Tag: WWE Fastlane

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.