WWE Fastlane 2015 Review

Match 1: Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, & Ryback vs. The Big Show, Kane, & Seth Rollins
Basically a Survivor Series main event rematch as we open up Fastlane! Although this match is getting tiresome, I still thoroughly enjoyed this match. Action featured The Authority in control for the better part of the match that saw Ziggler being left out as the crowd was continuously chanting for him. Ryback stepped up his game for this match, more fluid in the ring and is living off the Ryback chants. However, Ziggler came in to the match late where Big Show landed a nasty KO Punch on the side of the ring where Kane then pinned Ziggler for the win. The Authority then look to dismantle the rejects again until Randy Orton appears out of nowhere and scares everybody off! Quality opener with a cool surprise of Orton finally returning to the ring. Bring on Orton vs. Rollins!
Winners: The Big Show, Kane, & Seth Rollins
Rating: **3/4

Match 2: Stardust vs. Goldust
Considering that these two brothers have been tagging so long, it truly is a shame that the WWE dropped the ball on this feud. I would have loved to see this on the WrestleMania card. But such is wrestling and here we are. I love Cody in his role as Stardust, it was odd at first but he has certainly made the most of it. It has gotten to the point where it even begins to freak Goldust out! Action was a little slow and the crowd just could not get into the action at all. The commentators were great in their roles in hyping up both competitors and the match but that silent crowd just totally killed the experience of what was a pretty basic match. The ending did not help matters when the referee butchered the finishing count as Goldust rolled Stardust up. After, Stardust refuses to shake the hand of Goldust as Dusty Rhodes watches from the back.
Winner: Goldust
Rating: *1/4

Match 3: WWE World Tag Team Championships - The Usos (c) vs. Cesaro & Tyson Kidd
This is going to be good. I'm a huge fan of both teams and I'm pleased to say that these guys did not disappoint. The Memphis crowd is behind both teams and their styles clashed very nicely against each other. Fun action from top to bottom and it is definitely a breath of fresh air in the tag division to see two teams getting a sufficient amount of time on a PPV. They needed to differentiate this match from the opener and they did a great job. Lots of close finishes and lots of cool moves that had the crowd on their toes. Cesaro & Kidd get the win to capture the belts!
Winners: Cesaro & Tyson Kidd
Rating: ***1/2

Match 4: Divas Championship - Nikki Bella (c) vs. Paige
After the confrontation between Triple H and Sting, there needed to be a match to cool the crowd down and this was it. The Bellas are always involved in wacky feuds and this one isn't too different. Basic Divas match here that saw Nikki get the win with a handful of tights. Regular Divas match here with nothing that really stood out.
Winner: Nikki Bella
Rating: *

Match 5: Intercontinental Championship - Bad News Barrett (c) vs. Dean Ambrose
Huge fan of both these guys, definitely stepping up their game and molding themselves as legit main event guys. Good wrestling from the two as Barrett tried hitting his elbow finisher but Ambrose gets the upper hand and counters. Barrett tries to leave with his belt but Ambrose won't let him, he then goes off on Barrett as the bell is rung for a disqualification against Ambrose. Finish makes sense as nobody has to eat the pin leading into WrestleMania. But the match was too basic for me, what is different from this match as compared to what we see on Raw? If we're paying extra for a PPV, we should be expecting and getting more. Afterwards, Ambrose lays out Barrett and steals his belt.
Winner: Bad News Barrett
Rating: **1/4

Match 6: United States Championship - Rusev (c) vs. John Cena
Rusev has come off as a beast these past months and this feud with Cena is only doing wonders for him. His style reminds me of Umaga and just like Umaga, Rusev's style goes nicely against Cena's. Rusev looked good here, Cena was selling his moves perfectly and Rusev even kicked out of an Attitude Adjustment. This match definitely stood out from the others so far and not because of the star power. I enjoyed the slower action and enjoyed the fact that Rusev's undefeated streak was getting teased. They went for a good 15 minutes or so before Rusev finally locked in his Accolade. Cena is able to nearly escape before Lana comes in to distract the referee where Rusev lands a low blow along with a kick. Rusev then locks it in where the referee had no choice but to call for the bell. Enjoyable first main event of the night that made Rusev look like an animal and scoring a victory over Cena. Only sets up for a bigger match down the line.
Winner: Rusev
Rating: ***1/4

Match 7: Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns
Here it is, the main event of the evening with the winner scoring an opportunity to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 31. Yeah, doesn't make much sense to me either. For those who have any doubts, Roman Reigns is a star and this match proved it. I'm sick of the argument that Daniel Bryan carries people in matches because Reigns more than held his own here. Awesome back and fourth action throughout that somewhat had Bryan come off more as a heel even though more than half the crowd was on his side. Interesting dynamic as Bryan had to rely on his kicks and submissions while Reigns simply had to rely on powering out and landing blows to gain an advantage. Reigns ultimately hit a cool Spear when Bryan went for his running knee finisher. Reigns is still your WrestleMania 31 main event against Brock Lesnar. Great main event that proves that the WWE is solidly behind Reigns over Bryan. Whether you like it or not.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Rating: ****

Overall Show Thoughts and Rating:
This felt like an episode of SmackDown more than anything. Two lengthy promos and a pretty average card that sets up the final foundation for WrestleMania. There really isn't anything here aside from maybe the main event that I might want someone to go out of their way to watch. Let's go to Santa Clara... if you're still interested.
Rating: 6/10