Predicting WWE Fastlane

Friendship will once again be put to the test this Sunday as former Shield teammates Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose will do battle to determine Triple H’s WWE World Heavyweight Championship challenger at WrestleMania 32. With dangerous former champ Brock Lesnar also in the mix, which of these three superstars will leave WWE Fastlane with their spot in the main event of the year’s biggest show confirmed? What else can we expect to happen as the Road to WrestleMania passes through Cleveland?

Kickoff: 2 out of 3 Falls match for the United States Championship
Kalisto © vs. Alberto Del Rio

It may have temporarily bought a little intrigue to their feud, but playing hot potato with the US title in the build up to their Royal Rumble match severely hurt not only the programme, but also a championship that just six months ago was considered the one of the promotion’s top titles. Kalisto and Alberto Del Rio have a great opportunity to end their feud on a high note, and while I still believe taking the strap from Del Rio was a mistake, I think Kalisto will retain with a come-from-behind winning performance.

Prediction: Kalisto

Intercontinental Championship
Kevin Owens © vs. Dolph Ziggler

Another title in dire need of restoration is the once-great Intercontinental title, but with the belt firmly strapped around the waist of Kevin Owens that might finally be about to happen. Originally considered the workhorse title, an accolade that prepared its champion for world title glory, Owens is the perfect man to hold the belt right now. His opponent is no stranger to being on the top of the midcard pile, but for some reason never quite managed to get to the next level. Unfortunately that isn’t about to change and Dolph Ziggler is here simply to provide Owens with a dominant first win of his new reign.

Prediction: Kevin Owens

Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch vs. Naomi & Tamina

It’s been a long time since two ‘Divas’ matches graced the main card of a pay-per-view but with the division gaining traction in recent months expect this to become a more frequent occurrence. It’s almost a lock that Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch will be heading into a WrestleMania title programme with their former NXT cohort Charlotte following this match, so a strong winning performance with a hint of dissension from the duo is all but certain.

Prediction: Sasha Banks & Becky Lynch

AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho is one of the WWE’s all-time best when it comes to putting talent over, a trend that looks set to continue here. To the hardcore fans AJ Styles needs no introduction, but an impressive victory over the WWE veteran will help get the former TNA and Ring of Honor star over with the casual crowd just in time for WrestleMania. A dream match that many thought would never happen, expect this to be one of the highlights of the night. Styles to win after finally connecting with his ‘Styles Clash’.

Prediction: AJ Styles

Ryback, Big Show & Kane vs. The Wyatt Family

Not too many of us have been clamouring for this, a mash up of the WWE’s biggest guys vs the resurgent Wyatt Family, but dammit that’s just what we’re getting anyway. I’m not sure what the Bray Wyatt-led trio will be doing at WrestleMania other than accompanying their leader to the ring, but a dominant win against the giant rag-tag team of Ryback, Show and Kane would definitely help re-establish the group as a credible threat to just about anyone on the roster heading into next month’s extravaganza.

Prediction: The Wyatt Family

Divas Championship
Charlotte © vs. Brie Bella

With news of her impending retirement making the rounds there are many who believe that this might be the last time we see Brie Bella in action. Unfortunately fairytale endings in the WWE are usually only reserved for WrestleMania so don’t count on the Bella sister leaving Fastlane with the belt. With potentially a huge WrestleMania title match on the horizon Charlotte will need to look as strong as possible here so expect the champion to prevail despite a stiff challenge from her imminently departing opponent.

Prediction: Charlotte

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Number One Contender Match
Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Brock Lesnar 

I don’t like doing this, but you’ve got to give WWE Creative some credit here. It’s not the first time over the past twelve months that a seemingly predictable match has been cloudied by unusual booking. On paper Roman Reigns would be the heavy favourite to win and complete his programme with Triple H and The Authority, but Dean Ambrose’s strong Royal Rumble showing last month and confrontations with Brock Lesnar have successfully planted the seeds of doubt in the minds of many. An Ambrose victory isn’t impossible, and would actually help drive things in a fresh and exciting direction, but it really wouldn’t make much sense given everything that has happened with Reigns in recent months.

Their attempts at misdirection are admirable, but this match can really only go one way: Lesnar gets taken out by Bray Wyatt, leaving Reigns to spear Ambrose for the count, setting up the main event of WrestleMania that has long been his. It’s not going to be popular, but the WWE doesn’t have a reputation for being stubborn for nothing.

Prediction: Roman Reigns

WWE Predictions - 2016: 4-1

What do you think will happen at WWE Fastlane? Leave your predictions in the comments section below!