WrestleMania is just around the corner, but there is still one big WWE show to go: Fastlane. Raw’s last exclusive Pay-Per-View before the “show of shows” features some intriguing match-ups, and should help kick things into high gear heading to Orlando.
Rich Swann & Akira Tozawa vs. Brian Kendrick & Noam Dar
For the Fastlane Kickoff Show, we have two singles feuds thrown together in a tag team match. Rich Swann has been dedicating his matches to Noam Dar’s girlfriend, Alicia Fox. Brian Kendrick is “teaching” Akira Tozawa lessons, primarily through attacking him from behind or tying him up under the ring.
Prediction:
Since this is just the Kickoff show, having the face team win could help get the crowd excited for the main card. Winners: Rich Swann & Akira Tozawa
Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax
Sasha Banks got injured by Nia Jax, came back, beat Charlotte, and now faces Jax again. Stephanie McMahon seemed to make this match just so Banks couldn’t be by Bayley’s side in her championship match later on.
Prediction:
If Nia Jax can pin the Raw Women’s Champion clean, she can definitely win an exhibition match against Sasha Banks. Winner: Nia Jax
Samoa Joe vs. Sami Zayn
Michael Cole conducted a backstage interview with Samoa Joe, and Joe said that he’s not like the “Sami Zayns” of the world. Zayn took offense to this, and made that very clear in a post-match interview. Joe didn’t like Zayn mentioning his name, so it led to the start of sneak attacks over two consecutive weeks. Last week, Zayn turned the tables and attacked Joe, leading to their sanctioned match tomorrow.
Prediction:
Sami Zayn is the perfect underdog, and if Samoa Joe can beat Roman Reigns and Cesaro in his first two Raw matches, he will definitely win here as well. Prediction: Samoa Joe
Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
Six nights before the Royal Rumble, Roman Reigns and Goldberg worked together to spear Braun Strowman. Since then, the mountain of a man has had a personal vendetta against Reigns. Strowman would attack the Big Dog every week, and Strowman would almost always win the battles. They signed the contract for this match last week, and it gives Reigns one last chance to defeat the big man.
Prediction:
Braun Strowman is getting a monster push right now, and he has proven that he can handle it. If the rumors are true that Goldberg is taking the Universal Championship to WrestleMania to lose it to Brock Lesnar, Strowman is the perfect person to beat Lesnar. The start of the build for that match is at Fastlane. Winner: Braun Strowman
Neville (c) vs. Jack Gallagher – Cruiserweight Championship
While Rich Swann was away with an ankle/foot injury, Jack Gallagher swooped into the title picture by winning an Elimination Fatal Five-Way match. Since then, The Extraordinary Gentleman has been sparring verbally and physically with the self-proclaimed King of the Cruiserweights. Gallagher has gotten the upper hand in most of their confrontations, so he has a ton of momentum on his side.
Prediction:
While Jack Gallagher is perhaps the most popular member of the Cruiserweight Division, Neville has the star power to fit in on the WrestleMania card. It seems likely that he could defend his belt against Austin Aries in Orlando. Winner, and STILL Cruiserweight Champion: Neville
Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Enzo Amore & Big Cass – Raw Tag Team Championships
After screwing Cesaro and Sheamus out of the Raw Tag Team Championships, Enzo and Cass became the #1 Contenders by defeating them in surprising fashion. Not much else has happened in this feud, other than Big Cass scoring a singles win over Luke Gallows this past Monday.
Prediction:
Since The New Day ended their historic title reign, the belts have been thrown around like hot potato. While it wouldn’t surprise me to see Muscles Marinara and his 7-foot best friend walk away with the belts, they have to stay with the champs. Winners, and STILL Raw Tag Team Champions: Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Bayley (c) vs. Charlotte – Raw Women’s Championship
Although Bayley lost the Raw Women’s Championship match at the Royal Rumble, she pinned Charlotte the next night in a mixed six-person tag match. This would give Bayley a shot at the title on Raw a couple weeks ago, where she won her first title on the main roster. Charlotte immediately cashed in her rematch clause for Fastlane.
Prediction:
I’m done thinking that there’s even a chance that Charlotte will lose on Pay-Per-View. The belt hasn’t even been around for a year and I expect Charlotte to win it for the sixth time. Winner, and NEW Raw Women’s Champion: Charlotte
Kevin Owens (c) vs. Goldberg – WWE Universal Championship
Kevin Owens retained the Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble against Roman Reigns, and there was an open spot for his next challenger. Goldberg jumped at the opportunity, challenging Owens to a title match at Fastlane. Chris Jericho accepted the match on Owens’ behalf, which led to Owens attacking him during the Festival of Friendship. Goldberg dominated Brock Lesnar when he returned at Survivor Series, and has a ton of momentum against a champion who needed help to win every big match of his reign.
Prediction:
Along with the result of the Women’s Championship match, I fully expect this match to crush my spirits. Owens just turned back to the aggressive heel that he was in NXT, and it’s the same one that beat John Cena in his debut. If recent title reigns for The Rock and Triple H have any indication, however, Goldberg is taking the belt to WrestleMania. Winner, and NEW WWE Universal Champion: Goldberg
