Some fresh lineups were waiting for us at the Fastlane PPV event. It was a huge six-pack challenge for the WWE Championship match whereas Randy Orton vs. Bobby Roode was stored for the WWE United States title match. Also, the Smackdown women’s title match was also scheduled between another interesting pair. Charlotte Flair defended her title against Ruby Riott.
The latter one mentioned have portrayed her character, so well on the blue brand ever since the debut following Survivor Series. Charlotte has been the prime babyface of the women’s roster for the past few months since she toppled Natalya to win the championship back for a fourth time in her career. She needed a top heel against her to start a feud for the championship.
The champ is doing champ things…@MsCharlotteWWE defends the #SDLive #WomensTitle against @RubyRiottWWE LIVE RIGHT NOW on @WWENetwork! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/1MCF6WIz2A
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 12, 2018
Ruby Riott took that spot with the Riott Squad backing her up, all the time. This faction has been the headliner of the women’s division for the last few months. They had grown quite a bad blood with the Queen of the blue brand to build a solid rivalry that culminated on last night’s Fastlane PPV.
#TheQueen @MsCharlotteWWE knows… If at first you don’t succeed, try and TRY AGAIN! #Moonsault #WWEFastlane @RubyRiottWWE pic.twitter.com/nIp9enfM7K
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
The champion knew that the faction would show up by the ringside at any point. So, she went right after the challenger to pick up an early win. Riott was able to escape the Figure Four locked on her by sending Charlotte into the turnbuckle. Seeing that their leader is in trouble, the Riott Squad came out in just a matter of time.
Shortly after baiting @NaomiWWE & @BeckyLynchWWE into getting EJECTED from ringside…
THERE GOES THE RIOTT SQUAD, TOO! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/BtUgPvMXib
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) March 12, 2018
THE QUEEN continues to reign as @MsCharlotteWWE retains the #SDLive #WomensTitle! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/YDTOo42XBD
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
But, the equaliser was ready for them as Becky Lynch, and Naomi showed up at the ringside, as well. After a fight broke out by the ringside, the referee was forced to ban the squad from ringside. This gave the upper hand to the champion to counter the resistance provided by Riott. She was able to lock in the Figure Eight lock which forced Riott to tap out.
SHE’S MADE HER DECISION.
The first-ever Women’s #RoyalRumble match winner @WWEAsuka wants @MsCharlotteWWE at @WrestleMania! #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/aBXpfVFyFF
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Just one question, @MsCharlotteWWE… ARE YOU READY FOR @WWEAsuka?!?! #WWEFastlane #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/0GLpSVRExi
— WWE (@WWE) March 12, 2018
Charlotte Flair retained her title at Fastlane by this submission move. Quite interestingly, Asuka showed up on the show after the match. She pointed to the Wrestlemania board indicating that she is willing to challenge The Queen at the biggest stage of them all. This was later confirmed on WWE.com that the match between Charlotte and Asuka from Smackdown women’s title has now been finalised.
