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WWE Fastlane 2019: Final Grades for Every Match

By Patches Chance

MIAMI, FL- SEPTEMBER 01: Roman Reigns looks on during the WWE Smackdown on September 1, 2015 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ron ElkmanSports Imagery/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL- SEPTEMBER 01: Roman Reigns looks on during the WWE Smackdown on September 1, 2015 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ron ElkmanSports Imagery/Getty Images) /
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WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: The Boss ‘n’ Hug Connection (c) vs. Nia Jax & Tamina

The final tag team contest at WWE Fastlane saw Bayley and Sasha Banks defending the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles against the powerhouse pairing of Nia Jax and Tamina. Aside from a few minor miscues, this turned out to be a great match that showcased what the women’s tag division can be for WWE. Tamina was at her best, and Nia Jax utilized her strengths throughout the match.

This one really highlighted the chemistry between Sasha Banks and Bayley, which is most on display in big match situations where they’re working a traditional tag team style. The hot tags, the saves, it all felt really important. In the end it was all about timing, as Nia Jax tried to hit Bayley with a powerbomb, but Bayley countered it into a pinfall to secure the victory and retain their titles.

After the match, Nia Jax and Tamina attacked the champions at ringside, even throwing Sasha Banks into the commentary area. Special Guest Commentator Beth Phoenix got in the face of Tamina after the attack, even coming to blows before being attacked by Jax. The beat down of the WWE Hall of Famer continued in the ring, but Natalya came running down to the ring to help Phoenix. Jax and Tamina took out Natalya as well, leaving a pile of bodies in their wake despite not leaving as champions.

Grade: A, I’m reluctantly putting this graded just below the past two matches, but only because their chaos and craziness provided more memorable spots. This was still a great match, and the aftermath potentially laying seeds for a Divas of Doom reunion is very exciting. Also, Boss ‘n’ Hug are the best.

WWE Championship Triple Threat Match: Daniel Bryan (c) vs. Kevin Owens vs. Mustafa Ali

The final title match of WWE Fastlane saw Daniel Bryan defending the WWE Championship against Kevin Owens and, in a surprise move, Mustafa Ali. The match was announced as a triple threat without the crowd knowing who the third competitor would be, leading to them expecting (and chanting for) Kofi Kingston.

The choice was instead Mustafa Ali, who despite being almost universally loved, was booed out of the arena by the entire Cleveland crowd. WWE’s nonsensical booking of Kofi Kingston earlier in the night came back to haunt them, and put this match in the hole before it even began.

Despite having to start in the negative, these three superstars really gave it their all in what turned out to be a brutal match. Three very different styles came together for a very good WWE Championship match, but one that never really could crawl out from under the crowd’s desire to see Kofi Kingston.

“We Want Kofi!” chants echoed throughout the entire match. Even if they went away for a little bit, they’d find their way back in as things continued. Daniel Bryan, with some assistance from Rowan, ultimately hit a devastating knee to Mustafa Ali to pick up the win and leave as champion, but the fans still only cared about the man who wasn’t there.

Grade: B, This grade is earned entirely on the merits of the match, which was not bad in the slightest. However, the poor storytelling decisions and resulting crowd reaction really put a damper on things, and it took hard work from these three men to pull a solid match out despite those obstacles.

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