WWE Fastlane 2018: 5 potential finishes for the United States championship between Bobby Roode and Randy Orton

Fastlane is quickly approaching, and one key role it serves is to set up feuds for WWE WrestleMania. Of all the matches that are on the card, one, in particular, could have a number of interesting potential finishes.

However, whether we think about what happens at the end or during the match, the events that transpire will affect the booking of a title match at Wrestlemania. Bobby Roode and Randy Orton are two of the most seasoned veterans on Smackdown Live and have had the opportunity to grow, develop and improve in front of the fans.

Roode's addition to Smackdown Live created the opportunity for several dream matches, and a championship match against the viper is one of them. What will ultimately happen between these two at Fastlane?

Here are five possible finishes for Bobby Roode and Randy Orton in their match for the United States Championship at Fastlane.

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#5 Jinder Mahal causes the match to end in a no contest

Could Jinder Mahal interfere and cause this match to be stopped?

Before this match was announced, fans witnessed dissension amongst these three men, primarily based on Jinder Mahal questioning the ranking of Randy Orton in the 'Smackdown Live Top Ten'. It was clear he wanted to provoke things, and in doing so caused an issue between Roode and Orton.

The issue escalated with Mahal's attack on both men. Subsequent to that, he beat Orton in a one-on-one match in which Roode became involved. One scenario that could play out is that when both men have given their all in the contest, and appear absolutely spent, Mahal would do a run in.

That could easily lead to a no-contest result and no clear winner. It should be noted that the champion can't lose their title in the event of a no contest. This would then lead to Mahal's inclusion in matches for the US title further down the line, in particular at WrestleMania.

#4 Roode wins clean and is attacked post-match

Could Roode retain and win result in a post-match beat down?

The keys to a win for a face is how they win. A win that leaves more questions than answers would leave many wondering if they deserved the win.

Much like what was mentioned earlier, a hard-fought contest between these two long-time veterans is hoped for and expected. Since these men have not stepped into the ring with each other before, this would be a case where a well-told story should take place.

A second scenario that could take place would be a Roode win via the glorious DDT in the center of the ring. However, the key part of the story is not how the match ends, but what happens after. There could be a post-match attack by either Orton or Mahal on Roode.

Perhaps it would be a case where a frustrated Orton attacks after losing, or Mahal comes out and attacks and beats down the champion.

#3 Orton wins via disqualification as Mahal costs him a championship win

Could Orton be on the verge of winning only to have his championship squandered?

In WWE, jealousy is a very common foundation for a story told in the ring. It may arise because someone gets the better of their opposition time and time again, and because no matter what the other does to capture the win, they were still unsuccessful. This time, however, it could very well be an old rivalry getting renewed, emotions getting the better of one man which ultimately costs the other man a chance to capture a championship.

As many will recall, Mahal defeated Orton for the WWE championship last summer. Another scenario that could very well play out is Mahal interfering in the match just when it seems as though Orton is going to walk away as the winner.

The Mahal/Orton rivalry could be rekindled, this time because Mahal is jealous that The Viper could become the new United States champion. This could expand to include Roode, but not necessarily in a direct way, but just because the championship was the foundation of the issue.

#2 Match results in a double count out as animosity gets the better of both men

Could animosity get the better of both men?

Competition is always fast and furious on Smackdown Live, and if there is ever a time when competitiveness is at its apex, it's when a championship is on the line. It represents that moment where a man or women has worked as hard as they could to be recognized and given the chance to stand alone as the champion, regardless of what the title would be. This is where we could see a rather sportsmanlike battle turns into something different.

We could see a chop become a little stiffer later on, and a clothesline become much snugger than it was earlier. As the match continues, both men could begin to take liberties with one another, leading to challenger and champion having to be separated as they are coming closer and closer to being disqualified for not breaking a five count.

This could very lead to these men beating on each other outside the ring, neither stopping to answer the referee's ten count. In the process, we could see a double count out.

#1 Roode loses the title as Orton completely turns heel, doing exactly what is necessary to win the championship

Could we be witness to a new United States champion and a heel turn by The Viper?

What is intriguing about this match is the experience that both men bring to the battle, and how neither of them has had an issue with the other before the match. Their accomplishments, whether in WWE or in TNA, stood out as both were at one point or another prominently featured in matches, angles, and feuds.

So when they were booked to face one another, it would seem to work best to have their roles clearly defined, much like AJ Styles and John Cena's first feud with one another on Raw.

A different scenario that could play out is that frustration gets the better of Randy Orton during the match, and he completely turns heel, using every tactic imaginable to get the advantage and confusing The Glorious One in the process.

He could very well walk away as the United States champion, capturing the title in a very un-American nature. Quite the ironic turn of events.