WWE: Ranking the Fastlane 2018 matches by projected quality

4. Bobby Roode (c) vs. Randy Orton- United States Championship Match

This match deserved a much better build than it got. WWE corrected course over the last couple of weeks, but it was too little, too late. WWE decided to use their poorly defined Top 10 list to stoke the flames of this feud, and it was rendered irrelevant when Orton expressed his complete disinterest in the ranking system (way to put the concept over, Randy).

“The Glorious One” and “The Viper” work similar styles, which could either benefit or drag down this match. While both men can produce a clean, well-wrestled matchup, both Roode and Orton tend to work at a slower, more methodical pace. They often build matches the way a mid-2000’s heel Triple H would: start at a snail’s pace to make the match feel more epic (i.e. that ’04 Hell in a Cell match with Shawn Michaels that went 20 minutes too long). That style can work, but it can also put the crowd to sleep (again use the Michaels HiaC match as an example).

Then there’s the specter of Jinder Mahal. The former WWE Champion (still mystified everytime I type that) has played an integral role in this feud. He has tried to instigate a spat between champion and challenger multiple times and even pinned Orton last Tuesday on SmackDown Live. It wouldn’t surprise me if Mahal interfered in this match to set up some multi-person scuffle at WrestleMania. That would also allow Roode to keep the U.S. Title without handing Orton a clean loss. But Mahal’s interference would bring down the match quality unless his presence wakes up a crowd slumbering because of all the chinlocks.

I expect Roode and Orton to be good, but the possible Mahal interference may result in a flat finish.