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WWE Fastlane has become a pay-per-view which forms the last stop before WrestleMania for the last 4 years. This year's edition of the pay-per-view will be the fifth time the WWE PPV takes place in the leadup to WWE's 'Grandest Stage of Them All'.
The first WWE pay-per-view took place in 2015. Given the dynamic nature of the wrestling industry, many of these Superstars are no longer in the same position where they were so many years ago. Again, there are a few Superstars who are languishing in the exact same place they were 5 years ago.
In this article, we will be taking a look back at the first WWE Fastlane pay-per-view of 2015 to see where the WWE Superstars who competed there are now.
#1 The Authority (Kane, Big Show, Seth Rollins) w/Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury vs Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback
The first match of WWE Fastlane 2015 was between The Authority and the team of Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan, and Ryback.
The Authority won the Six-Man tag team match. Let's take a look at each participant of this match and where they are now.
Kane: The Big Red Machine has taken a step back from the regular in-ring competition, appearing more on a part-time basis. He last appeared at the WWE Crown Jewel event, where he teamed up with The Undertaker to take on D-Generation X. Glenn 'Kane' Jacobs is also the elected Mayor of Knox County.
Big Show: While The Big Show is still signed with WWE, he hardly competes in the ring. His role in WWE is more as an ambassador, promoting social causes, and as a personality backstage.
Seth Rollins: Seth Rollins has only grown since WWE Fastlane 2015. Currently, he is set to compete against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 35. Before that, however, he is set to team up with Shield to take on Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre, and Bobby Lashley at Fastlane 2019.
J&J Security: Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury were paired together as part of the Authority. Currently, Jamie Noble is still contracted to WWE as a producer. Joey Mercury left WWE in 2017 and returned to the independent scene. Now, he is contracted to Ring of Honor.
Erick Rowan: Since WWE Fastlane 2015, Erick Rowan has had on-and-off success as a Tag Team and singles star. Currently, he is paired with 'The New' Daniel Bryan as his muscle man.
Dolph Ziggler: Dolph Ziggler has been one of the most regular performers in WWE. However, currently, he is taking time away from the company to pursue his love for Standup Comedy.
Ryback: One of the more controversial WWE figures, Ryback never got the consistent push that he was looking for in the company. Since then, he has returned to the independent scene. He runs his own podcast, nutrition supplement line, and has written a self-help book.
#2 Goldust vs Stardust (Cody Rhodes)
The two Rhodes brothers faced each other in this classic match, which was marred slightly by the fact that Cody was covered in paint and glitter for his Stardust gimmick. In the match, Goldust defeated Stardust.
Goldust: Dustin Rhodes is currently away from WWE following double knee surgery. During his time away, he has also been given the position of Honorary Deputy Sheriff in Williamson County.
Cody Rhodes: Cody Rhodes has since left WWE, as he was not happy with the creative direction of his character. He wrestled all over the world and became one of the most successful independent talents. Now he has made an even bigger move and founded his own wrestling promotion with investor Tony Khan, and the other members of The Elite backing him.
#3 Bad News Barrett vs Dean Ambrose
In this match, Wade Barrett defended his Intercontinental Title against Dean Ambrose. In this match, Dean Ambrose lost because he was disqualified for not backing off from the corner while attacking Barrett.
Dean Ambrose: Dean Ambrose is still with WWE for the time being, and will be part of Shield's match at Fastlane 2019. However, he might be leaving WWE when his contract runs out with the company at the end of April.
Bad News Barrett: Wade Barrett left WWE in 2016. He took the position of General Manager in Defiant Wrestling but has since relinquished it. He made his debut in Lucha Underground in the Season 4 Finale and has also joined World of Sport as a commentator.
#4 Cesaro and Tyson Kidd vs The Usos
Cesaro and Tyson Kidd teamed up in this match to take on the Usos. They were able to come away with the win and the WWE Tag Team Titles.
Cesaro: After a singles run, Cesaro is back in a tag team. He is currently one half of The Bar with Sheamus. The duo is multiple-time Tag Team Champions. Currently, they do not have an immediate feud.
Tyson Kidd: Tyson Kidd's story in WWE is one of the saddest of any Superstars. During a match with Samoa Joe, he sustained a severe injury to his neck. After undergoing multiple surgeries, he has retired from competition, and it is a miracle he is alive. Thankfully he can walk, and is currently a producer backstage in WWE.
The Usos: The Usos are still together, and are ruling over the SmackDown Tag Team division as they are the champions. They are set to face Shane McMahon and the Miz at WWE Fastlane 2019.
#5 Nikki Bella vs Paige
Nikki Bella faced and defeated Paige at WWE Fastlane, retaining her WWE Divas Championship.
Nikki Bella: Nikki Bella has had quite a different few years in WWE. She has gotten engaged to and broken up with John Cena. She was on Dancing with the Stars and has made her name outside WWE as well. She has also taken a step back from the in-ring competition, focusing on the reality shows, and other aspects outside the ring, although wrestling on special occasions.
Paige: Paige's life has also been interesting over the last 4 years. Other than her controversial relationship with Alberto Del Rio, Paige found herself suspended twice for breaking WWE's wellness policy. She returned to the ring as the leader of a team named Absolution. However, her return was cut short with an injury she suffered during a match with Sasha Banks.
Since then, Paige was the General Manager of WWE SmackDown. With the Authority taking over, she has stepped back from the position. Most recently, the movie on her life was released -- 'Fighting with my Family'.
#6 Rusev vs John Cena
John Cena took on Rusev in a match where he lost the chance to win the United States title, as he passed out in the Accolade. This was due to a distraction from Lana, who was at ringside.
Rusev: While Rusev has come close to winning the WWE Championship since then, he has not succeeded. His run with Aiden English saw him become really popular, but the opportunity was squandered. He has since won the United States Title multiple times. Currently, Rusev is scheduled to team with Shinsuke Nakamura to face the New Day.
John Cena: John Cena has become a part-time competitor in WWE. While his return is rumored prior to WrestleMania 35, he is yet to return and he is not a part of WWE's Fastlane 2019 PPV. He has taken a step back from wrestling and focused instead on his budding a career in Hollywood.
#7 Roman Reigns vs Daniel Bryan
Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan faced each other in a match to determine who would be going on to WrestleMania to face Brock Lesnar.
Reigns had won the Royal Rumble, but that was put on the line when he was manipulated by the Authority. Roman Reigns was able to win the match and retained his opportunity.
Roman Reigns: Roman Reigns has been through quite a journey, main eventing every WrestleMania since WrestleMania 31. He has been diagnosed with and beaten cancer. He has been the most hated, and the most loved Superstar in the WWE over these past 4 years. Now, he is set to team up with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose at WWE Fastlane.
Daniel Bryan: Exactly like Roman Reigns, Bryan has been a journey. He had to retire from Wrestling due to concussions he sustained but then was cleared to wrestle once again last year, just prior to WrestleMania. In this one year, he has become the WWE Champion and will be defending his title against Kevin Owens at Fastlane 2019.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
