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We are hours away from the last pay-per-view before WrestleMania 35. At this point, we’d expect established story lines with clear paths to a continuation at WM 35. And, even though that is what we’d expect, the facts are that over the past few weeks, we have gotten anything but logical setups. So let’s dive into the card and what outcomes we might get.
The Card
Kickoff matches
Big E & Xavier Woods v. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev
The newly formed team of Shinsuke and Rusev is an interesting combination considering the feud they had. Unlikely they’ll be able to defeat 2/3rd of one of the most successful tag teams of all time. Though, where will Kofi be?
Andrade v. Rey Mysterio
If you haven’t seen any of the matches these men have had on weekly TV, you are missing out. I’m definitely tuning in early to see these two, regardless of the outcome.
Raw Tag Team Championship Match – The Revival (c) v. Chad Gable and Bobby Roode v. Aleister Black and Ricochet
Ricochet and Aleister Black have been dominating on Raw and Smackdown Live over the past few weeks. However, without having them truly be call-ups, I doubt this one will end with a title change.
Smackdown Women’s Championship Match – Asuka (c) vs. Mandy Rose
Mandy Rose defeats Asuka once on Smackdown Live and now she has a championship match. I believe Asuka will retain, mostly because there really is no story here. Unless, Asuka loses to be inserted into the Raw Women’s Championship picture? But, nah.
Women’s Tag Team Championship Match – Sasha Banks and Bayley (c) v. Nia Jax and Tamina
As the first-ever and newly crowned Tag Team Champions, Sasha and Bayley have clear targets on their backs. I do think Tamina and Nia will win tonight, but mostly because I like titles on heels.
Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match – The Usos (c) v. The Miz and Shane McMahon
This rematch between the hottest tag teams on Smackdown should be exciting, but it is unlikely that The Usos will drop the belt. I don’t know if Shane is ready to be a full-time tag team holder again.
The Shield v. Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, and Drew McIntyre
For a very feel-good moment, The Shield is going to win this match. Between these 6, I really wish this match had some stipulation, like a tables match. Even so, this match will be exciting and all of these men have some history with each other.
Becky Lynch v. Charlotte Flair
The outcome here will determine if Becky gets added to the Raw Women’s Championship match. Myself, I don’t want a triple threat for the championship at WrestleMania. But, if Becky doesn’t win, what happens? Where does she go? How does she insert herself?
These were questions we were asking when Becky was suspended. What? That’s right. Remember when Becky was suspended and then just got an offer to be in this match in a snap by Stephanie McMahon? My beef is here. I understand that this had to happen. I understand that Becky had to get back into the match somehow for her to end WrestleMania holding the title high. But the lack of logical progression is my issue.
We didn’t get to see why the suspension got lifted. All she had to do was sign a release and she’s back in the match? No fighting from behind; no being dropped to the bottom and having to work her way back up. She’s just back in. So there’s my issue with this one. Let’s hope it pays off for us.
WWE Championship Match – Daniel Bryan (c) v. Kevin Owens
Let’s not forget that Kofi was in this spot. It was short lived, but this was his. Now Kevin Owens is back. And I love Kevin Owens, but I’m not sure how I feel about him being a face. And now, what happens? If Owens wins, does Daniel stay in the picture? If Daniel wins, does Owens fade back? Since this is so new and thrown together, it is hard to stay where this one will go no matter the outcome of tonight’s match. From that, I think Daniel Bryan will win and retain because I think he’s doing a great job as champion.
The Goods
WWE Fastlane 2019 is being held tonight with the Kickoff beginning at 6 PM ET and the main show at 7 PM ET only on the WWE Network.
