WWE Fastlane 2015 match by match analysis & predictions

The first ever WWE Fastlane PPV is only hours away and it marks the final stop before the show of shows, Wrestlemania 31.Overall on paper, Fastlane looks like an extremely solid event and should build the hype perfectly for Wrestlemania. There are plenty of awesome matches booked on the card, many of which may find themselves carrying over on to the grandest stage of them all. That also means there could be a lot of unclean finishes.Let’s take a look now at each match on the Fastlane card and analyse some possible outcomes.

#1 Rusev v John Cena (US Title match)

This match-up was a potential candidate for a Wrestlemania calibre bout, but WWE has instead decided to start the feud off early to help build hype for the inaugural Fastlane event. However it still seems almost a certainty that this feud will carry over and these guys will have a rematch at mania.

Therefore, it’s likely that we will see an unclean finish at Fastlane to set up the need for a rematch. It’s also unlikely that WWE will want to end Rusevs streak a month out from the biggest show of the year.

Rusev may become frustrated and resort to using weapons, in turn disqualifying himself, giving Cena the win but not the US championship and all the while still protecting Rusev’s undefeated (no pins/submissions) streak. A count out victory is also a possibility.

Predicted winner: Cena wins due to DQ

#2 Nikki Bella v Paige (Divas Champion match)

Nikki has actually been doing surprisingly well in her heelish ways of late and has also been somewhat improving in the ring too. Paige of course is her same talented self and as a result this bout should be decent for the short amount of time it will probably be given.

I personally believe Nikki will carry the championship into mania before dropping it, hopefully in a fatal four way match (Nikki v Paige v Naomi v AJ Lee) to a well deserving Naomi.

It’s possible that Brie will somehow get involved in the match at Fastlane to cost Paige the victory, setting up her demands for a rematch.

Predicted winner: Nikki retains through dirty tactics

#3 Triple H/Sting face-off

A face-off between Sting and Triple H is the perfect way to build anticipation and set up a legendary bout between the two at the grandest stage of them all, Wrestlemania.

Sting has yet to even speak in WWE yet but this face-off should allow the Vigilante to speak his mind and explain his actions.

It’s also highly likely that this heated face-off will boil into some sort of physical confrontation while also officially announcing a match between the two at mania, hopefully with a stipulation regarding The Authority being kicked out of power once again.

Prediction: Sting v HHH is officially announced for Wrestlemania. Stipulation: If Sting wins, The Authority is out of power. If HHH wins, Sting leaves WWE forever.

#4 The Usos v Cesaro & Tyson Kidd (Tag Team Title Match)

All men involved in this match are super talented in ring performers and this bout is certain to astonish.

Cesaro and Tyson Kidd have been on fire lately and look to have a break out year in 2015. Hopefully WWE will capitalize on their momentum by giving them the tag team championships. The question is whether that will come now or instead in a rematch at Wrestlemania.

No matter what the outcome is, this match is sure to be amazing.

Predicted winner: Usos retain

#5 Dolph Ziggler, Ryback, Eric Rowan v Seth Rollins, Kane, Big Show

This bout is sure to be filled with fun, fast paced, high action drama that will get the audience out of their seat. Look for Ziggler and Rollins to carry the majority of the match, but still expect Ryback and Rowan to deliver.

This match could be setting up a singles bout for Wrestlemania between Rollins & Ziggler or it could simply be serving as the platform for an Orton return so he could set up a match between him and Rollins at mania.

The result of this match could really go either way but I’m predicted that Orton will return to screw Rollins, giving Ziggler, Ryback and Rowan the victory.

Predicted winner: Ziggler & Co. win thanks to an interference from Orton

#6 Bad News Barrett v Dean Ambrose (IC title match)

This match features two incredible workers who are lower on the card then they deserve especially Ambrose who is a main event calibre star. That’s why this bout will deliver, surprising everyone and almost steal the show.

Ambrose seems a certainty to win the IC championship very soon but once again the question is whether it will happen at Fastlane or at Wrestlemania.

Barrett may very well defeat Ambrose at Fastlane via cheating methods and at mania we could get a triple threat IC title match between Barrett, Ambrose and a returning (heel) Sheamus, with Ambrose walking out victorious.

Predicted winner: Barrett (barley) retains

#7 Stardust v Goldust

The brother v brother dream match that many have been anxiously waiting for has finally come. Cody Rhodes will finally do battle with his brother Goldust but it appears he will be wrestling under his current ‘alter ego’ Stardust.

This is another feud that is quite possibly Wrestlemania worthy and may very well find itself on the mania card. Following their Fastlane match, Stardust may return back to being Cody Rhodes and fight his brother once more with some sort of retirement stipulation.

Predicted winner: Goldust wins at Fastlane; Stardust returns to being Cody and wins a rematch at mania

#8 Roman Reigns v Daniel Bryan (winner faces Lesnar at mania)

This bout is sure to deliver and serve the perfect set up for Wrestlemania.

Personally I do not see Bryan walking out victorious. I believe that whatever happens, Reigns will remain in the main event. It could possibly become a triple threat with Bryan included, but no matter what Reigns will keep the spot he earned.

WWE will have to be careful if they want to keep Reigns as face because Bryans immense popularity will put him at risk.

My ideal finish is actually an interference. I just hope it’s not Sheamus. Hopefully, Ziggler interferes, costing Bryan the opportunity and setting up an epic encounter between the two at Wrestlemania. A Ziggler heel turn will propel him back into the main event picture and a feud with Bryan would be legendary.

Predicted winner: Reigns defeats Bryan thanks to an interference from Ziggler