However, with the Rumble proving to be worth its weight in gold last month, there is a sense of optimism and expectation amongst fans and critics to have this event be just as good to keep the momentum for an unpredictable yet sizeable WrestleMania from stopping in its tracks. While the card may not be the best that it could be, with the limited roster WWE has, after The Rumble, I have more faith than I usually would do, that this event can deliver, lets hope it can.
----------
THE CUTTING EDGE PEEP SHOW FEATURING THE NEW DAY
I bet you're wondering, why am I starting this posts' analysis by looking at something that isn't a match and won't be reviewed in depth come the review tomorrow? The reason, is that unlike many other non-match segments that appear on PPV, this one could have major significance in regards to the direction of The New Day and the WWE Tag Team Championships going forward to WrestleMania 32. Hell, if it's not happening on the Pre-Show, and WWE's website page and their television coverage are hyping it to be significant, then you know this has to be more than just a simple segment that takes up time.
So you may be asking, what could this segment do? We all know this is a chance for arguably the most over group of wrestlers on the roster outside of Dean Ambrose and Brock Lesnar will once again get the chance to stand their own with two of the most charismatic WWE legends, with hopefully hilarious results. What we don't know is what it will lead too... will the heel Dudley Boyz come in and turn The New Day into a face team, with Edge & Christian helping the champions escape punishment? Will Edge & Christian stake their position for ONE LAST WrestleMania match to be the proper send-off that neither man had? Will it be the set-up for a new team to debut from NXT and spoil the fun for the Tag Team Champions, giving them a new opponent to fight and lose the titles to at WrestleMania? Or, is it just a chance for WWE to once again put their marquee legends of the past over new talent because money and viewership talks?
Those are all viable options considering this segment will take up at least fifteen to twenty minutes of the show, and for a PPV like Fastlane to feel like a bigger deal than the usual, this segment needs proper substance to not be considered a waste of time. After the WWE Tag Team Championships have been defended in two great multi-team matches on the pre-show of the last two WrestleMania's, it will be great to see them defended on the main show itself for the first time since WrestleMania 29. Hopefully this segment will go some way towards making that a reality... otherwise for me, it will be seen as a waste of talent and time.
I understand that WWE want to have as many people glued to the pre-show as possible to ensure their Network and PPV numbers go up. It's simple business marketing for the "homeowner" to attempt to lure the "mice" out of their hole with a nice wedge of cheese. The cheese in this case is a 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match that will end the rivalry between 'Lucha Dragon' Kalisto, and "League Of Nations State Representative" Alberto Del Rio over the WWE United States Championship.
One thing immediately sprung to my mind upon finding out that a feud-ending match of particular intrigue through is match type would be on the pre-show: ARE WWE OUT OF THEIR MINDS?
This match has had at least one and a half to two months of build to it, and was on the main show of the Royal Rumble PPV last month. So why, would we have a match that would excite and liven up an anticlimactic card, be rooted in a place where many wouldn't watch especially considering the circumstances, we are unlikely to see a title change? It's a decision that is rightfully baffling, and makes a potential show stealer feel completely meaningless, despite its build. Which is sad, as I was looking forward to reviewing this match which I can't do, as I don't review the Pre-Show bouts on my blog or video reviews.
I still have to put a prediction forward for it, and its simple. Kalisto will either defeat Del Rio 2-0, or come from behind to win 2-1. There is no way this title will be flip-flopped around this time, as that's so last month.
PREDICTION: Kalisto to retain.
TAG TEAM MATCH: Becky Lynch & Sasha Banks VS Naomi & Tamina
Sasha Banks split from Team B.A.D. was as anti-climactic as her appearance after Becky's title loss last month was surprising. It showed that WWE had realised their concoction for the much maligned "Divas Revolution" was a failure, and swept its last remnants under the rug by giving Sasha the face turn that her crowd receptions had been clamouring for. In the process, this match exists with one sole purpose, to make Sasha look strong for an upcoming WrestleMania programme.
Don't get me wrong, she's already got the in-ring prowess and the mic skills to match the best of them, but her main roster match repertoire pales vastly in comparison with her NXT work. Sure, this match will not be able to be held in the same regard due to story, time and competitor constraints, but it will be a great place to showcase Sasha's abilities that the uneducated viewer would not have seen before. If Sasha is to go onto WrestleMania looking like a viable threat to Charlotte (or whoever the Divas Champion is come April), this will need to be done.
While Naomi and Tamina are going to be solid opposition, they will be no match for the most over of female tandems. Becky lost to Charlotte at the Rumble and will need something to spring her back up. While it's not the Steel Cage Match against Divas Champion that the story of Becky's feud was playing towards, it's still a spot on a PPV that isn't for the Divas title, so it's not too much of a step down when you think about it.
PREDICTION: Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch.
6-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH: Ryback, Big Show & Kane VS The Wyatt Family (Luke Harper, Erick Rowan & Braun Strowman) w/Bray Wyatt
Am I the only one feeling a little déja vù coming on with this match? I swear Ryback, Big Show, Erick Rowan and Kane were all involved in a 6-Man Tag Team Match at last years event. A quick look on these here interwebs will confirm that this is indeed the case. I could call lazy booking, but with a roster so vastly depleted, it's an opportunity for everyone to make a statement... right? Not so in this match unfortunately.
Even though I can go in-depth with many matches when looking at its build-up and where it could lead a match, this is what I would call a formality, and therefore not much is needed to get to a solid prediction. The Wyatt Family are going to run through three giants to look strong going into an apparent WrestleMania feud with Brock Lensar. Destroying two giants of yesterday and one of today will be a great statement. While we know this will be the result, how they get there is where WWE can be creative. Lets hope the match is good, but knowing the competitors involved, I highly doubt it.
PREDICTION: The Wyatt Family.
DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Charlotte (c) VS Brie Bella
This match is happening for the reason that many a title match are made, the champion is pinned in a RAW or Smackdown match by a person who isn't in the title picture. While it is nice to see Charlotte go against ANOTHER member of the women's roster, it came at a price by stopping the feud between Becky & Charlotte, that was progressing towards a blow-off match at this event. What we get instead is a match that before two weeks ago, no one batted an eyelid at because of the challenger involved, but now, is shrouded in intrigue.
With Daniel Bryan's retirement causing a ton of support and sympathy to be put on her, Mrs. Danielson comes into tonight's match with all the momentum in the world. She's fighting not just for the honour of her in-ring work, but also that of her husband. For the last year we've been lambasting Brie for not advancing as much in the ring as her sister Nikki, and have frequently forgotten about her. Now with her husband permanently on the sidelines, and a despicable heel reminding her and the audience of that sad fact, Brie has been shoved right back into the spotlight where she now has a chance to show how good of a wrestler she has become. Charlotte on the other hand, has the simple decision on whether to use her Dad in the way he's been utilised since October, or give Brie a fair fight for the sake of story. We won't know that direction until the PPV itself, but one thing's clear, this match isn't an open and shut case anymore. There's no surefire way of confirming whether Charlotte will come out of Fastlane still holding the title.
Many will claim that Brie, much like Jeff Jarrett, Rey Mysterio and Christian, will be given a title to capitalise on their nearest and dearest departing the WWE or in the case of the former two, this life. That alone makes this match predictable for them. However, after finding out that Brie will be leaving WWE between tonight and WrestleMania to support her husband puts the brakes on that theory getting its momentum going. Will Fastlane be the last time we see Brie on WWE television? Will WrestleMania be her last hurrah before leaving? We just don't know. As a result, the likelihood of Charlotte retaining wouldn't be a stretch to consider. If Charlotte is indeed facing Sasha Banks at Mania, she will need the title to remain strong and as a result, Brie will not win here.
It's a difficult balancing act to get right when it comes to a prediction. However, the overwhelming amount of momentum in Brie's corner is too big to ignore. Even if her final reign is a short one, for Charlotte to regain back immediately, this would be the best time for it to make sense and not have the fans revolt against it. Therefore, Brie will get the nod here.
PREDICTION: Brie Bella to become new champion.
INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Kevin Owens (c) VS Dolph Ziggler
Kevin Owens won the title for a second time after defeating Tyler Breeze in a 5-Man Match on RAW this past week, seemingly to make an inevitable match between WWE's hottest prospect and their greatest supplementary talent. There's no doubt that both of these men go in the ring, their two RAW matches have proven it. With a title now on the line, the quality of the match has to increase tenfold to ensure it doesn't end up like carbon copy of their previous encounters. Whether the decide some big spots are necessary or some interference from a potential WrestleMania opponent will come into play to spice this one up.
Whichever way you think about it, regardless of what happens, the result is a certainty. Dolph Ziggler's appalling start to 2016 will carry his disastrous 14 months of bad form further down the hole as Owens just won the title. If Owens hadn't lost the title to Dean Ambrose two months prior, I would give The Show-Off a chance, however he will have no chance against a determined champion willing to prove a point.
PREDICTION: Kevin Owens to retain.
Professional wrestling is funny sometimes. The main event of this show has a seemingly predictable winner, and the crowd are losing their minds. Yet, knowing how predictable the result of Jericho VS Styles is, you'd expect fans to criticise WWE for making this star studded rubber match lack creativity? Of course not, because AJ Styles is not just a wrestler of stature but importantly he is one of their indy darlings that the fans love to covet. If he does well, they remain happy, and therefore an inevitable victory will be welcomed. That being said, it's up to WWE to ensure the result of this match is anything but predictable.
While both of Jericho and Styles' matches so far have been stellar but unspectacular affairs, they need to step up their game on PPV. In my humble opinion, the match needs a natural progression of pace, starting fast and ending with a flurry with exhaustion aplenty to sell it all. Give them both 20 minutes and multiple counters owing to both men knowing each others move sets from previous matches, and you have a recipe for what could be not just a show stealer, but a match of the year candidate. What also makes this match an intriguing one is that both men could win it regardless of how predictable it is. Jericho lost out in the Rumble and hasn't looked good in this feud with Styles, yet Styles needs a big win to cement himself on the main roster. WWE has plans for both men going into WrestleMania, what those plans are is unknown. I can see Jericho fighting for a mid-card championship, or being involved with a semi-main feud. While Jericho could be in a multi-man match for the US or IC title much like Styles could, a loss here would easily cement his fate. After being eliminated by Dean Ambrose at Royal Rumble, it would't surprise me if losing to Styles here is the catalyst for him exacting revenge on his one time partner to set up a great match in the making.
While Jericho winning would be nice, it would be anticlimactic and honestly make no sense. Even with me trying to pull something together to make it sound like Jericho needs the win, I know he doesn't. This match is all about Styles, and nothing more. Unless The Miz interferes and costs "The Phenomenal One" his first major singles match, we are unlikely to see anything other than a victory for the former TNA, ROH and NJPW stalwart.
PREDICTION: AJ Styles.
GRUDGE MATCH: AJ Styles VS Chris Jericho
While both of Jericho and Styles' matches so far have been stellar but unspectacular affairs, they need to step up their game on PPV. In my humble opinion, the match needs a natural progression of pace, starting fast and ending with a flurry with exhaustion aplenty to sell it all. Give them both 20 minutes and multiple counters owing to both men knowing each others move sets from previous matches, and you have a recipe for what could be not just a show stealer, but a match of the year candidate. What also makes this match an intriguing one is that both men could win it regardless of how predictable it is. Jericho lost out in the Rumble and hasn't looked good in this feud with Styles, yet Styles needs a big win to cement himself on the main roster. WWE has plans for both men going into WrestleMania, what those plans are is unknown. I can see Jericho fighting for a mid-card championship, or being involved with a semi-main feud. While Jericho could be in a multi-man match for the US or IC title much like Styles could, a loss here would easily cement his fate. After being eliminated by Dean Ambrose at Royal Rumble, it would't surprise me if losing to Styles here is the catalyst for him exacting revenge on his one time partner to set up a great match in the making.
While Jericho winning would be nice, it would be anticlimactic and honestly make no sense. Even with me trying to pull something together to make it sound like Jericho needs the win, I know he doesn't. This match is all about Styles, and nothing more. Unless The Miz interferes and costs "The Phenomenal One" his first major singles match, we are unlikely to see anything other than a victory for the former TNA, ROH and NJPW stalwart.
PREDICTION: AJ Styles.
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH TO DETERMINE THE WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDER: Roman Reigns VS Brock Lesnar VS Dean Ambrose
Brock Lesnar is the only one of the three to not just have faced Triple H one on one, but at a WrestleMania event, in a losing effort at WrestleMania 29. While that match was let down by pacing, crowd and psychology issues that made it one of the flops of the event in my opinion, the sight of Lesnar destroying Triple H in a physical, violent match would be fun. Alas, it is the most unlikely because as I've already stated, we've seen it before. Would it really lead to a surge in ticket sales and network subscriptions before the event? Will it make people happy that a part-timer has beaten a part-timer for the greatest prize? It doesn't sound appealing, especially when this is a period of WWE's history that has been steadily built on new, emerging talent. It's unbelievable to say this, but Brock Lesnar categorically will not win a match that he is a part of. That is something I never thought I'd type, especially given his current run, where he hasn't been pinned since he lost to Triple H at that aforementioned WrestleMania three years ago.
We are then left with two men: Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose. Both are good friends and babyfaces, both with a point to prove. Reigns wants revenge against Triple H for the hell he's been put through since November, while Ambrose wants to prove he can go toe to toe with the best and claim the ultimate prize. Reigns is the favourite, with the current storyline and supreme endurance helping him look strong in the face of any opponent. Ambrose, having lost the Intercontinental Championship this past week, will need to regain momentum, fast, by performing well and possibly winning here. While tensions have been built between these two, who are both relishing the opportunity to main event the grandest event of all, it sets up many possibilities with how their interactions will shape the match's conclusion up. Either man could turn heel to help themselves or Lesnar win, work each other so hard that both men earn the spot through a fluke double pin fall, or Triple H could easily poke both men with a metaphorical stick before the event to ensure one of them snaps. It's how the psychology will be implemented that will drive this matches' success, lets hope it delivers.
When it finally comes to picking a winner between Ambrose and Reigns, it's down to whether WWE wants to continue with the story they laid out months ago to its natural conclusion, or have a unique and deranged spanner be thrown into the works to spice up interest. Having Reigns go to face Triple H and win would make the most sense, but is also apparent that a smart crowd will not be the most accepting of a victory for the heir apparent to John Cena's place. After having those bases covered at WrestleMania 31 due to Seth Rollins' Money In The Bank cash-in, there will be a very limited amount of options for which to replicate that kind of swerve. It will be very difficult to satisfy the smart crowd in Arlington come April, but WWE would need to be more creative than their writers titles state in order for it to work. Then we have Ambrose, who came so close to winning against Triple H in the Rumble Match itself, him winning would set up the perfect anti-establishment figure for The Game to fight, especially knowing how unpredictable the Lunatic Fringe will be. However, would Ambrose facing Triple H at Mania be an enticing match? Would it only really exist to allow a Reigns or Ambrose heel turn after the latter's most glorious moment. While that is something that would change WWE's landscape, which WrestleMania has built itself on in the past, it wouldn't entirely make sense without context. Luckily, this match at Fastlane will allow some set-up for that context to come to fruition a month and a half down the line. Finally, Ambrose could also be undone by Jericho like I mentioned earlier, but with the dissension between Ambrose and Reigns over the championship proving much larger than this scenario, WWE may need to take us on a different path.
Overall, when looking at the two former Shield members and their prospects of winning, it boils down to which one would I rather see at WrestleMania? The answer to that is Ambrose's scenario, of course. However, when the question is which of the scenarios I THINK WWE will go for? Reigns scenario wins, obviously. I know they don't want Afa & Sika to protest like they did last year after Reigns lost, that would just be a slap in the face to a family whose members seem to be in WWE's good books for the foreseeable future.
PREDICTION: Roman Reigns to become #1 Contender.
----------
I've been Freddy Thomas, you've been people reading. This has been the Fastlane 2016 Predictions for The CC Network Blog and I'll see you all next time.
No comments:
Post a Comment