So the final PPV event before WrestleMania 37 took place today and it did not disappoint. The matches were entertaining and really fun to watch. However most all the matches were easily predictable, no shocking returns or plot twists were booked either. The only return was of ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt but it was nothing shocking either. It predicted by almost everyone. But overall, it was an enjoyable event.
The kickoff match between Riddle and Mustafa Ali was a great way to start the show. Riddle’s victory was somehow predictable but the only thing we believe could have been booked a little better was the split-up of Retribution. The way they started the stable it was seeming to be a huge deal. But because of the poor bookings and weak story designs, Retribution was never taken seriously by the fans. Mustafa Ali and the others did their best but once again the Raw creative team had to be blamed here.
WWE Fastlane 2021 Review and Analysis
About the other matches, WWE Women’s tag team championship match must have been the most predictable match throughout. We do not think anyone could have had a wrong prediction. This is how almost every title match before WrestleMania where two babyfaces collide booked.
The Intercontinental championship match was booked and performed well but a botch from the referee ruined it all. Big E was trying to lock a Small Package Hold on Apollo Crews but he was struggling a little bit to lock it properly. Before they could work on it a little more the referee made the three count. Maybe it was all pre-planned so that the feud could continue for a little longer. Maybe Apollo will try to Cash in this botch lookalike finish on this week’s Raw.
It seems like Shane McMahon’s injury is all kayfabe and they kept the match for WrestleMania. We have discussed this matter briefly in a different story where discussed why Shane McMahon is not the right opponent for Braun Strowman at WrestleMania. About Fastlane, Braun squashed Elias which is a huge downfall for Elias. He is more of an under-card now.
Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura was a great match as well. But like every other match on the card, it was easily predictable. WWE did not leave Nakamura as such a big deal anymore that he would beat Seth Rollins before WrestleMania. But the match was nice. Both wrestlers did pretty well.
The No Holds Barred match between Drew McIntyre must have been the most entertaining match of the night. From start to bottom it was fantastic. Even the promotion video for this match was excellent. Drew won the match but this would not affect Sheamus’ profile at all. He was given a nice booking and it would be interesting to see how his path lies for WrestleMania.
And then comes the worst part of the show, probably the biggest downfall for any PPV event. Only one match holds down the whole event. We seriously do not understand how could the Raw creative team book such an awful match. Randy Orton is not just any other guy; he is a 13 times WWE world champion. And this is what he receives? And then there is the pin, it was disgusting. There was no other way but to disrespect a wrestler more than this. We hope the match never been booked for Fastlane.
The main event of the night was also very entertaining. Even though Roman Reigns won the match, but it ended just the way we wanted it to end. Hopefully, Daniel Bryan will get featured in the WrestleMania 37 Universal championship match which will make things even more interesting.
With all combined, WWE Fastlane 2021 is a very good event where only one match being a huge drawback. We would give this event a solid 3 star out of 5 stars. 1 star will be deducted because of the predictable outcomes and 1 star will be deducted for Alexa Bliss vs. Randy Orton match. WrestleMania 37 would be a great event to look forward to.