Written by: Kevin Berge (All images courtesy of WWE.com)
Triple H is wearing that suit just to remind you he booked himself to win that title.
Triple H Promises to Make Everyone in WWE Learn Respect
Overview: Vince and Stephanie McMahon opened the show, talking about how great the Royal Rumble was for them. After promising The Authority would put down everyone, they introduced new World Champion Triple H. He immediately talked up Roman Reigns before making clear Reigns' main vice was disrespect.
Triple H turned to being champion and saying he wanted to be champion to take it away from everyone else in his way. In order to find the next wrestler for HHH to teach respect to, The Authority said they would determine the main event for Fast Lane tonight to determine the number one contender to the World Championship.
Analysis: This was only fifteen minutes long which is actually progress for The Authority. I'm not sure that anything Vince or Stephanie said was necessary, but Triple H made the most of his every word, selling his side of the feud with Reigns. This is a battle of two behemoths over respect and honor.
While it is expected, another problem with Hunter as champion is that he will only defend the championship at Mania which makes what will be a multi-month reign really lack in quality. It would have been cool to see the COO agree to defend the title against someone before Reigns at Mania.
Triple H turned to being champion and saying he wanted to be champion to take it away from everyone else in his way. In order to find the next wrestler for HHH to teach respect to, The Authority said they would determine the main event for Fast Lane tonight to determine the number one contender to the World Championship.
Analysis: This was only fifteen minutes long which is actually progress for The Authority. I'm not sure that anything Vince or Stephanie said was necessary, but Triple H made the most of his every word, selling his side of the feud with Reigns. This is a battle of two behemoths over respect and honor.
While it is expected, another problem with Hunter as champion is that he will only defend the championship at Mania which makes what will be a multi-month reign really lack in quality. It would have been cool to see the COO agree to defend the title against someone before Reigns at Mania.
Kevin Owens wanted Sami Zayn and AJ Styles, but he realized what he really wanted was WWE's walking punching bag.
Kevin Owens def. Dolph Ziggler
Overview: Dolph Ziggler immediately kicked Kevin Owens in the face as this match began, but Kevin Owens didn't let him have the edge for long, beating him into the mat. Owens dominated until he went for a cannonball which Dolph ducked. Ziggler hit a Superkick for a nearfall and dazed Owens.
Ziggler put Owens on the top rope but got thrown off the top by Kevin. Ziggler tried again after a boot but got tripped on the ropes. Owens then hit the pump up powerbomb for the win.
Analysis: As always, these two are great together and got enough time to pull off some nearfalls. Owens is always going to be the top guy in this clash, so it kills some of the surprise and expectations for the close finishes. Still, these two do just enough each time to make it worth the time spent.
What the opening segment did well was that it created a sense of importance for every match. Each wrestler was trying to prove their worth tonight to impress The Authority, and Owens clearly had that in mind as he wrestled. He even ended up pointing at the Mania sign after the match.
It was too bad though that there was no forward progress with either Owens vs. Styles or Owens vs. Zayn which were both teased in the Rumble. Owens felt like he was on an island tonight, just showing he was still around.
Ziggler put Owens on the top rope but got thrown off the top by Kevin. Ziggler tried again after a boot but got tripped on the ropes. Owens then hit the pump up powerbomb for the win.
Analysis: As always, these two are great together and got enough time to pull off some nearfalls. Owens is always going to be the top guy in this clash, so it kills some of the surprise and expectations for the close finishes. Still, these two do just enough each time to make it worth the time spent.
What the opening segment did well was that it created a sense of importance for every match. Each wrestler was trying to prove their worth tonight to impress The Authority, and Owens clearly had that in mind as he wrestled. He even ended up pointing at the Mania sign after the match.
It was too bad though that there was no forward progress with either Owens vs. Styles or Owens vs. Zayn which were both teased in the Rumble. Owens felt like he was on an island tonight, just showing he was still around.
Flo Rida may make a career of succeeding in music, but Bo Rida makes a career of succeeding in life.
The Dudley Boyz (w/ Flo Rida) def. Social Outcasts' Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel (w/ Heath Slater and Adam Rose)
Overview: Social Outcasts came out and challenged Flo Rida to fight them straight up. Heath Slater felt insulted by him while Bo Dallas made clear they were friends who would fight together. Flo Rida actually got in the wrong to fight, and it all became a rap battle between Flo Rida and Bo Rida.
After the two spit their fire, Flo Rida introduced the Dudley Boyz to do his fighting for him. Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas teamed to fight the multiple time tag champions. It was all Dudleys until Heath Slater got involved and got into an argument with Flo Rida that led to Slater taking a Whassup. Axel returned to the ring just in time to take a 3D for the loss.
Analysis: The Social Outcasts have really come into their own as a stable, giving each member of their odd pairing a fresh voice. Adam Rose hyping up Heath Slater as the red dragon was hilarious. Bo Dallas turning into Bo Rida to spit his own fire against Flo Rida was one of the highlights of the whole night.
As expected though, the end result was always for Flo Rida's guys to get the rub, and apparently his guys were the Dudley Boyz. Bubba and D-Von feel underutilized right now, but whenever they win it also feels like a waste. They need direction or need to be putting over more entertaining talent like the Social Outcasts.
After the two spit their fire, Flo Rida introduced the Dudley Boyz to do his fighting for him. Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas teamed to fight the multiple time tag champions. It was all Dudleys until Heath Slater got involved and got into an argument with Flo Rida that led to Slater taking a Whassup. Axel returned to the ring just in time to take a 3D for the loss.
Analysis: The Social Outcasts have really come into their own as a stable, giving each member of their odd pairing a fresh voice. Adam Rose hyping up Heath Slater as the red dragon was hilarious. Bo Dallas turning into Bo Rida to spit his own fire against Flo Rida was one of the highlights of the whole night.
As expected though, the end result was always for Flo Rida's guys to get the rub, and apparently his guys were the Dudley Boyz. Bubba and D-Von feel underutilized right now, but whenever they win it also feels like a waste. They need direction or need to be putting over more entertaining talent like the Social Outcasts.
"Wait, that's it? We're only going 10 minutes?"
AJ Styles def. Chris Jericho
Overview: Styles made his very first entrance on Raw with pyro galore. The two locked up to start with Jericho getting taken down first to his surprise. After taking a big clothesline, Jericho finally found his opening, dropkicking Styles off the apron. Styles kept taking big shots but made Jericho look slow as he kept going.
Jericho put down AJ for a while with a vicious trip of Styles onto the apron. AJ's strikes fought against Jericho's strikes, and AJ kept taking the worst of the beating but kept fighting back. Caught in a Walls of Jericho, Styles dragged himself to the ropes.
Styles then hit the pele kick and went for a frog splash which Jericho dodged. Jericho then lionsaulted into Styles' knees. Styles then went for the Styles Clash which Chris turned into a roll up which Styles then reversed it into his own roll up for three. Afterward, Styles offered a hand to Jericho, and they shook hands with Jericho holding just a bit longer to make it clear this wasn't the end.
Analysis: As a first note, Styles has an amazing entrance. It instantly showcases him as a major talent with the great theme and the big spot pyro. He's already being booked like an upper midcard attraction at least which makes his transition to WWE even more hard to believe. It feels like the guy who was in NJPW just a month ago is absolutely competing in WWE right now. There was no drop just because he's in the "big leagues".
He had a really good match with Jericho tonight, pulling out the competitor in Jericho who clearly did not want to be outdone. The story of Styles' indomitable ability vs Jericho's veteran cunning did a lot for both men with it helping continue a clear slow heel turn for Jericho who will soon explode.
Tonight, we got a taste of what Styles can do while allowing him to be a big deal and still keeping a lot up his sleeve. It is surreal to see the face of TNA becoming one of the biggest stars in WWE so quickly, but it is a delight to witness.
Jericho put down AJ for a while with a vicious trip of Styles onto the apron. AJ's strikes fought against Jericho's strikes, and AJ kept taking the worst of the beating but kept fighting back. Caught in a Walls of Jericho, Styles dragged himself to the ropes.
Styles then hit the pele kick and went for a frog splash which Jericho dodged. Jericho then lionsaulted into Styles' knees. Styles then went for the Styles Clash which Chris turned into a roll up which Styles then reversed it into his own roll up for three. Afterward, Styles offered a hand to Jericho, and they shook hands with Jericho holding just a bit longer to make it clear this wasn't the end.
Analysis: As a first note, Styles has an amazing entrance. It instantly showcases him as a major talent with the great theme and the big spot pyro. He's already being booked like an upper midcard attraction at least which makes his transition to WWE even more hard to believe. It feels like the guy who was in NJPW just a month ago is absolutely competing in WWE right now. There was no drop just because he's in the "big leagues".
He had a really good match with Jericho tonight, pulling out the competitor in Jericho who clearly did not want to be outdone. The story of Styles' indomitable ability vs Jericho's veteran cunning did a lot for both men with it helping continue a clear slow heel turn for Jericho who will soon explode.
Tonight, we got a taste of what Styles can do while allowing him to be a big deal and still keeping a lot up his sleeve. It is surreal to see the face of TNA becoming one of the biggest stars in WWE so quickly, but it is a delight to witness.
Great, talented women flying around the ring but JBL just sees colorful hair. "So crazy, maggle!"
Sasha Banks def. Becky Lynch by Disqualification
Overview: These two got into each other's face and knocked each other around as the bell rang with Becky kicking Sasha out of the ring only to get knocked on the ropes. Sasha ground Becky down but then took a series of big strikes from Becky. When Sasha then took too long in taking out Becky, she ran into a Dis-arm-her.
Sasha battled out of it and hit a backstabber into the Bank Statement. Charlotte got involved before it was clear whether Becky would get out, throwing out the match. Charlotte threw Sasha out of the ring and attacked Charlotte, spearing her and raising the title above her head to make clear she was the only one who mattered.
Analysis: You can always expect quality from these two women especially now that they genuinely feel like they have heat, but this wasn't really given its time. The match basically got to its finish before Charlotte interfered and still only lasted one segment which is a shame as it is still one of WWE's hottest feuds.
It was nice though to have Charlotte as the aggressor without her male valet Ric Flair at her side. It makes out Charlotte to be the threat she is supposed to be even as a cowardly one. She is supposed to the powerhouse in this rivalry, and it is harder to see her as that with her dad cheering her on.
Sasha battled out of it and hit a backstabber into the Bank Statement. Charlotte got involved before it was clear whether Becky would get out, throwing out the match. Charlotte threw Sasha out of the ring and attacked Charlotte, spearing her and raising the title above her head to make clear she was the only one who mattered.
Analysis: You can always expect quality from these two women especially now that they genuinely feel like they have heat, but this wasn't really given its time. The match basically got to its finish before Charlotte interfered and still only lasted one segment which is a shame as it is still one of WWE's hottest feuds.
It was nice though to have Charlotte as the aggressor without her male valet Ric Flair at her side. It makes out Charlotte to be the threat she is supposed to be even as a cowardly one. She is supposed to the powerhouse in this rivalry, and it is harder to see her as that with her dad cheering her on.
The Wyatt Family: where Bray Wyatt wins, Braun Strowman destroys, and Erick Rowan and Luke Harper make creepy looks.
Bray Wyatt def. Kane
Overview: Bray Wyatt beat down on the Demon Kane early on. Kane couldn't get going, stomped on and ground down. When Kane finally got some offense in, it was slow and steady until Wyatt took a big boot which sent Wyatt to the outside. As Kane followed, Erick Rowan distracted Kane followed by Luke Harper when they were back in the ring.
Thanks to the distractions, Wyatt hit a big clothesline and the Sister Abigail for the victory. After the match, The Wyatt Family continued assaulting Kane with Braun Strowman putting the Demon to sleep.
Analysis: They basically just had this segment to remind us that Bray Wyatt is around and a major star still. It was a complete miss of a segment, useless to anything but telling us what we know. Kane and Wyatt have so little chemistry it can be hard to watch at times.
I am not sure why Wyatt did not get a chance to address Lesnar tonight. The Wyatt Family clearly targeted the Beast Incarnate, and we have no idea why. Tonight was not the night they wanted to address it likely to make sure that this feud didn't drag, just getting in its segments as it needs.
Thanks to the distractions, Wyatt hit a big clothesline and the Sister Abigail for the victory. After the match, The Wyatt Family continued assaulting Kane with Braun Strowman putting the Demon to sleep.
Analysis: They basically just had this segment to remind us that Bray Wyatt is around and a major star still. It was a complete miss of a segment, useless to anything but telling us what we know. Kane and Wyatt have so little chemistry it can be hard to watch at times.
I am not sure why Wyatt did not get a chance to address Lesnar tonight. The Wyatt Family clearly targeted the Beast Incarnate, and we have no idea why. Tonight was not the night they wanted to address it likely to make sure that this feud didn't drag, just getting in its segments as it needs.
The Rock can insult the world, but, as the New Day will articulate, he's booty which is all that matters.
The Rock Returns to WWE and Pulls No Punches with Anyone
Overview: The limo parked at the back of the arena early in the night finally had its rider revealed: The Miz. When he came out to talk about himself, a truck drove in, and The Rock walked out. He ribbed The Miz, joked with Big Show until he broke his laptop, and insinuated Lana was a whore in front of her own fiance.
Finally, Rock got to the ring and joked with the fans only to be interrupted by The New Day who talked about The Rock leaving Florida for better pastures. Rock ran them down and challenged them to fight which they declined because the crowd didn't deserve it.
Rock said he had a plan B which was now in action: family. The Usos came out and took out New Day, helping Rock Rock Bottom Big E and People's Elbow Xavier Woods.
Analysis: The Rock came back this time with a lot of unbridled energy. The guy was jumping off the walls, throwing insults like he used to do back in the day. It was very much like seeing 2000s Rock in WWE again which was rarely true of his previous returns. Maybe it's because Triple H is champion now, so he felt more comfortable.
Rock was firing on all cylinders early on. His talk with Big Show was especially funny. However, this did end up feeling a bit long. Rock spent too much time talking about the gorilla position, messing with some fans that were getting over with their antics, and pausing for dramatic impact (or because he forgot his line).
When New Day came out, it was a cool moment, the most ridiculous trash talkers in WWE right now up against WWE's most celebrated trash talker. Neither side had the greatest line for one another but delivered a lot of cool energy with The Usos getting some rub from it all.
Finally, Rock got to the ring and joked with the fans only to be interrupted by The New Day who talked about The Rock leaving Florida for better pastures. Rock ran them down and challenged them to fight which they declined because the crowd didn't deserve it.
Rock said he had a plan B which was now in action: family. The Usos came out and took out New Day, helping Rock Rock Bottom Big E and People's Elbow Xavier Woods.
Analysis: The Rock came back this time with a lot of unbridled energy. The guy was jumping off the walls, throwing insults like he used to do back in the day. It was very much like seeing 2000s Rock in WWE again which was rarely true of his previous returns. Maybe it's because Triple H is champion now, so he felt more comfortable.
Rock was firing on all cylinders early on. His talk with Big Show was especially funny. However, this did end up feeling a bit long. Rock spent too much time talking about the gorilla position, messing with some fans that were getting over with their antics, and pausing for dramatic impact (or because he forgot his line).
When New Day came out, it was a cool moment, the most ridiculous trash talkers in WWE right now up against WWE's most celebrated trash talker. Neither side had the greatest line for one another but delivered a lot of cool energy with The Usos getting some rub from it all.
The best of friends until one decides to try and end the career of the other again.
Natalya and Paige def. Brie Bella and Alicia Fox
Overview: Alicia Fox and Brie Bella beat down on Natalya early until Paige got the hot tag and looked Brie in the PTO which Alicia broke up with a kick. Natalya helped clean up the ring, and Paige hit the Ram-Paige on Brie for the win.
Analysis: Don't worry, guys. WWE still does have a base disdain for the Divas division. Two minute match with no story, this feels like old school use of the Divas. While Charlotte, Becky, and Sasha make their marks, we have Paige beating everybody else. I guess this is what we get for having a show called Total Divas in WWE's lineup.
All this match really did was continue to confuse with Natalya suddenly being best friends with Paige again and make sure Paige was being treated as head and shoulders above her competition, barely even getting touched in her domination of Team Bella.
Analysis: Don't worry, guys. WWE still does have a base disdain for the Divas division. Two minute match with no story, this feels like old school use of the Divas. While Charlotte, Becky, and Sasha make their marks, we have Paige beating everybody else. I guess this is what we get for having a show called Total Divas in WWE's lineup.
All this match really did was continue to confuse with Natalya suddenly being best friends with Paige again and make sure Paige was being treated as head and shoulders above her competition, barely even getting touched in her domination of Team Bella.
Sure, Kalisto can fly, but Miz can absolutely hop.
Kalisto def. The Miz
Overview: The Miz was irate in the ring that everyone kept interrupting him only to have Kalisto's theme interrupted him. The two fought back and forth with an angry Miz grounding Kalisto and even showing off some fast pace style. Kalisto tried to roll up Miz, but he couldn't so Miz kept up the aggression.
Miz hit a big DDT but still couldn't get the pin. He went for the Skull Crushing Finale only to have it turned right into the Salida Del Sol for the win.
Analysis: I never would have expected WWE would be giving meaningful ring time tonight to The Miz, but they did and delivered with Kalisto. Miz went a bit old school, focusing on playing the taunting, conniving heel to Kalisto's plucky high flier. Most of the match Miz dominated, but it was entertaining domination with good spots.
When it came time for Kalisto to overcome, he pulled off a really cool finish, turning the Skull Crushing Finale into a Salida Del Sol. These two men clearly have some chemistry and need something to do, so a feud would be welcome even though Miz will always be relevant but not allowed to be a serious star anymore.
Another interesting idea would be to have someone feud with Kalisto on Miz's behalf, setting up a potential managerial role for Miz who feels like he would thrive in that role.
Miz hit a big DDT but still couldn't get the pin. He went for the Skull Crushing Finale only to have it turned right into the Salida Del Sol for the win.
Analysis: I never would have expected WWE would be giving meaningful ring time tonight to The Miz, but they did and delivered with Kalisto. Miz went a bit old school, focusing on playing the taunting, conniving heel to Kalisto's plucky high flier. Most of the match Miz dominated, but it was entertaining domination with good spots.
When it came time for Kalisto to overcome, he pulled off a really cool finish, turning the Skull Crushing Finale into a Salida Del Sol. These two men clearly have some chemistry and need something to do, so a feud would be welcome even though Miz will always be relevant but not allowed to be a serious star anymore.
Another interesting idea would be to have someone feud with Kalisto on Miz's behalf, setting up a potential managerial role for Miz who feels like he would thrive in that role.
"Wait, so you're giving both of us a chance to fight your husband rather than just keeping us out of the running? Thanks?"
Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose def. Sheamus and Rusev
Overview: Reigns and Ambrose quickly showed their teamwork with quick tags and Ambrose completely throwing caution to the ring to dive on top of both members of the League of Nations. Sheamus though began to gain back momentum leading to a physical turnaround as Rusev began throwing Ambrose into the barricade repeatedly.
This allowed the LoN to begin dominating Ambrose who still showed signs of wear and tear from last night including having his left arm taped up. On the outside, Sheamus taunted Ambrose until Dean hit a rebound clothesline in response. That allowed Dean to get to Reigns and give him the hot tag.
Sheamus and Reigns fought on the outside before Rusev fought him in the ring with Roman just destroying both men in his anger. When Reigns went for a Superman punch, the LoN got involved and distracted him, allowing Rusev to hit a series of kicks and Sheamus to hit the Brogue Kick for a near fall that Dean had to break up.
Dean then cleared the ring, allowing Reigns to hit a spear for the victory. To make Rusev pay for what he did last night, Ambrose helped Reigns hit Rusev with a double powerbomb through the announce table. Stephanie McMahon then came out and announced the main event of Fast Lane: Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar.
Analysis: We have kind of seen this before, but this was a pretty good tag match. Both teams were physical and driven, telling a lot of story in a short amount of time. Ambrose and Reigns will always be fun to watch together as they are very different wrestlers but have their shared history and a lot of team chemistry.
The unfortunate thing about this match was it kind of felt like the League of Nations' first real drop in relevancy. They were only there to show how resilient their opponents were and got clearly shoved to the side by the end with the main event announcement. What do they do now?
Meanwhile, we just got a huge main event match with Lesnar competing in what will be the second of three straight shows. We already know Reigns and Lesnar have great chemistry, and Ambrose seems like the kind of scrappy fighter who can mesh with Brock well. While the result to come might be predictable, the match should be excellent.
This allowed the LoN to begin dominating Ambrose who still showed signs of wear and tear from last night including having his left arm taped up. On the outside, Sheamus taunted Ambrose until Dean hit a rebound clothesline in response. That allowed Dean to get to Reigns and give him the hot tag.
Sheamus and Reigns fought on the outside before Rusev fought him in the ring with Roman just destroying both men in his anger. When Reigns went for a Superman punch, the LoN got involved and distracted him, allowing Rusev to hit a series of kicks and Sheamus to hit the Brogue Kick for a near fall that Dean had to break up.
Dean then cleared the ring, allowing Reigns to hit a spear for the victory. To make Rusev pay for what he did last night, Ambrose helped Reigns hit Rusev with a double powerbomb through the announce table. Stephanie McMahon then came out and announced the main event of Fast Lane: Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar.
Analysis: We have kind of seen this before, but this was a pretty good tag match. Both teams were physical and driven, telling a lot of story in a short amount of time. Ambrose and Reigns will always be fun to watch together as they are very different wrestlers but have their shared history and a lot of team chemistry.
The unfortunate thing about this match was it kind of felt like the League of Nations' first real drop in relevancy. They were only there to show how resilient their opponents were and got clearly shoved to the side by the end with the main event announcement. What do they do now?
Meanwhile, we just got a huge main event match with Lesnar competing in what will be the second of three straight shows. We already know Reigns and Lesnar have great chemistry, and Ambrose seems like the kind of scrappy fighter who can mesh with Brock well. While the result to come might be predictable, the match should be excellent.
Lana, you really aren't supposed to be enjoying having your sexual promiscuity highlighted.
Final Notes: Roman Reigns was interviewed and promised to stay around until he heard the announcement for what would happen with the title he still considered his. AJ Styles was interviewed about his debut in WWE and interrupted by Chris Jericho who said Styles was finally in the big leagues.
Goldust found R-Truth backstage and wanted them to be a tag team, but Truth misunderstood it as a sexual advance and walked off.
The crowd was like last night's, very smarky, but much less excited in many ways. They still got excited for certain guys, but they didn't make much impact.
Conclusion: This was a pretty solid show. The matches were pretty good with only one real dud and a surprise with Miz vs. Kalisto. The segments were also strong if a bit long. The Rock's return was not only predictable but kind of anti-climactic where nothing really mattered as it was just helping a tag feud that felt dead already.
The best parts of the show were AJ Styles' presentation and Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose making the most of a brutal main event to lead up to an announcement of a future amazing main event that should follow that same physicality with an even bigger monster.
There were no real down points to this show. Even the dud Divas match was over fast. Stories continued though not quite with forward momentum. It was the kind of show you'd expect to be quality since it was post-major PPV, but it never had the moments of that kind of show instead focusing on wrestling.
Goldust found R-Truth backstage and wanted them to be a tag team, but Truth misunderstood it as a sexual advance and walked off.
The crowd was like last night's, very smarky, but much less excited in many ways. They still got excited for certain guys, but they didn't make much impact.
Conclusion: This was a pretty solid show. The matches were pretty good with only one real dud and a surprise with Miz vs. Kalisto. The segments were also strong if a bit long. The Rock's return was not only predictable but kind of anti-climactic where nothing really mattered as it was just helping a tag feud that felt dead already.
The best parts of the show were AJ Styles' presentation and Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose making the most of a brutal main event to lead up to an announcement of a future amazing main event that should follow that same physicality with an even bigger monster.
There were no real down points to this show. Even the dud Divas match was over fast. Stories continued though not quite with forward momentum. It was the kind of show you'd expect to be quality since it was post-major PPV, but it never had the moments of that kind of show instead focusing on wrestling.