Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
I feel like we all have a romanticized notion of what The Road to WrestleMania feels like. It's never quite as glamorous at the time as it is looking back. WWE certainly cares more, but the writing is not going to suddenly make a drastic step up in quality.
It is especially clear this year that WWE has been uncertain of its focus for this year's 'Mania. Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch would have been an easy main event, but that got overly complicated just to keep people talking. Roman Reigns' return, uncertainly about John Cena and Kurt Angle, and more all have led to weird shifts.
Now, there's a host of singles matches being built for a show that could be great, but the writers just don't seem to know what to do. How does one keep people interested for a whole month about a 20-card show? It's actually not all that hard, just let each story shine.
It is especially clear this year that WWE has been uncertain of its focus for this year's 'Mania. Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch would have been an easy main event, but that got overly complicated just to keep people talking. Roman Reigns' return, uncertainly about John Cena and Kurt Angle, and more all have led to weird shifts.
Now, there's a host of singles matches being built for a show that could be great, but the writers just don't seem to know what to do. How does one keep people interested for a whole month about a 20-card show? It's actually not all that hard, just let each story shine.
I can't believe we'll never see another triple powerbomb... until Dean Ambrose leaves and WWE immediately replaces him to create Shield 2.0.
WWE Fastlane 2019
The Shield's Last Ride Was The First Time They Have Felt Like The Shield in Full Force Since Their Original Break-Up
Overview: The Shield main evented against Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, and Drew McIntyre, and it was an impressive showcase of the talent. Battles waged around the arena until The Lone Wolf was left alone to take Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins' best shots and a triple powerbomb for the loss.
Analysis: This was The Shield of old back in the ring, and it was a ton of fun to behold. Everyone looked energized, and it added more to a match that didn't feel like it should matter. It took some time to get going, but, once it did, it never stopped. It was consistently fantastic.
WWE Needs to Stop Getting in the Way of Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey
Overview: A hobbled Becky Lynch came into this match with almost no avenue for victory, but she refused to give in.
Charlotte Flair mocked her and assaulted her bad leg before locking in the figure-four leg lock, but Ronda Rousey stormed to the ring and punched The Man to clearly get Lynch disqualified and make sure Lynch was going to WM.
Analysis: This story is all over the place, and it had no reason to be. A vicious heel Rousey that intentionally injured The Irish Lass Kicker on Monday should not also be intentionally setting her up for WrestleMania. There was also no reason to continue to sell Lynch's leg injury like an impossible hurdle.
In fact, The Man was completely healthy and walking on her own two feet by SmackDown. This whole feud has no consistency. Only WWE could sabotage a money angle this bad with it still feeling like money at the end.
Finally, The Shane McMahon/Miz Storyline Has Reached Its Rightful Climax
Overview: The Miz did his best throughout to keep his team in this match, but it was not enough. After Shane accidently distracted the referee from a Skull Crushing Finale pinfall, The A-Lister missed a frog splash and got rolled up for three. Afterward, a frustrated Shane O'Mac attacked both Miz and his dad.
Analysis: It took a long time with many highs and lows, but it finally feels like the full picture is clear. Shane's Best in the World victory matters. Miz's fight for attention matters. This rivalry has a clear strong climax approaching, and it makes everything that came before more valuable.
I am still not sold Miz and Shane can have a good match together, but they will do their best. I also expect, if nothing else, a heel Shane should do a great job solidifying Miz as a face long term.
Conclusion
Fastlane started sloppy with impressively bad pacing, but the in-ring work more than made up for it in the long run. While there were only three real standouts, there was barely a dud throughout, and most of the match were strong middle-of-the-road efforts despite a bloated card.
I'll take a Fastlane of this quality over just about any other Fastlane we have gotten in past years.
Overview: The Shield main evented against Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, and Drew McIntyre, and it was an impressive showcase of the talent. Battles waged around the arena until The Lone Wolf was left alone to take Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins' best shots and a triple powerbomb for the loss.
Analysis: This was The Shield of old back in the ring, and it was a ton of fun to behold. Everyone looked energized, and it added more to a match that didn't feel like it should matter. It took some time to get going, but, once it did, it never stopped. It was consistently fantastic.
WWE Needs to Stop Getting in the Way of Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey
Overview: A hobbled Becky Lynch came into this match with almost no avenue for victory, but she refused to give in.
Charlotte Flair mocked her and assaulted her bad leg before locking in the figure-four leg lock, but Ronda Rousey stormed to the ring and punched The Man to clearly get Lynch disqualified and make sure Lynch was going to WM.
Analysis: This story is all over the place, and it had no reason to be. A vicious heel Rousey that intentionally injured The Irish Lass Kicker on Monday should not also be intentionally setting her up for WrestleMania. There was also no reason to continue to sell Lynch's leg injury like an impossible hurdle.
In fact, The Man was completely healthy and walking on her own two feet by SmackDown. This whole feud has no consistency. Only WWE could sabotage a money angle this bad with it still feeling like money at the end.
Finally, The Shane McMahon/Miz Storyline Has Reached Its Rightful Climax
Overview: The Miz did his best throughout to keep his team in this match, but it was not enough. After Shane accidently distracted the referee from a Skull Crushing Finale pinfall, The A-Lister missed a frog splash and got rolled up for three. Afterward, a frustrated Shane O'Mac attacked both Miz and his dad.
Analysis: It took a long time with many highs and lows, but it finally feels like the full picture is clear. Shane's Best in the World victory matters. Miz's fight for attention matters. This rivalry has a clear strong climax approaching, and it makes everything that came before more valuable.
I am still not sold Miz and Shane can have a good match together, but they will do their best. I also expect, if nothing else, a heel Shane should do a great job solidifying Miz as a face long term.
Conclusion
Fastlane started sloppy with impressively bad pacing, but the in-ring work more than made up for it in the long run. While there were only three real standouts, there was barely a dud throughout, and most of the match were strong middle-of-the-road efforts despite a bloated card.
I'll take a Fastlane of this quality over just about any other Fastlane we have gotten in past years.
Grade: B
I feel like Kofi would probably get more respect from Vince if he didn't try to look like a main event star while decked out in weird New Day gear.
Monday Night Raw March 11, 2019
It's Drew McIntyre's World, and WWE Hasn't Quite Figured It Out Yet
Overview: Drew McIntyre laid out Roman Reigns before The Big Dog could have his first singles match back in WWE. Dean Ambrose demanded a shot at The Scottish Psychopath in a Falls Count Anywhere match, and Triple H agreed.
However, despite the valiant efforts of The Lunatic Fringe, McIntyre stood tall after wiping out Ambrose with a Claymore after trapping him in a railing. He hit another for good measure before standing tall.
Analysis: Raw does not seem to have a clear sense of how to use its own talent, and McIntyre has certainly suffered from that. He's a complete beast that does everything right and stands out doing it, but it feels like he is always secondary.
Right now, his WrestleMania focus is likely to fight Reigns, which is fine but it won't be a match about McIntyre. The guy rarely gets singles matches that matter. In this biggest match of his career to date, he'll mostly be a vehicle to get The Big Dog back up to speed.
WWE Will Never Give Braun Strowman a Legitimate WrestleMania Spotlight
Overview: Braun Strowman followed up his attack of Colin Jost backstage last week with a confident declaration of Raw that he did what was right. Jost sent a car for The Monster Among Men, who took it as an insult and ripped apart the vehicle before announcing he was heading to Saturday Night Live.
Analysis: Imagine being Strowman, a big man with incredible work ethic that has done everything right to date and gotten massively over, only to be told for another year he would be stuck in a comedy bit at WrestleMania. It's a shocking insult to a fantastic talent.
The Monster cannot catch a break, and he's basically everything Vince McMahon should love. He should already be a champion by now, but he's spending another 'Mania in a silly secondary role.
Conclusion
I found myself tuning out on this episode of Raw even worse than most weeks. It was not an interesting show from start to finish, and I can barely remember most of what happened. After Fastlane set up so much, it felt like Raw was still spinning its wheels, waiting for the big stories to get going.
Overview: Drew McIntyre laid out Roman Reigns before The Big Dog could have his first singles match back in WWE. Dean Ambrose demanded a shot at The Scottish Psychopath in a Falls Count Anywhere match, and Triple H agreed.
However, despite the valiant efforts of The Lunatic Fringe, McIntyre stood tall after wiping out Ambrose with a Claymore after trapping him in a railing. He hit another for good measure before standing tall.
Analysis: Raw does not seem to have a clear sense of how to use its own talent, and McIntyre has certainly suffered from that. He's a complete beast that does everything right and stands out doing it, but it feels like he is always secondary.
Right now, his WrestleMania focus is likely to fight Reigns, which is fine but it won't be a match about McIntyre. The guy rarely gets singles matches that matter. In this biggest match of his career to date, he'll mostly be a vehicle to get The Big Dog back up to speed.
WWE Will Never Give Braun Strowman a Legitimate WrestleMania Spotlight
Overview: Braun Strowman followed up his attack of Colin Jost backstage last week with a confident declaration of Raw that he did what was right. Jost sent a car for The Monster Among Men, who took it as an insult and ripped apart the vehicle before announcing he was heading to Saturday Night Live.
Analysis: Imagine being Strowman, a big man with incredible work ethic that has done everything right to date and gotten massively over, only to be told for another year he would be stuck in a comedy bit at WrestleMania. It's a shocking insult to a fantastic talent.
The Monster cannot catch a break, and he's basically everything Vince McMahon should love. He should already be a champion by now, but he's spending another 'Mania in a silly secondary role.
Conclusion
I found myself tuning out on this episode of Raw even worse than most weeks. It was not an interesting show from start to finish, and I can barely remember most of what happened. After Fastlane set up so much, it felt like Raw was still spinning its wheels, waiting for the big stories to get going.
Grade: C-
SmackDown Live March 12, 2019
Kofi Kingston is Absolutely Ready
Overview: Mr. McMahon refused to give Kofi Kingston anything he wanted, booking him in a two-on-one handicap match against The Bar that was entirely one-sided. On SmackDown, he explained he was trying to teach Kofi a lesson.
The New Day refused to listen and demanded their opportunity. The Chairman gave it at a cost, stating that Kofi could get his title match only by defeating Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, Sheamus, Cesaro, and Rowan in a gauntlet match.
Analysis: Who could have known that when Kofi replaced Mustafa Ali in that gauntlet match, it would begin this journey. Arguably, he's now the hottest star in the entire company, and there's a surprising amount of care being put into the storytelling here as Kofi is overcoming the roadblocks that truly held him back for years.
Hopefully, this all leads to a happy ending. The New Day leader deserves it. Let the man hold the WWE Championship, just for a few months at least, to solidify his already impressive career.
Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles Success Will Be Decided By How Much They Care
Overview: Randy Orton called out AJ Styles for saying SmackDown was his house when The Viper had been a part of the blue brand for more than a decade longer than The Phenomenal One. The two traded blows about their past before Styles challenged Orton to a match at WrestleMania that The Apex Predator did not clearly accept, yet.
Analysis: This was a surprisingly excellent promo segment. Both men were in rare top form on the mic, and it was clear that they were driven here. This is a match they have long wanted, and now they can get it.
However, I'm still not sure they will deliver. Neither man has a great 'Mania track record. It will be down to how much they put in especially Orton given his long-standing aversion to real work.
Conclusion
This was a fine show overall, nothing too remarkable. What mainly matters was that it kept momentum looking forward. Every angle had focus toward WrestleMania, and there wasn't a bad segment beyond Asuka vs. Sonya Deville, which let down by having no time and setting up an unnecessary break up.
Overview: Mr. McMahon refused to give Kofi Kingston anything he wanted, booking him in a two-on-one handicap match against The Bar that was entirely one-sided. On SmackDown, he explained he was trying to teach Kofi a lesson.
The New Day refused to listen and demanded their opportunity. The Chairman gave it at a cost, stating that Kofi could get his title match only by defeating Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, Sheamus, Cesaro, and Rowan in a gauntlet match.
Analysis: Who could have known that when Kofi replaced Mustafa Ali in that gauntlet match, it would begin this journey. Arguably, he's now the hottest star in the entire company, and there's a surprising amount of care being put into the storytelling here as Kofi is overcoming the roadblocks that truly held him back for years.
Hopefully, this all leads to a happy ending. The New Day leader deserves it. Let the man hold the WWE Championship, just for a few months at least, to solidify his already impressive career.
Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles Success Will Be Decided By How Much They Care
Overview: Randy Orton called out AJ Styles for saying SmackDown was his house when The Viper had been a part of the blue brand for more than a decade longer than The Phenomenal One. The two traded blows about their past before Styles challenged Orton to a match at WrestleMania that The Apex Predator did not clearly accept, yet.
Analysis: This was a surprisingly excellent promo segment. Both men were in rare top form on the mic, and it was clear that they were driven here. This is a match they have long wanted, and now they can get it.
However, I'm still not sure they will deliver. Neither man has a great 'Mania track record. It will be down to how much they put in especially Orton given his long-standing aversion to real work.
Conclusion
This was a fine show overall, nothing too remarkable. What mainly matters was that it kept momentum looking forward. Every angle had focus toward WrestleMania, and there wasn't a bad segment beyond Asuka vs. Sonya Deville, which let down by having no time and setting up an unnecessary break up.
Grade: B
Good guy Johnny laughing at his friend who only turned heel the first time because of a bad knee injury and is now going to miss another near-year of time for a neck injury.
205 Live March 12, 2019
A Tournament Wasn't Necessary if the End Result Was Tony Nese vs. Cedric Alexander at the End
Overview: Oney Lorcan stayed in this fight as long as possible, but Cedric Alexander still ended up putting him away with a Lumbar Check. Tony Nese went to war on the mat with Drew Gulak, who seemed to have the upperhand, but The Premiere Athlete did not quit and ended up rolling up Gulak during the Gu-Lock for three.
Analysis: This tournament has been great for a bevvy of reasons, making 205 Live feel relevant again for a while, but its ultimate result proves once this roster is devoid of fresh faces. Alexander and Nese are good together, but they fought each other countless times lately to get into title contention.
If the end result was always this, why even have a tournament? This was a chance to create a fresh challenge, but no one came out looking much better than they did going in. Nese will win, but he will do so against someone he has already proved he can beat.
Overview: Oney Lorcan stayed in this fight as long as possible, but Cedric Alexander still ended up putting him away with a Lumbar Check. Tony Nese went to war on the mat with Drew Gulak, who seemed to have the upperhand, but The Premiere Athlete did not quit and ended up rolling up Gulak during the Gu-Lock for three.
Analysis: This tournament has been great for a bevvy of reasons, making 205 Live feel relevant again for a while, but its ultimate result proves once this roster is devoid of fresh faces. Alexander and Nese are good together, but they fought each other countless times lately to get into title contention.
If the end result was always this, why even have a tournament? This was a chance to create a fresh challenge, but no one came out looking much better than they did going in. Nese will win, but he will do so against someone he has already proved he can beat.
NXT and NXT UK March 13, 2019
It's Time for NXT to Move Past the Rivalry of Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa
Overview: In a highly anticipated semifinal clash in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, DIY looked to be completely on the same page against Ricochet and Aleister Black until a knee injury left Johny Wrestling unable to continue, forcing the NXT Champion to brave this fight alone and fall to Black Miss into a 630 splash.
Afterward, Ciampa feigned concern for Gargano before attempting to throw him into the screen only for Gargano to reveal he faked the injury, throwing Ciampa into the screen then hitting a running low-angle superkick.
It was reported a few weeks back that Ciampa would be getting neck surgery and will be out for an extended period of time with a likely time table of 9-10 months.
Analysis: Gargano vs. Ciampa has dominated NXT for so long that it has grown a bit overwhelming. While I understand wanting to end the cycle with one last great match, it seems silly that the plan was originally to have Gargano fight Ciampa for the fourth time in the TakeOver main event.
It is no longer happening due to Ciampa's unfortunate injury, and this should be a sign that the company needs to move on. Let these two tell their own stories for a while. Johnny will likely win the NXT Championship, mainly because there aren't many other options right now, but he should head to the main roster soon.
Meanwhile, Ciampa should head straight to the main roster upon his recovery. Both already proved they can work with the main roster guys and stand out. The NXT rivalry is just holding the third brand back from opening up its storytelling.
Walter Has Acclimated to NXT UK Well Though It's Hard to Tell How Big He Can Be
Overview: Walter and Pete Dunne teamed up against the Coffey brothers in the main event. While the unstoppable heavyweights did not always get along, they did their job with Walter emerging victorious thanks to a big boot and powerbomb on Mark Coffey.
Analysis: I'm still not sold on Walter in NXT UK. He's certainly been well established as a big deal, but is he a star to rival Dunne? I don't know yet. He has to prove worthy of that spotlight quickly as he's likely going to be the one that dethrone The Bruiserweight.
Overview: In a highly anticipated semifinal clash in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, DIY looked to be completely on the same page against Ricochet and Aleister Black until a knee injury left Johny Wrestling unable to continue, forcing the NXT Champion to brave this fight alone and fall to Black Miss into a 630 splash.
Afterward, Ciampa feigned concern for Gargano before attempting to throw him into the screen only for Gargano to reveal he faked the injury, throwing Ciampa into the screen then hitting a running low-angle superkick.
It was reported a few weeks back that Ciampa would be getting neck surgery and will be out for an extended period of time with a likely time table of 9-10 months.
Analysis: Gargano vs. Ciampa has dominated NXT for so long that it has grown a bit overwhelming. While I understand wanting to end the cycle with one last great match, it seems silly that the plan was originally to have Gargano fight Ciampa for the fourth time in the TakeOver main event.
It is no longer happening due to Ciampa's unfortunate injury, and this should be a sign that the company needs to move on. Let these two tell their own stories for a while. Johnny will likely win the NXT Championship, mainly because there aren't many other options right now, but he should head to the main roster soon.
Meanwhile, Ciampa should head straight to the main roster upon his recovery. Both already proved they can work with the main roster guys and stand out. The NXT rivalry is just holding the third brand back from opening up its storytelling.
Walter Has Acclimated to NXT UK Well Though It's Hard to Tell How Big He Can Be
Overview: Walter and Pete Dunne teamed up against the Coffey brothers in the main event. While the unstoppable heavyweights did not always get along, they did their job with Walter emerging victorious thanks to a big boot and powerbomb on Mark Coffey.
Analysis: I'm still not sold on Walter in NXT UK. He's certainly been well established as a big deal, but is he a star to rival Dunne? I don't know yet. He has to prove worthy of that spotlight quickly as he's likely going to be the one that dethrone The Bruiserweight.
Match of the Week
Daniel Bryan vs. Kevin Owens vs. Mustafa Ali, Fastlane 2019 (Rating: 9.5/10)
While this match was a bit poorly placed, having to deal with a crowd that just wanted to see Kofi, the wrestlers delivered all the same. This was fast paced, energetic, and driven by the unbelievable efforts of Ali, who was for the first time in his career in a semi-main event on pay-per-view.
The crowd took a while to come around, but the conniving work of Bryan and the outstanding performance of The Heart of SmackDown Live combined to make this one of the best matches of the year.
I have not said much of Kevin Owens here, mainly because he did not stand out much as a character in the match. His work though was exemplary as well. He may have been the third wheel in this fight, but he did not work like one.
Honorable Mention: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade vs. R-Truth, Fastlane 2019 (Rating: 9.25/10)
The SmackDown Fatal 4-Way was a surprise standout that I was happy to enjoy, but the four men stepped up at Fastlane by somehow putting on an even better and completely different match on PPV. You would be hard-pressed to find four men working harder to prove a point.
In particular, Rey Mysterio looked like he was 20 years younger, pulling out offense I have never seen him do before. He worked well off everyone and pushed the rest of the field to be better especially Samoa Joe, who finally got to just go without intentionally slowing himself down.
I would not be surprised if a similar lineup to this one is the United States Championship match at WrestleMania, and it should be just as good if not better based on who gets in on the action.
Other Matches in Consideration: Tony Nese vs. Drew Gulak, 205 Live 3/12 (9/10); DIY vs. Aleister Black and Ricochet, NXT 3/13 (9/10); The Revival (c) vs. Richochet and Aleister Black vs. Bobby Roode and Chad Gable, Fastlane 2019 (8.75/10)
While this match was a bit poorly placed, having to deal with a crowd that just wanted to see Kofi, the wrestlers delivered all the same. This was fast paced, energetic, and driven by the unbelievable efforts of Ali, who was for the first time in his career in a semi-main event on pay-per-view.
The crowd took a while to come around, but the conniving work of Bryan and the outstanding performance of The Heart of SmackDown Live combined to make this one of the best matches of the year.
I have not said much of Kevin Owens here, mainly because he did not stand out much as a character in the match. His work though was exemplary as well. He may have been the third wheel in this fight, but he did not work like one.
Honorable Mention: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade vs. R-Truth, Fastlane 2019 (Rating: 9.25/10)
The SmackDown Fatal 4-Way was a surprise standout that I was happy to enjoy, but the four men stepped up at Fastlane by somehow putting on an even better and completely different match on PPV. You would be hard-pressed to find four men working harder to prove a point.
In particular, Rey Mysterio looked like he was 20 years younger, pulling out offense I have never seen him do before. He worked well off everyone and pushed the rest of the field to be better especially Samoa Joe, who finally got to just go without intentionally slowing himself down.
I would not be surprised if a similar lineup to this one is the United States Championship match at WrestleMania, and it should be just as good if not better based on who gets in on the action.
Other Matches in Consideration: Tony Nese vs. Drew Gulak, 205 Live 3/12 (9/10); DIY vs. Aleister Black and Ricochet, NXT 3/13 (9/10); The Revival (c) vs. Richochet and Aleister Black vs. Bobby Roode and Chad Gable, Fastlane 2019 (8.75/10)