sheamus yelled at McIntrye that he should be in the WrestleMania main event. Sheamus then gave McIntyre white noise off the barricade through the announce table. Sheamus shoved McIntrye back in the ring and grabbed a piece of the announce desk.
The finish came when Sheamus attempted the Alabama Slam on the piece of the table, but McIntrye countered into the Future Shock DDT. McIntrye then hit the Claymore Kick for the win.
Alexa Bliss defeated Randy Orton
This wasn’t a match and more of an angle to set up the return of The Fiend. They did a bunch of special effects moments like a bad horror movie.
Orton came out first and posed on the turnbuckle as he always does. Suddenly, Orton started to cough up the black ooze again. He grabbed a towel and demanded that Bliss come to the ring.
Bliss laughed at Orton as she made her entrance. The lights turned purple for the match. Orton walked towards Bliss, but suddenly flames appeared in the ring out of nowhere.
Orton backed off but then charged at Bliss. She moved, and he went shoulder-first into the ring post. Bliss laughed at Orton some more.
Orton followed Bliss around ringside, but she suddenly stopped. She looked up, and the lighting rig fell and almost landed on Orton.
Bliss laughed and challenged Orton to get in the ring. Bliss blew a kiss at Orton. He got upset and charged towards her, but she hit him with a fireball.
Orton went down, but the commentators claimed Orton blocked the fireball. Bliss sat on the top turnbuckle and stared at Orton.
Suddenly, The Fiend came through a hole in the ring. Flames came out of the hole, and then The Fiend emerged. The Fiend’s mask is melted and deformed looking because Orton set him on fire at TLC.
Orton backed off, but Bliss pushed him into The Fiend. The Fiend then hit Sister Abigal, and Bliss covered Orton for the win.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Daniel Bryan to retain the title
Special Ringside Enforcer: Edge
Bryan and Reigns had a really good match that told a good story. They worked at a slow pace, but it picked up towards the end.
Reigns backed Bryan in the corner and rocked him with a hard chop. Bryan fought back and attempted a kneebar.
He taunted Reigns and continued to target the legs.
Bryan attempted an armbar, but Reigns quickly broke free. Bryan hit a series of kicks to the legs again, but Reigns countered with a side headlock.
Bryan slipped out of the headlock and worked over Reigns shoulder and hand. Reigns regained control and backed Bryan in the corner.
Bryan fought back and caught Reigns with a dropkick.
Bryan went back to attacking Reigns’ arm and leg. Reigns briefly took over, but Bryan fought back. Bryan ran up the corner and charged at Reigns, but he countered with a backbreaker.
Reigns looked over at Edge as he beat down Bryan. He followed up with a suplex for a near fall. Reigns slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Bryan broke free, but Reigns knocked him to the floor. Reigns beat Bryan around ringside and looked over at Edge again.
Reigns charged at Bryan, but he moved, and Reigns crashed into the corner. Bryan recovered and hit a running dropkick in the corner. He attempted a hurricanrana off the top rope but Reigns reversed into a Boston crab.
Bryan fought back and rolled up Reigns for a near fall. Bryan sent Reigns to the floor and attempted a plancha. Reigns countered into a slam and picked Bryan up.
Bryan slipped out the back and pushed him into the ring post. He followed up with a knee of the apron to regain control.
Bryan hit a missile dropkick for a near fall. He rocked Reigns with a series of kicks, but Reigns backed him into the corner. Reigns attempted a powerbomb, but Bryan reversed into a hurricanrana. He followed up with a kick to the head for a near fall.
Bryan stomped on Reigns face and transitioned into the Yes Lock. Reigns almost made it to the ropes, but Bryan rolled to the middle of the ring and reapplied the Yes Lock.
Reigns broke free and hit a powerbomb for a two-count. Reigns attempted a spear, but Bryan caught him with a kick to the face. Suddenly, the referee was standing directly behind Reigns.
Bryan went for the running knee but Reigns moved, and he hit the referee. Reigns then hit the spear on Bryan. Corey Graves noted there’s no referee. Edge eventually jumped in the ring, but Bryan kicked out.
Reigns and Edge briefly argued. Reigns attacked Bryan, but Bryan reversed into the Yes Lock again. Jey Uso ran out and rocked Edge with a superkick. He caught Bryan with a superkick as well.
Uso grabbed a chair and sent Edge into the ring post. Uso tried to hit Bryan with the chair, but he avoided it. Bryan got the chair and beat down Uso with it. He noticed the referee was down, so he went to hit Reigns with the chair. Reigns moved, and Bryan hit Edge in the shoulder with the chair.
Reigns charged at Bryan, but Bryan applied the Yes Lock again. Reigns eventually tapped out, but there was no referee. Edge grabbed the chair and attacked both Bryan and Reigns.
Edge was furious and yelled that the title shot is his at WrestleMania. Edge stormed off in a rage. Eventually, Reigns crawled over to Bryan and pinned him for the win.
A look at how WrestleMania tickets, the COVID situation, UFC running Jacksonville all tie together is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.
We look at WWE’s attendance goals, foreign attendance, ticket prices, Super Bowl COVID spreading, Spring break, the WrestleMania card updated, Dana White’s decision to run a full house indoor show, his planned big card, why so many people UFC fighters have gotten COVID than wrestlers, as well as a look at the most recent COVID outbreak in NXT.
Also in this issue:
New Japan Cup with coverage of all the shows of this past week, with results, notes and star ratings for all the Cup matches.
WWE’s move to Peacock and the functions, Eric Bischoff Hall of Fame story, Charlotte Flair movie starring role, Tyson Fury vs. Drew McIntyre, WWE Network gift cards, how WWE & AEW did against sports programming this past week, Canadian WWE ratings, Danny Burch injury, new WWE signees, A&E schedule for WWE programming, UFC star talks going to WWE, WWE market value, most-watched shows on WWE Network and Paul Weight talks how WWE nixed his business idea.
Saturday’s UFC show, with the stories from the fight, future direction as well as match-by-match coverage.
A story that isn’t there now, but based on things being worked on that will greatly change all combat sports as well as pro wrestling and look at what changes can and can’t be done.
A major feature on Buddy Colt, one of the biggest pro wrestling stars of the 1970s, who passed away last week. We look at his career, his similarities with an all-time legend and the plane crash that led to the end of his in-ring career. We go into detail on the crash, the injuries he and the others had, his thoughts on the business, his interaction with Muhammad Ali, his breaking in Brian Blair and what he taught him, the first interracial match in Georgia, the death of Eddie Graham and the end of Championship Wrestling from Florida and much more.
More into detail on the ratings than any other source, we have how every segment on NXT and AEW did as well as how it did with different age groups, genders and more, plus a look at all other wrestling shows of the past week.
Results of the major pro wrestling events of the past week.
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan Alvarez and I will be back tonight talking about Fast Lane and the other weekend shows with Wrestling Observer Radio. You can also leave questions for the show to [email protected]
We have a show up already covering last night’s various shows. A few notes. The Will Ospreay vs. Shingo Takagi New Japan Cup final is being lauded everywhere as one of the best matches of the year. The angle after with Ospreay turning on Bea Priestley left the show on a weird note and I don’t think was a good thing at that moment in time.
I was really sad to hear about the death of Barry Orton on Friday night. Orton was a good wrestler who never really got the chance to show what he could do nationally, but did show it in Calgary in 1987 as the Zodiak. Mike Tenay credited him for putting his Wrestling Insiders radio show on the map in 1992. He had his demons but he was always very careful in speaking so people wouldn’t take things out of context in a situation where people did anyway, such as Geraldo Rivera and I know he was very upset at them trying to convey a different story from the story is actually told when it came to his claims Terry Garvin came on to him, implying in 1992 that it was recent in WWF when he made it clear it was in 1979 in the Amarillo territory.
Fast Line starts at 6:30 p.m. Eastern tonight as the last PPV show before WrestleMania. On paper this looks like one hell of a show, or at the least the top two matches look to be big.
Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan for the Universal title – This is Bryan’s first PPV main event in two years and he’s talked about wanting to do a match of the year. And these two have the ability in a main event setting to do an incredible match. Reigns is a -600 favorite and him not retaining would be a change of plans. There are a lot of teases for a three-way with Reigns vs. Bryan vs. Edge coming out of tonight’s show.
Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus in a no holds barred match – These two have had a great and a very good television match. McIntyre is a -420 favorite. I could see this going either way. Usual logic given McIntyre is in a title match at Mania has him winning, but they could go the other way to make Sheamus a contender if McIntyre wins the title
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend the women’s tag titles against Bianca Belair & Sasha Banks – The story here is that they’ve teased both teams about the break up. Jax & Baszler are -400 favorites to retain.
Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the IC title – I like this match. Crews has a big opportunity here and really for both these guys it’s a chance to show they can perform a big singles match on a big stage. E is a -210 favorite to retain.
Seth Rollins vs Shinsuke Nakamura – This is a match designed to set up Rollins vs. Cesaro. On paper it should be good as well. Rollins is a -350 favorite given he’s the one being pushed right now.
Riddle vs. Ail for the U.S. title – Another match that on paper should be great if they are given time and not held back. Riddle is a -400 favorite to retain the title
Alexa Bliss vs. Randy Orton – Obviously this will be an angle and not a match, and the idea is for this to be one of the most talked about things on the show. Bliss is listed as a -210 favorite so the idea seems to be people think The Fiend returns and costs Orton the match to set up WrestleMania.
Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon – Strowman is a -145 favorite. I’m not sure why this is on this show and not Mania but it may be here just to set something crazy for later.
We are doing polls this weekend for both nights of the New Japan Cup from Sendai, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match from each show to [email protected] as well as the same for Fast Lane tonight. We also have polls for the best of the New Japan Cup tournament and New Japan Cup MVP.
Kambi allows you to bet over/under on star ratings:
Rollins vs. Nakamura is listed at ***3/4
Riddle vs. Ali is listed at ***
Orton vs. Bliss is unlisted, as it should be
For WrestleMania, you can bet over/under
New Day vs. A.J. Styles & Omos ***1/2
Sasha Banks vs. Bianca Belair ***3/4
Roman Reigns vs. Edge ****1/4
Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre **** (thanks to WWEleaks.org)
The only combat sports related subjects that made the top 20 any days this past week on searches were Kevin Holland was No. 15 yesterday with 100,000 and the earthquake in Japan, while not a combat sports story but it did interrupt New Japan’s Saturday show in Sendai, as No. 17. Spencer Lee, who won the NCAA title in wrestling at 125 pounds was No. 3 this morning with 50,000. Fast Lane will almost surely crack the top 20 today.
The Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega featherweight title fight scheduled for this coming Saturday’s UFC 260 show is off because Volkanovski tested positive for COVID on Friday. He had arrived in Las Vegas on Wednesday and had two negative tests, one before leaving and one on arriving.
Regarding the two weird Hall of Fame stories, WWE has not officially commented on either. One is that Dave Bautista was removed from the listings for the Hall of Fame and his status as being in the Hall of Fame was also removed. The belief is that there was a date conflict. The only word we were told is “There were changes to this year’s Hall of fame…Batista was one of them.” The other regards Daniel Bryan’s name listed as part of the ceremony on a Peacock Network listing. We’re again waiting for an official word on that one. The word going around is that there is a mistake made.
The NWA has a PPV going on right now on FITE headlined by Nick Aldis vs. Aron Stevens for the NWA title, Thunder Rosa vs. Kamille, Trevor Murdoch vs Chris Adonis (Masters) for the National title and Elijah Burke vs. Thom Latimer for the TV title.
WWE
Steve Austin will be taking part in the “We’re Texas” virtual charity benefit hosted by Matthew McConaughey through the Just Keep Livin Foundation, and the Texas Relief Fund. The event will try and raise money for those affected by the winter storm in Texa and takes place at 8 p.m. Eastern tonight. It’ll be on McConaughey’s YouTube channel and also features Don Henley Gary Clark Jr., George Strait, Kelly Clarkson, Khalid, Lyle Lovett, Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson, Clayton Kershaw, Dr. Phil, Dak Prescott, Jennifer Garner, Joe Rogan, the Jonas Brothers, Jordan Spieth, Michael Strahan, Renee Zellweger, Selena Gomez and Troy Aikman.
UFC
A fight with Jack Hermansson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan has been added to the 5/15 show in Houston.
Montana de la Rosa vs. Ariane Lipski has been added to the 6/5 show.
AEW
As of yesterday morning there were 171 tickets left for Wednesday’s Dynamite taping headlined by Kenny Omega vs. Matt Sydal. It is selling ahead of the pace of the 3/10 show.
Maki Itoh said that her Twitter was hacked and she apologized that the situation caused people to worry about her well being and said that she was fine.
Paradigm Pro Wrestling and IWTV debut the second season of UWFi Rules Contender series based on the old UWFi promotion in Japan starting on Wednesday night at 10 p.m. Eastern. The first show has Dominic Garrini vs. Matt Justice and Tom Lawlor vs Lord Crewe.
Stardom results from today in Sendai: Konami b Mina Shirakawa, AZM & Saya Kamitani b Himeka & Lady C, Tam Nakano & Sayaka Unagi b Bea Priestley & Saki Kasima, Utami Hayashishita & Momo Watanabe b Natsuko Tora & Ruaka-DQ, Giulia & Syuri & Maika b Mayu Iwatani & Starlight Kid & Saya Iida. Priestley attacked Hayashishita to build their 4/4 World of Stardom title match. This took place after the New Japan show.
Stardom results from yesterday in Yamagata: Starlight Kid b Lady C, Momo Watanabe & AZM b Mayu Iwatani & Saya Iida, Utami Hayashishita & Saya Kamitani d Syuri & Himike, Bea Priestley & Koami b Giulia & Maika, Tam Nakano & Mina Shirakawa & Sayaka Unagi b Natsuko Tora & Saki Kashima & Ruaka (thanks to Shannon Walsh)
AAW returns on 4/3 from the GALLI Studios in Villa Park, IL. Part of the show will be streamed live and part of the show will be taped for later streaming. n the show is AAW champion Mance Varner, Heritage champion Hakim Zane (Rohit Raju), Ace Austin, Matt Justice, Davey Vega, Gringo Loco, Hyan,ACH, Manders, Travis Titan, Skye Blue, Ace Perry, Brayden Lee and Myron Reed. They will also run on 4/24 at Villa Park and 5/7 from 115 Bourbon Street.
Today is the 85th birthday of former pro wrestler Beverly Shade.
Tokyo Joshi Pro from today in Tokyo: Mizuki b Moko Miyanmoto, Nao Kakuta & Pom Harajuku & Hauna Neko b Hikaru Noa & Mahiro Kiryu & Sena Shiori, Shoko Nakajima won three-way over Yuka Sakazaki & Suzume, Nodoka Tema & Yuki Aino & Ariusu Endo b Hyper Misao & Raku Marikoa Kobashi, Rika Tatsumi b Miu Wantanabe & Mirai Maiumi (thanks to Shannon Walsh and Tomi Yamada)
Pro Wrestling DIANA from today in Kanagawa: Hope b Madeline, Haruka Umesaki & Miyuki Takase b Ami Miura & Nanami, Kyoko Inoue & Kaoru Ito b Jaguar Yokota & Ayako Sato
Thunder Rosa’s Mission Pro Wrestling from last night in Buda TX: Thunder Rosa & Holidead b Jazmin Allure & Queen Aminata, Aleyah Mia Sweets b Raeven Marie, Phoebe & Myka b Danni Bee & Leila Grey, Leyla Hirsch NC Masha Slamovich, Jenna Cide b Rache Chanel, KiLynn King b Ray Lyn, Nyla Rose b Baby D, Rosa Negra b Raychell Rose to retain the MPW tile after using Brass Knux after Rose had used Brass Knux first (thanks to Shannon Walsh)
Gino Medina vs Zenshi has been added to Wednesday’s MLW TV show.
Marius Pudzianowski scored a TKO win in 1:12 over Nikola Milanovich, a judo and sambo champion making his debut on no notice when Pudzianowski’s opponent, the giant Bombardier suffered appendicitis just hours before the show. Sebastian Przybysz (8-2) beat Antun Racic (25-91) to win the bantamweight title while former Olympic hero Daman Janikowski (6-3) won via TKO over Jason Radcliffe (16-8)
SWE from last night saw Blood Hunter win a Battle Royal for the Texas title throwing out Gangrel. Blood Hunter was managed by Salina de la Renta. Caz XL (Big Cass) debuted managed by Melina.
Edge will be playing a role in Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan’s Universal Championship match at Fastlane.
In the main event of tonight’s SmackDown, Edge defeated Jey Uso to become the special guest enforcer for Reigns vs. Bryan at Fastlane. The pay-per-view is airing live on Peacock and the WWE Network this Sunday.
As the special guest enforcer, Edge will be outside of the ring during Reigns and Bryan’s Universal title match.
Edge pinned Uso in tonight’s main event after hitting a spear. Following the match, Reigns ambushed Edge by laying him out with a spear of his own. Bryan was on commentary for the match and went to get into the ring when Reigns provoked him, but Bryan was then attacked by Uso. Reigns also laid out Bryan with a spear.
The winner of Reigns vs. Bryan will defend the Universal Championship against Edge at WrestleMania 37. In storyline, Edge hasn’t been happy that Bryan is getting a title shot before him. Edge was the winner of this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match.
Here’s the updated card for Fastlane:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan (Edge will be the special guest enforcer for the match)
No holds barred match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
United States Champion Riddle defends against Mustafa Ali
A new match has been confirmed for Sunday’s Fastlane pay-per-view.
On SmackDown tonight, it was announced that Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Seth Rollins will take place at Fastlane. Rollins has been feuding with Nakamura’s tag team partner Cesaro since returning to SmackDown last month.
Rollins cut a promo on SmackDown tonight and claimed that Cesaro is jealous of him. Rollins said Cesaro is jealous of the fact that Rollins is successful at everything he does and is loved everywhere he goes. Rollins said that while he’s a WrestleMania main eventer, Cesaro is an abject failure. Rollins mocked Cesaro and said Cesaro will never disrespect or embarrass him again. Rollins called Cesaro the biggest waste of potential in WWE history.
Nakamura then came out to the ring and confronted Rollins on SmackDown tonight. Nakamura took the microphone from Rollins and told him to shut up. Rollins went to attack Nakamura, but Nakamura dropped him with a kick. Rollins bailed from the ring but was then laid out with a Kinshasa after he went back in.
After Cesaro defeated Murphy on SmackDown last week, Rollins attacked Cesaro and laid him out with two curb stomps. Rollins and Nakamura had a staredown when Rollins went backstage after that attack.
Rollins returned to WWE programing as an entrant in this January’s men’s Royal Rumble match. it was his first appearance since going on paternity leave in November. Rollins (real name Colby Lopez) and Becky Lynch (Rebecca Quin) welcomed the birth of their daughter Roux in December.
Nakamura and Rollins previously faced off against each other at Survivor Series 2018. Rollins defeated Nakamura in that match.
Though WWE has stopped advertising Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon for Fastlane online, that match was still listed when WWE ran down the card for the PPV on SmackDown tonight. Here’s the updated lineup for the PPV:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan (Edge will be the special guest enforcer for the match)
No holds barred match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
United States Champion Riddle defends against Mustafa Ali
A stipulation has been added to Drew McIntyre and Sheamus’ match at Fastlane.
WWE has announced that McIntyre vs. Sheamus at Fastlane will now be a no holds barred match. McIntyre vs. Sheamus had been made official for Fastlane earlier this week, but the no holds barred stipulation wasn’t announced until now.
Fastlane is airing live on Peacock and the WWE Network this Sunday.
McIntyre and Sheamus faced off in a no disqualification match on Raw last week, but the match ended in a no contest when they were both laid out after charging at each other while wielding steel steps. That no DQ match was made after Sheamus attacked McIntyre during a backstage interview earlier in the night. McIntyre had defeated Sheamus on Raw the previous week.
McIntyre challenging for Bobby Lashley’s WWE Championship is set for WrestleMania 37. Lashley defeated Sheamus on Raw this week but was dropped by a Claymore from McIntyre after the match. McIntyre and Sheamus had a staredown to close the episode.
Here’s the updated card for Fastlane:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan (Edge will be the special guest enforcer for the match)
No holds barred match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
United States Champion Riddle defends against Mustafa Ali
At Fastlane this Sunday, Shane McMahon will have his first official match since 2019.
WWE has announced that Braun Strowman vs. Shane will take place at this Sunday’s Fastlane pay-per-view. Strowman wasn’t included in last month’s WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match and has been feuding with Shane since then. Shane has mocked Strowman and called him stupid in recent weeks.
On Raw last week, Strowman demanded an apology from Shane. Strowman and WWE authority figure Adam Pearce had lost a Raw Tag Team title match the previous week after Shane urged Strowman to tag Pearce in. Shane initially apologized to Strowman but said nothing else. Later in the show, Strowman went looking for Shane after Shane mocked him. Strowman thought that Shane sped away in a car, but it was revealed that Shane never got into it.
Strowman then challenged Shane to a match on tonight’s Raw. Shane continued to make fun of Strowman and accepted the challenge. But the match never got underway after Shane stalled and Strowman went after him. Strowman went to hit a charge on Shane, but Shane grabbed a cameraman’s camera and used it to hit Strowman. Shane gave Strowman an elbow drop from the top rope through the announce table. Shane then poured buckets of green slime on Strowman.
WWE is also promoting that Alexa Bliss vs. Randy Orton will take place at Fastlane. Bliss said on Raw tonight that if Orton wants Bliss out of his life so badly, he’s going to have to take her out of it. Bliss said Orton will have the chance at Fastlane. Bliss asked him if he’s going to take it. Orton responded later on tonight’s Raw and said kicking Bliss out of his life is exactly what he’s going to do at Fastlane.
Bliss has been tormenting Orton since he defeated “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in their Firefly Inferno match at December’s TLC PPV.
Here’s the updated card for Fastlane:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan (Edge and Jey Uso are facing each other on SmackDown this Friday to determine the special guest enforcer for the match)
Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
Before he challenges for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 37, Drew McIntyre will be in action at Fastlane.
WWE has announced that McIntyre vs. Sheamus will take place at this Sunday’s Fastlane pay-per-view. The show is airing live on Peacock and the WWE Network.
Sheamus turned against McIntyre last month and wanted a one-on-one match for the WWE Championship, but an Elimination Chamber match for the title was instead announced. Sheamus pinned McIntyre to win a gauntlet match leading into the PPV. McIntyre retained the WWE Championship in the Elimination Chamber match but was then attacked by Bobby Lashley. The Miz then cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to win the WWE Championship from McIntyre. On Raw two weeks ago, Lashley defeated Miz in a lumberjack match for the title.
Also on Raw two weeks ago, McIntyre made his first appearance since Elimination Chamber. He defeated Sheamus in a one-on-one match. McIntyre was attacked by Sheamus during a backstage segment last week, which led to them facing each other in a no disqualification match later in the night. The match ended in a no contest after McIntyre and Sheamus both charged at each other while wielding steel steps.
It was confirmed on Raw tonight that Lashley will defend his WWE Championship against McIntyre at WrestleMania 37.
Here’s the updated card for Fastlane:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan (Edge and Jey Uso are facing each other on SmackDown this Friday to determine the special guest enforcer for the match)
Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
An Intercontinental title match has been made official for Fastlane.
WWE announced tonight that Big E will defend his Intercontinental title against Apollo Crews at Fastlane. The pay-per-view is taking place on Sunday, March 21 and will air live on Peacock and the WWE Network.
On SmackDown three weeks ago, Big E was stretchered out as part of an angle where Crews attacked him with the steel steps. Big E had told Crews that he had already gotten enough chances and wasn’t going to get another shot at Big E’s Intercontinental title.
Big E returned to SmackDown tonight for the first time since Crews’ attack. Big E called Crews out and agreed to give him a title match, but Crews didn’t come to the ring. Big E then issued an Intercontinental title open challenge that was answered by Sami Zayn.
Big E retained the Intercontinental title against Zayn but was attacked by Crews after the match. Crews gave Big E two Angle slams and hit him with the steel steps. In a post-show interview, Crews was asked why he didn’t accept Big E’s challenge for a title match tonight. Crews said he doesn’t cater to Big E and will face him at Fastlane instead.
Crews has recently undergone a character change where he’s embraced his Nigerian heritage and has claimed to be a descendent of Nigerian royalty.
Here’s the updated card for Fastlane:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan (Edge and Jey Uso are facing each other on SmackDown next week to determine the special guest enforcer for the match)
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
Daniel Bryan is getting another shot at the Universal Championship.
Bryan will challenge for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship at Fastlane on Sunday, March 21. The pay-per-view will air live on the WWE Network and Peacock.
The Universal Championship match was confirmed for Fastlane when Bryan defeated Jey Uso in a steel cage match in the main event of tonight’s SmackDown. If Bryan lost, he wouldn’t have gotten the title shot and would have had to acknowledge Reigns as the tribal chief, the head of the table, and the best wrestler on the planet.
Bryan and Uso’s steel cage match was made after a match between them on SmackDown last week ended in a double countout.
At last month’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Bryan won SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber match but then immediately had to face Reigns for the Universal Championship. Reigns broke out of the Yes Lock and quickly won when Bryan passed out in a guillotine.
The winner of Reigns vs. Bryan will defend the Universal Championship against Edge at WrestleMania 37. In storyline, Edge wasn’t happy with Bryan getting a title shot before he faces Reigns. WWE claimed on television that the original plan for Fastlane was Bryan & Edge facing Reigns & Uso in a tag team match.
Reigns vs. Bryan is the second match that’s been announced for Fastlane. SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair will also challenge for Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler’s Women’s Tag Team titles at the PPV.
