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WWE Fastlane was the last stop before WrestleMania 34. The SmackDown Live pay-per-view did not disappoint, as it had some jaw-dropping moments and some great matches. It was not a one-man show and saw the involvement of a multitude of Superstars who wanted to make their way to 'The Grandest Stage of them All'.
The WrestleMania card became much clearer, with a number of matches being set. Here are five moments which helped Fastlane live up to all the hype.
#5 Bludgeon Brothers finally express their intentions
The Usos and The New Day rekindled their rivalry, as they battled it out for the SmackDown Live Tag Team Championship. What was turning out to be yet another flawless match between two great tag teams, witnessed an interference from the Bludgeon Brothers, with the match ending in a no-contest.
Harper and Rowan wasted no time in attacking all the five men mercilessly and laid out Xavier Woods with a Double Powerbomb onto the steel steps, resulting in him suffering multiple thoracic contusions.
The New Day have never won at WrestleMania. The Usos have never made the WrestleMania main card, and The Bludgeon Brothers aren't about to be left behind on the road to WrestleMania so easily.
#4 The Viper creates history
Randy Orton defeated Bobby Roode in a thrilling encounter to win his first ever United Stated Championship. In his 16-year career in WWE, Orton has finally managed to acquire the only title that eluded him, thus making him a Grand Slam Champion. After an 'RKO outta nowhere', Roode was left flat on the mat, and The Viper pinned him 1-2-3.
His celebration was short-lived, as he was attacked by the “Uncrowned United States Champion” Jinder Mahal. Roode came to Orton's rescue and dispatched Jinder with a Glorious DDT. He also seemingly turned heel when he hit Orton with a DDT as well.
WrestleMania 34 will most probably see a triple-threat match for the United States Championship.
#3 The tension elevates
Who doesn't like surprises? During the main event, Kevin Owens accidentally kicked Shane McMahon on the head after which the SmackDown Live Commissioner pulled the referee from the ring, costing KO the match. He even stopped Sami Zayn from pinning Owens, after a verbal altercation between the two.
It will be interesting to see how WWE moves forward with this. The segment was definitely out of the blue, and the creative team better have solid plans for all three of them. Owens and Zayn have been booked very effectively lately, but their road to WrestleMania is still unclear.
#2 The Queen vs The Empress
Charlotte Flair beat Ruby Riott in a hard-fought battle to retain the SmackDown Live Women's Championship. The match itself was thoroughly entertaining, but the highlight was Asuka's appearance after the match ended. The Empress of Tomorrow left WWE fans guessing after her historic victory in the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble match, about who she wants to face at WrestleMania. The question was finally answered when Asuka pointed to the WrestleMania sign, indicating she's coming for Charlotte's crown.
At the show of shows, Asuka's streak will be on the line as she attempts to win her first Women's Championship on the main roster. The match between the two of the best female wrestlers in WWE has the potential to be the greatest women’s match in WrestleMania history.
#1 The dream match is set
The main event at Fastlane saw AJ Styles defeating five other Superstars to pave his path to the main event of WrestleMania 34. There were rumours flying around about John Cena or Dolph Ziggler winning the WWE Championship, making the much anticipated bout a Triple-threat match. Thankfully WWE did not mess it up and gave the fans what they wanted.
The dream match is officially set. The King of Strong Style will challenge The Phenomenal One for the WWE Championship at the grandest stage of them all. The rivalry was teased months ago, and WWE is finally going ahead with it. Two of the most coveted wrestlers on the planet, battling it out for the top prize, will be a treat to watch.
