WWE Fastlane replaced Elimination Chamber as the company’s February pay-per-view event in 2015. The first two iterations of Fastlane took place in February, but WWE pushed the event back to March following the re-introduction of brand extension in mid-2016.
WWE Fastlane was replaced with Super Showdown in 2020, but made its return in 2021. The event was again discontinued in 2022, only for the company to announce it as the October premium live event in 2023.
The event has hosted some of the biggest stars as long as it’s been around. Moreover, it has provided fans with match-of-the-year contenders despite being looked at a WrestleMania pitstop.
Let’s take a look at the five best matches from WWE Fastlane.
Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns (WWE Fastlane 2017)
Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns were embroiled in a bitter rivalry in 2016-17. The Big Dog had first caught a glimpse of the Monster Among Men during his feud with The Wyatt Family in 2015. Strowman embarked on a solo career following the 2016 draft and targeted Reigns as one of his first victims RAW.
The two men had their first singles PPV match against each other at Fastlane. The bout was extremely physical, with some incredible spots. Strowman looked great as the dominant powerhouse, while Reigns managed to retain his momentum in the build to his match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33.
AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. John Cena vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn (Fastlane 2018)
It may be difficult to keep track of all the action in multi-man matches because of all the chaos involved. However, the same cannot be said about the main event of Fastlane 2018. The SmackDown-exclusive event featured AJ Styles as he defended his WWE Championship in a six-pack challenge against Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, John Cena, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn.
The Phenomenal One looked to continue his title reign as a WrestleMania showdown against Royal Rumble 2017 winner Shinsuke Nakamura loomed. The six-pack challenge was a great blend of chaos and fun. It also brought multiple storylines into play, especially Owens and Zayn’s feud with Shane McMahon.
Daniel Bryan vs. Kevin Owens vs. Mustafa Ali (Fastlane 2019)
Daniel Bryan has been part of some of the best matches in WWE Fastlane’s history. The 2019 iteration of the event was no different. The American Dragon put his WWE Championship on the line against Kevin Owens and Mustafa Ali.
Ali had already proven he was more than a capable wrestler on the 205 Live brand. Owens had already been a consistent player. Bryan was the battered and bruised champion with the grit and determination to prevail.
The match was also a soft tease for the American Dragon’s critically acclaimed program with Kofi Kingston, who had been replaced by Owens in the three-way.
Brock Lesnar vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns (Fastlane 2016)
Roman Reigns had dropped the WWE World Heavyweight Championship to Triple H at the 2016 Royal Rumble. The triple threat match at Fastlane was his chance to face the King of Kings and reclaim his title.
Reigns had no choice but to go against former Shield brother Dean Ambrose and WrestleMania 31 opponent Brock Lesnar. At Fastlane, the three put on a great match for the WWE Universe.
Lesnar’s ferocious strength meshed well with Ambrose’s lunacy and Reigns’ determination. It was a great dose of action, with all three men vying for the opportunity to main event WrestleMania 32 for the richest prize in sports entertainment.
Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns (WWE Fastlane 2015)
Roman Reigns’ Royal Rumble 2015 win didn’t sit well with many fans who still wanted to see Daniel Bryan in the main event of WrestleMania 31. A match between the two was booked with the winner earning the opportunity to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the grandest stage of them all.
The Fastlane match turned out to be the Big Dog’s best match up to that point in his career. Both men delivered to the best of their abilities. Reigns’ power moves meshed well with Bryan’s technical acumen. The American Dragon showed he was still one of the best in the world despite coming back from injury in the build to Fastlane.
Read More: 5 Best Matches At WWE No Mercy
