Written by: Kevin Berge (All images courtesy of: WWE.com)
Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and Brock Lesnar Sign The Contract and The Beast Stands Tall
Overview: Stephanie McMahon opened the show and talked up the main event of Fast Lane before Dean Ambrose interrupted demanding they get this contract signed already. Roman Reigns came out quickly thereafter and agreed. Brock Lesnar was then introduced by Stephanie so that everyone was in the ring together.
After all three men had signed the contract, Stephanie McMahon slipped out of the ring, and Dean got right in Brock's face. He didn't end up getting what he wanted though as Lesnar knocked him down, threw the table at Roman Reigns, and F5ed Ambrose. Triple H then came out to stare down Brock.
Analysis: This was short, sweet, and to the point. The three men all got in their shots either verbally or physically. The contract was signed without hesitation from any man. Dean Ambrose got to continue to show his lack of fear of Lesnar while Reigns enabled his friend. Lesnar got to wreck shop again.
Roman's role is a bit lackluster though unless they're saying he's playing the other two against each other because all that matters to him is the title shot. He hasn't really said anything in a while, not even shown his anger at Triple H who is holding "his" title. There's been zero forward momentum for the likely WrestleMania match to come.
However, in its place, we have gotten some of the most interesting story build for Dean Ambrose in a while, unfortunately at the expense of the Intercontinental Championship. He should at least defend the title next week ahead of Fast Lane to remind us he is the champion since that will be his whole focus post-Fast Lane.
After all three men had signed the contract, Stephanie McMahon slipped out of the ring, and Dean got right in Brock's face. He didn't end up getting what he wanted though as Lesnar knocked him down, threw the table at Roman Reigns, and F5ed Ambrose. Triple H then came out to stare down Brock.
Analysis: This was short, sweet, and to the point. The three men all got in their shots either verbally or physically. The contract was signed without hesitation from any man. Dean Ambrose got to continue to show his lack of fear of Lesnar while Reigns enabled his friend. Lesnar got to wreck shop again.
Roman's role is a bit lackluster though unless they're saying he's playing the other two against each other because all that matters to him is the title shot. He hasn't really said anything in a while, not even shown his anger at Triple H who is holding "his" title. There's been zero forward momentum for the likely WrestleMania match to come.
However, in its place, we have gotten some of the most interesting story build for Dean Ambrose in a while, unfortunately at the expense of the Intercontinental Championship. He should at least defend the title next week ahead of Fast Lane to remind us he is the champion since that will be his whole focus post-Fast Lane.
Dolph Ziggler def. Kevin Owens
Overview: Kevin Owens assaulted Dolph Ziggler right off the bat, but he couldn't keep up his early dominance unlike last week. Ziggler fought back with a sleeper hold, but the two battled to the outside, breaking it up. The two went back and forth with a series of big kicks.
Owens tried to get a win with a roll up holding the tights, but that wasn't enough. The two fought to a point where neither could stand. Ziggler hit a Famouser on Owens hanging on the apron, but that still left both men barely moving. Owens then missed a cannonball, got rolled up, and Ziggler used the ropes for the cheap win.
Again, Owens lost it after his loss, tearing up the announce table in frustration over another loss to Ziggler.
Analysis: I have no idea what WWE is doing with these guys. They are wrestling every single week now. It ruins the momentum of the feud. They have oversaturated the market for Owens vs. Ziggler matches. In fact, as good as these two are, they are running out of ways to sell this match. It is becoming too similar.
I still enjoy watching the two go at it, but they really should only wrestle one more time, at Fast Lane in a stipulation match of some sort (two out of three falls?). I have no idea how to take the ending here either. Is Ziggler now slowly turning heel? Did he cheat for the fun of it, to keep Owens angry, or because he didn't believe he could win otherwise?
I don't think Owens is being hurt at all by these losses; however, there needs to be some stakes involved at this point. End this or give it some meaning. Right now, I don't know where these guys are even going anymore.
Owens tried to get a win with a roll up holding the tights, but that wasn't enough. The two fought to a point where neither could stand. Ziggler hit a Famouser on Owens hanging on the apron, but that still left both men barely moving. Owens then missed a cannonball, got rolled up, and Ziggler used the ropes for the cheap win.
Again, Owens lost it after his loss, tearing up the announce table in frustration over another loss to Ziggler.
Analysis: I have no idea what WWE is doing with these guys. They are wrestling every single week now. It ruins the momentum of the feud. They have oversaturated the market for Owens vs. Ziggler matches. In fact, as good as these two are, they are running out of ways to sell this match. It is becoming too similar.
I still enjoy watching the two go at it, but they really should only wrestle one more time, at Fast Lane in a stipulation match of some sort (two out of three falls?). I have no idea how to take the ending here either. Is Ziggler now slowly turning heel? Did he cheat for the fun of it, to keep Owens angry, or because he didn't believe he could win otherwise?
I don't think Owens is being hurt at all by these losses; however, there needs to be some stakes involved at this point. End this or give it some meaning. Right now, I don't know where these guys are even going anymore.
Charlotte (w/ Ric Flair) def. Alicia Fox
Overview: Charlotte kicked Alicia Fox into the mat early and kept her distance from the long legged Diva. When she got too close, Charlotte almost lost her momentum until she caught Fox with a neckbreaker off the second rope. From there, Charlotte kept grounded her opponent, focusing on the neck.
Fox pulled out her final comeback starting with an elbow. Alicia got aggressive but ran right into a spear followed by a Figure-8 for the tap out.
Analysis: I kind of understand Charlotte vs. Brie Bella happening at Fast Lane. It makes sure WWE doesn't run out of story for the feud that matters before WrestleMania. The triple threat with Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch should still be on with Sasha and Becky distracted for now.
However, this was not the way you build up a filler match for a pay-per-view. This was a repeat of a match from SmackDown with Brie Bella not even out at ringside to help her friend. It was a perfectly competent match but meant nothing at all and did zero for a feud in need of an angle.
Fox pulled out her final comeback starting with an elbow. Alicia got aggressive but ran right into a spear followed by a Figure-8 for the tap out.
Analysis: I kind of understand Charlotte vs. Brie Bella happening at Fast Lane. It makes sure WWE doesn't run out of story for the feud that matters before WrestleMania. The triple threat with Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch should still be on with Sasha and Becky distracted for now.
However, this was not the way you build up a filler match for a pay-per-view. This was a repeat of a match from SmackDown with Brie Bella not even out at ringside to help her friend. It was a perfectly competent match but meant nothing at all and did zero for a feud in need of an angle.
Chris Jericho Takes Over Miz TV and Talks AJ Styles
Overview: The Miz spent the opening of his show complaining about how his guest last week, AJ Styles, was aggressive and broke his teeth until Chris Jericho interrupted and took over, making it a Highlight Reel. Jericho teased Miz about losing his teeth, and Miz got angrier and angrier.
Miz managed to turn it around by showing Jericho losing to Styles. Chris seemingly was not fazed as he knew Styles was good but didn't know if he was great, needing to see if he could win again. Styles then came out, and a brawl ensued. Styles helped Jericho get rid of Miz then the two got a bit physical themselves before Jericho retreated.
Analysis: This was a really good segment. The Miz has been fantastic lately both on the mic and in the ring. Chris Jericho has not been that great lately, but he has hit almost everything with Styles involved out of the park. AJ Styles still isn't really talking, but he's great at making a good brawl shine.
I love the dynamic between these three. Styles is bringing the best out of Jericho and Miz right now, and he's barely gotten started. The triple threat feel of this led to me to craving what could be. While Styles vs. Jericho could go to WrestleMania, I'd prefer it go big at Fast Lane and not overstay its welcome.
Miz managed to turn it around by showing Jericho losing to Styles. Chris seemingly was not fazed as he knew Styles was good but didn't know if he was great, needing to see if he could win again. Styles then came out, and a brawl ensued. Styles helped Jericho get rid of Miz then the two got a bit physical themselves before Jericho retreated.
Analysis: This was a really good segment. The Miz has been fantastic lately both on the mic and in the ring. Chris Jericho has not been that great lately, but he has hit almost everything with Styles involved out of the park. AJ Styles still isn't really talking, but he's great at making a good brawl shine.
I love the dynamic between these three. Styles is bringing the best out of Jericho and Miz right now, and he's barely gotten started. The triple threat feel of this led to me to craving what could be. While Styles vs. Jericho could go to WrestleMania, I'd prefer it go big at Fast Lane and not overstay its welcome.
Bray Wyatt (w/ The Wyatt Family) def. Ryback
Overview: Bray Wyatt and Ryback started off quickly here, battling with tough shots. The Wyatt Family made their presence felt by threatening to get involved to help Bray get the advantage. Still, Ryback kept fighting, putting down Wyatt repeatedly.
Just as Ryback went for the meat hook, Wyatt caught him with the Sister Abigail for the sudden win. Afterward, The Wyatt Family surrounded him in the ring. While Ryback tried to fight, he got completely mauled by the men with each hitting big moves, finally going to the outside with Wyatt hitting the Sister Abigail again.
Analysis: It looks like right now The Wyatt Family's story is to just destroy big men until Brock Lesnar is ready. It started with Kane then turned to a face Big Show. Now they took out Ryback. None of the assaults really did much since all these guys have been in this position so many times.
Ryback's change in attire is a good move in my book. It allows him to show just how ridiculously big and muscular he is which is always a good thing in this business. However, it hasn't helped the talented big man's booking. He just seems aimless at this point which is weird on such a shallow roster with all the injuries piling up.
Just as Ryback went for the meat hook, Wyatt caught him with the Sister Abigail for the sudden win. Afterward, The Wyatt Family surrounded him in the ring. While Ryback tried to fight, he got completely mauled by the men with each hitting big moves, finally going to the outside with Wyatt hitting the Sister Abigail again.
Analysis: It looks like right now The Wyatt Family's story is to just destroy big men until Brock Lesnar is ready. It started with Kane then turned to a face Big Show. Now they took out Ryback. None of the assaults really did much since all these guys have been in this position so many times.
Ryback's change in attire is a good move in my book. It allows him to show just how ridiculously big and muscular he is which is always a good thing in this business. However, it hasn't helped the talented big man's booking. He just seems aimless at this point which is weird on such a shallow roster with all the injuries piling up.
Adam Rose (w/ the Social Outcasts) def. Titus O'Neil
Overview: Adam Rose called himself the Radical Mongoose before the match, and Bo Dallas made it clear they would all come together to beat Titus O'Neil as friends. Adam Rose attacked the leg of O'Neil to keep him down then locked in a big headlock. However, Rose couldn't use that damage to whip Titus and got thrown down to the mat.
Titus went on a huge roll, knocking down Rose repeatedly. O'Neil then hit several knees to the back before the Social Outcasts saved Rose, pulling him out of the ring. Titus then took out the whole group, but a final distraction back in the ring allowed Rose to roll up O'Neil for the win.
Analysis: Honestly, I always enjoy seeing the Social Outcasts steal wins. Even though Titus O'Neil has been benefiting from strong booking lately, I didn't mind him losing here to give another upset win to the group who should soon be in the tag team title picture at the least.
Adam Rose looked decent here though didn't really do much, and Titus only did anything in the match when he was on his one big momentum run. It was a pretty one dimensional match, but the result was cool.
Titus went on a huge roll, knocking down Rose repeatedly. O'Neil then hit several knees to the back before the Social Outcasts saved Rose, pulling him out of the ring. Titus then took out the whole group, but a final distraction back in the ring allowed Rose to roll up O'Neil for the win.
Analysis: Honestly, I always enjoy seeing the Social Outcasts steal wins. Even though Titus O'Neil has been benefiting from strong booking lately, I didn't mind him losing here to give another upset win to the group who should soon be in the tag team title picture at the least.
Adam Rose looked decent here though didn't really do much, and Titus only did anything in the match when he was on his one big momentum run. It was a pretty one dimensional match, but the result was cool.
Dean Ambrose Takes Everything From Brock Lesnar and Lands His Big Shot
Overview: Dean Ambrose stormed to the ring and demanded Brock Lesnar try to put him down again, insulting the Beast Incarnate's strength and impact. When Lesnar still wouldn't come out, Ambrose began calling Brock soft. When Ambrose insinuated that Lesnar needed Paul Heyman's permission, Lesnar finally came out.
The two met on the outside with Ambrose taking a series of high knees to the chest. Brock sent Dean into the ring then circled before entering and watching Ambrose keep getting up. Even after Dean took an F5, he still demanded that Lesnar keep hitting him.
As Brock laughed at Ambrose, Reigns came out, distracting Lesnar long enough to let Dean hit a low blow on Brock which put down the Beast. Ambrose then walked away up until he got to Reigns and collapsed to his knees from the pain.
Analysis: This was a near perfect segment. Dean Ambrose was shown to be a combination of super humanly resilient and dangerously stubborn which led to him getting beat down again by Brock Lesnar but still getting back up. It worked extremely well even though it would have been nice to see Ambrose get some offense in.
Roman Reigns interfering seemed like the perfect story twist. After Ambrose asked Reigns to let him fight one on one, Roman got involved anyway. It should have been a point of conflict. Instead, Ambrose hit a low blow from the distraction and then laughed with Reigns on the outside.
All you needed from Ambrose was for him to hit a Dirty Deeds as well then, as he lay on the ramp in pain, yell at Reigns for even considering interfering on his behalf. Instead, we got a half-story here.
The two met on the outside with Ambrose taking a series of high knees to the chest. Brock sent Dean into the ring then circled before entering and watching Ambrose keep getting up. Even after Dean took an F5, he still demanded that Lesnar keep hitting him.
As Brock laughed at Ambrose, Reigns came out, distracting Lesnar long enough to let Dean hit a low blow on Brock which put down the Beast. Ambrose then walked away up until he got to Reigns and collapsed to his knees from the pain.
Analysis: This was a near perfect segment. Dean Ambrose was shown to be a combination of super humanly resilient and dangerously stubborn which led to him getting beat down again by Brock Lesnar but still getting back up. It worked extremely well even though it would have been nice to see Ambrose get some offense in.
Roman Reigns interfering seemed like the perfect story twist. After Ambrose asked Reigns to let him fight one on one, Roman got involved anyway. It should have been a point of conflict. Instead, Ambrose hit a low blow from the distraction and then laughed with Reigns on the outside.
All you needed from Ambrose was for him to hit a Dirty Deeds as well then, as he lay on the ramp in pain, yell at Reigns for even considering interfering on his behalf. Instead, we got a half-story here.
Alberto Del Rio and Rusev (w/ Wade Barrett) def. The Lucha Dragons
Overview: The Lucha Dragons had trouble early with their larger yet still agile opponents. When Kalisto got the hot tag though, he got things rolling, flying around the ring and taking out Alberto Del Rio. When Cara went for the Salida Del Sol though, Del Rio caught him on the top rope.
Barrett got in a distraction to get Kalisto stuck in the tree of woe which allowed Del Rio to hit the double foot stomp for the victory.
Analysis: Man, WWE really has given up building this feud. Kalisto and Alberto Del Rio was big to start as the underdog rising above the veteran and showing what a talent can do with opportunity. Now it's just 50/50 booking all the way to Fast Lane. There's no story at all.
Sin Cara being back also worries me. As happy as I am to see he's already healthy, Kalisto has grown beyond the Lucha Dragons, and the team may end up pulling Kalisto back down. Will Cara play nice with Kalisto and not lead to Kalisto losing the single title quickly? I'm not sure.
Barrett got in a distraction to get Kalisto stuck in the tree of woe which allowed Del Rio to hit the double foot stomp for the victory.
Analysis: Man, WWE really has given up building this feud. Kalisto and Alberto Del Rio was big to start as the underdog rising above the veteran and showing what a talent can do with opportunity. Now it's just 50/50 booking all the way to Fast Lane. There's no story at all.
Sin Cara being back also worries me. As happy as I am to see he's already healthy, Kalisto has grown beyond the Lucha Dragons, and the team may end up pulling Kalisto back down. Will Cara play nice with Kalisto and not lead to Kalisto losing the single title quickly? I'm not sure.
Tamina (w/ Naomi) def. Becky Lynch
Overview: With Sasha Banks watching on commentary, Tamina dominated early, putting down Lynch again and again. Even though Becky seemed to be able to pull out some fast shots, it was as if Tamina didn't feel them. Tamina then goaded Sasha off the commentary table to get beat up by Naomi.
Becky took out Tamina from behind then went after Naomi to save her soon-to-be partner in Sasha. However, Lynch ran right into a superkick by Tamina and got pinned for the loss.
Analysis: While Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks should be on a higher level to Naomi and Tamina, I liked the heels winning here. In fact, I wouldn't mind the heels dominating the whole build up to Fast Lane. They are the underdogs here who were never properly given momentum. They need all the threatening aura they can get.
Having Sasha's ego and Becky's almost instinctual need to help people cost them the match is solid storytelling, making this actually the more interesting Divas match going into Fast Lane.
Becky took out Tamina from behind then went after Naomi to save her soon-to-be partner in Sasha. However, Lynch ran right into a superkick by Tamina and got pinned for the loss.
Analysis: While Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks should be on a higher level to Naomi and Tamina, I liked the heels winning here. In fact, I wouldn't mind the heels dominating the whole build up to Fast Lane. They are the underdogs here who were never properly given momentum. They need all the threatening aura they can get.
Having Sasha's ego and Becky's almost instinctual need to help people cost them the match is solid storytelling, making this actually the more interesting Divas match going into Fast Lane.
The Usos and Dudley Boyz def. The New Day and Mark Henry
Overview: The Usos and The Dudleys immediately cleared the ring of their heel opponents eventually getting Mark Henry alone to take out with a series of moves from the whole four man team. However, Henry began dominating again quickly only to walk out on the New Day when they annoyed him.
While New Day tried to fight back, the ring was filled with tables, and Kofi and Big E were cleared from the ring. The Usos nearly sent Woods through a table with a Superfly Splash but were stopped by Big E who then took a 3D through a table for the loss.
As The Usos seemed to struggle to stay on their feet, The Dudley Boyz turned on their teammates, attacking The Usos and putting them through tables as well. It ended with a supported powerbomb through a table off the top rope.
Analysis: The Dudleys needed this. They have been so aimless and restless as a recent signing for WWE. The tag team division is stale at this point, and heel Dudleys are the right move to keep it fresh. While the champs are heels, this sets up a triple threat for the championships to possibly move the titles over to the Dudleys.
Either way, The Usos vs. Dudley Boyz has a fresh edge to it, and the tag team division should benefit from that new angle. For now, we'll just have to see how it all works out. The match here was nothing much, a bunch of big spots that got messy and hard to follow.
While New Day tried to fight back, the ring was filled with tables, and Kofi and Big E were cleared from the ring. The Usos nearly sent Woods through a table with a Superfly Splash but were stopped by Big E who then took a 3D through a table for the loss.
As The Usos seemed to struggle to stay on their feet, The Dudley Boyz turned on their teammates, attacking The Usos and putting them through tables as well. It ended with a supported powerbomb through a table off the top rope.
Analysis: The Dudleys needed this. They have been so aimless and restless as a recent signing for WWE. The tag team division is stale at this point, and heel Dudleys are the right move to keep it fresh. While the champs are heels, this sets up a triple threat for the championships to possibly move the titles over to the Dudleys.
Either way, The Usos vs. Dudley Boyz has a fresh edge to it, and the tag team division should benefit from that new angle. For now, we'll just have to see how it all works out. The match here was nothing much, a bunch of big spots that got messy and hard to follow.
Daniel Bryan Officially Announces His Retirement
Overview: Daniel Bryan was announced to a huge ovation, coming out one last time to his theme and a roar of "yes" chants. After collecting himself in the moment, Bryan spoke to the crowd about how special it was to be in the ring. He joked about his shorter hair and beard which he cut for charity.
Then he turned to his retirement. He talked about his years of experience with aches and pains that turned worse. He didn't want to admit that he was finally broken because he loved the business so much. However, he had to think about his life and family.
He officially announced his retirement from wrestling. He was happy to do what he loved for so long, going into everything he loved about wrestling. He ended his speech by saying how grateful he was that he had so many people he loved with so many in the arena tonight.
Analysis: All I will personally say about this segment was that it was perfect. I want to take this space to give a bit of a tribute to Daniel Bryan. I knew who Bryan was when he arrived in WWE, but I hadn't really seen his work. I just knew he was something special from others who knew him far better.
I was a fan though from the first time I watched him in NXT. He wasn't a great talker, but he had an inherent charisma and a fire to the way he performed. I couldn't get enough. I was so disappointed when he got fired as Nexus debuted. I was overjoyed when he returned at Summerslam to save WWE.
I remember being equally as overjoyed when he won the United States Championship in his feud with The Miz, and I was rooting for him from the moment he was announced as a participant in the 2011 Money in the Bank match. I never knew through all of this how big he would get though.
His World Heavyweight Championship reign was fun though it was his loss of the title that changed everything. There was a spark in the crowd that ignited that night and never died. Everyone suddenly wanted Bryan to succeed, and, no matter how much the WWE tried to ignore it, that spark just grew until it was a raging fire.
I was caught up in the excitement with everyone else. Bryan's match with John Cena at Summerslam 2013 is one of at least my top five matches of all time. His run at WrestleMania 30 was an all time great moment that I'll never forget. I still can't believe that he never got the chance to turn that into a lasting main event run.
It's really a true shame that concussions robbed Bryan of his career and true love, but, as Bryan articulated, this should not be the time to lament. It should be a time we celebrate how great Bryan was. He changed the business, finally putting a definitive mark on a business that still wasn't sure about smaller competitors as champions.
WWE is what it is today, with a load of independent stars in NXT and dominating the main roster, thanks to Bryan more than anyone else. He was the outlier, the proof that all you need to succeed is a passion for this business and a will to always get better.
Then he turned to his retirement. He talked about his years of experience with aches and pains that turned worse. He didn't want to admit that he was finally broken because he loved the business so much. However, he had to think about his life and family.
He officially announced his retirement from wrestling. He was happy to do what he loved for so long, going into everything he loved about wrestling. He ended his speech by saying how grateful he was that he had so many people he loved with so many in the arena tonight.
Analysis: All I will personally say about this segment was that it was perfect. I want to take this space to give a bit of a tribute to Daniel Bryan. I knew who Bryan was when he arrived in WWE, but I hadn't really seen his work. I just knew he was something special from others who knew him far better.
I was a fan though from the first time I watched him in NXT. He wasn't a great talker, but he had an inherent charisma and a fire to the way he performed. I couldn't get enough. I was so disappointed when he got fired as Nexus debuted. I was overjoyed when he returned at Summerslam to save WWE.
I remember being equally as overjoyed when he won the United States Championship in his feud with The Miz, and I was rooting for him from the moment he was announced as a participant in the 2011 Money in the Bank match. I never knew through all of this how big he would get though.
His World Heavyweight Championship reign was fun though it was his loss of the title that changed everything. There was a spark in the crowd that ignited that night and never died. Everyone suddenly wanted Bryan to succeed, and, no matter how much the WWE tried to ignore it, that spark just grew until it was a raging fire.
I was caught up in the excitement with everyone else. Bryan's match with John Cena at Summerslam 2013 is one of at least my top five matches of all time. His run at WrestleMania 30 was an all time great moment that I'll never forget. I still can't believe that he never got the chance to turn that into a lasting main event run.
It's really a true shame that concussions robbed Bryan of his career and true love, but, as Bryan articulated, this should not be the time to lament. It should be a time we celebrate how great Bryan was. He changed the business, finally putting a definitive mark on a business that still wasn't sure about smaller competitors as champions.
WWE is what it is today, with a load of independent stars in NXT and dominating the main roster, thanks to Bryan more than anyone else. He was the outlier, the proof that all you need to succeed is a passion for this business and a will to always get better.
Final Notes: Dean Ambrose was backstage and promised to get Brock Lesnar back for the contract signing beatdown before the end of the night. There were a series of Daniel Bryan videos shown of his career in WWE including his debut, his US Title win, and his WrestleMania 30 moment.
The Usos were met backstage by the Dudley Boyz who wanted in on the tables match against the New Day, and they tentatively agreed if it could get approved. New Day then were found backstage shining a table and were interviewed about how they still needed a partner, later talking Mark Henry into joining them.
Dean Ambrose kept pacing throughout the night then told Roman Reigns to stay back and let him fight alone because this was his chance. R-Truth was met by a guitar playing Goldust, still trying to get Truth to team with him.
Conclusion: I finished this show feeling immensely satisfied and not just because of Daniel Bryan's incredible final speech. It was a night where, despite some logic mishaps, the show rolled through. The matches were strong. The segments were stronger. The night had several strong moments, and it will never be forgotten thanks to Bryan.
The Fast Lane card is not shaping up to be that strong. There are a lot of filler/speed bump matches rather than competitive rivalries. However, that hasn't hurt match and segment quality on TV. It certainly helps that Brock Lesnar is around regularly and making Dean Ambrose more interesting.
This wasn't really the Fast Lane show. It was the Daniel Bryan show. Nothing really built up that card. Instead, we just saw a lot of strong moments and one of the most enduring moments in wrestling history. Thank you, Daniel Bryan, for all you have done. I hope you find happiness in whatever you do next.
The Usos were met backstage by the Dudley Boyz who wanted in on the tables match against the New Day, and they tentatively agreed if it could get approved. New Day then were found backstage shining a table and were interviewed about how they still needed a partner, later talking Mark Henry into joining them.
Dean Ambrose kept pacing throughout the night then told Roman Reigns to stay back and let him fight alone because this was his chance. R-Truth was met by a guitar playing Goldust, still trying to get Truth to team with him.
Conclusion: I finished this show feeling immensely satisfied and not just because of Daniel Bryan's incredible final speech. It was a night where, despite some logic mishaps, the show rolled through. The matches were strong. The segments were stronger. The night had several strong moments, and it will never be forgotten thanks to Bryan.
The Fast Lane card is not shaping up to be that strong. There are a lot of filler/speed bump matches rather than competitive rivalries. However, that hasn't hurt match and segment quality on TV. It certainly helps that Brock Lesnar is around regularly and making Dean Ambrose more interesting.
This wasn't really the Fast Lane show. It was the Daniel Bryan show. Nothing really built up that card. Instead, we just saw a lot of strong moments and one of the most enduring moments in wrestling history. Thank you, Daniel Bryan, for all you have done. I hope you find happiness in whatever you do next.