WWE Fastlane 2021: Results, Highlights, And Analysis

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into WWE Fastlane 2021, a night packed with drama, action, and a few surprises. This event, serving as the final stop before WrestleMania 37, had a lot to deliver, setting the stage for the Grandest Stage of Them All. We'll break down each match, highlight the key moments, and give you the lowdown on everything you need to know.

The Road to Fastlane: Setting the Stage

Before we jump into the matches, let's recap the storylines that led us to Fastlane 2021. On SmackDown, Roman Reigns continued his dominant reign as the Universal Champion, backed by his cousins Jey Uso and, more recently, Edge. His next challenger, Daniel Bryan, had been relentless in his pursuit of the title, earning a championship opportunity at Fastlane. Their rivalry intensified in the weeks leading up to the event, with Bryan looking to dethrone the Tribal Chief and claim the Universal Championship. The involvement of Edge, who had won the Royal Rumble and earned the right to challenge for a world title at WrestleMania, added another layer of intrigue, as he observed the clash between Reigns and Bryan, contemplating his WrestleMania decision.

Over on Raw, the WWE Championship picture was equally compelling. Drew McIntyre, after a hard-fought battle to reclaim his title from Randy Orton, found himself in a collision course with Sheamus. The two former best friends turned bitter rivals engaged in a series of brutal matches, showcasing their animosity and setting the stage for a No Holds Barred match at Fastlane. Their history added a personal dimension to the feud, making their confrontation one of the most anticipated matches of the night. The Raw Women's Championship scene also saw developments, with Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler defending their titles against the unlikely team of Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair. Banks and Belair, who were set to face each other at WrestleMania for the SmackDown Women's Championship, had to put their differences aside to challenge for the tag team gold, adding a unique dynamic to the match.

These storylines, filled with personal rivalries and championship implications, created a sense of excitement and anticipation heading into Fastlane 2021. The event promised to deliver intense action and significant developments as WrestleMania 37 loomed closer.

Match Results and Highlights

Fastlane 2021 featured a series of exciting matches, each with its own memorable moments. Here’s a breakdown of the results and highlights:

Kickoff Show: Riddle vs. Mustafa Ali (United States Championship Match)

The night started with Riddle defending his United States Championship against Mustafa Ali. This was a fast-paced, high-energy match that showcased both competitors' athleticism and skill. Ali, leading Retribution, had been determined to prove himself, but Riddle's innovative offense and resilience proved too much. In the end, Riddle secured the win with his signature Bro Derek, retaining his United States Championship. This victory marked another successful title defense for Riddle, who continued to establish himself as a fighting champion. The match also highlighted the ongoing struggles of Retribution, as they failed to support Ali effectively, leading to further tension within the group.

Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler (c) vs. Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair (WWE Women's Tag Team Championship)

Next up, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler defended their WWE Women's Tag Team Championship against Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair. This match was filled with drama, as Banks and Belair, despite their upcoming WrestleMania showdown, had to work together to try and capture the tag team gold. However, miscommunication and friction between Banks and Belair ultimately cost them the match. Jax and Baszler capitalized on the discord, with Jax pinning Banks to retain their titles. The loss further intensified the rivalry between Banks and Belair, adding another layer of complexity to their WrestleMania match.

Big E (c) vs. Apollo Crews (Intercontinental Championship Match)

Big E defended his Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews in a physical and intense match. Crews, who had been embracing his Nigerian heritage and adopting a more aggressive persona, brought the fight to Big E. The match was filled with hard-hitting moves and near-falls, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The ending was controversial, as Crews appeared to have Big E pinned when the referee made a questionable call, awarding the victory and the title to Crews. However, the decision was quickly overturned, with Big E retaining his championship. This controversial finish set the stage for a rematch, with Crews more determined than ever to capture the Intercontinental Championship.

Braun Strowman vs. Elias

Braun Strowman faced Elias in a short but dominant match. Elias, accompanied by Jaxson Ryker, attempted to use his musical instruments as weapons, but Strowman quickly overpowered him. Strowman delivered a series of power slams, culminating in a decisive victory. This match served as a showcase for Strowman's strength and dominance, reaffirming his status as a force to be reckoned with on Raw.

Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura had a highly anticipated match, showcasing their technical skills and athleticism. Rollins, who had been trying to establish himself as the SmackDown Savior, faced a tough challenge from Nakamura, who was looking to regain momentum. The match was filled with innovative offense and strategic maneuvers, with both competitors trading blows. In the end, Rollins secured the victory with a Curb Stomp, proving his resilience and determination. This win helped Rollins solidify his position on SmackDown as he continued his quest for dominance.

Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus (No Holds Barred Match)

Drew McIntyre and Sheamus battled in a brutal No Holds Barred match, continuing their intense rivalry. The two former friends unleashed a barrage of weapons and hard-hitting moves, leaving no room for respite. Tables, chairs, and kendo sticks were all used as weapons, as both men showed their determination to inflict pain and suffering on their opponent. McIntyre ultimately emerged victorious, delivering a Claymore Kick to secure the win. This victory allowed McIntyre to move forward with confidence as he set his sights on reclaiming the WWE Championship.

Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns (c) (WWE Universal Championship Match with Edge as Special Guest Enforcer)

The main event saw Daniel Bryan challenge Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, with Edge serving as the Special Guest Enforcer. This match was a masterclass in storytelling and in-ring action, with Bryan bringing his technical prowess and Reigns relying on his power and dominance. The match was filled with near-falls and submission attempts, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Edge's presence added another layer of tension, as he observed the action closely. In the end, Reigns managed to retain his title, but not without controversy. After the match, Edge attacked both Reigns and Bryan, setting the stage for a triple threat match at WrestleMania. This shocking turn of events left the WWE Universe buzzing and added immense excitement to the WrestleMania card.

Analysis and Aftermath

WWE Fastlane 2021 delivered a mix of exciting matches, surprising moments, and significant developments that set the stage for WrestleMania 37. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:

Roman Reigns' Dominance Continues

Roman Reigns continued his dominant reign as the Universal Champion, but the road to WrestleMania became even more complicated. The attack by Edge after the match against Daniel Bryan has now made the Wrestlemania match a triple threat between Edge, Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns. This sets up a compelling clash between three top stars, each with their own motivations and aspirations. Reigns' ability to overcome challenges and maintain his championship has solidified his position as the Tribal Chief, but the presence of Edge and Bryan at WrestleMania adds a new level of uncertainty to his reign.

The Rise of Apollo Crews

Apollo Crews continued to evolve his character, embracing his Nigerian heritage and adopting a more aggressive persona. Despite the controversial finish in his match against Big E, Crews' performance showed that he is a force to be reckoned with in the Intercontinental Championship scene. His newfound intensity and determination have made him a compelling character, and his rivalry with Big E is far from over. Crews' journey to capture the Intercontinental Championship is one to watch as WrestleMania approaches.

Friction Between Banks and Belair

The miscommunication and friction between Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair during their WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match added another layer of complexity to their WrestleMania showdown. Despite their undeniable talent, Banks and Belair struggled to work together as a team, highlighting the tension and rivalry between them. This dynamic sets the stage for a highly competitive and personal match at WrestleMania, where both women will be determined to prove themselves as the top star.

McIntyre's Redemption

Drew McIntyre's victory over Sheamus in their No Holds Barred match allowed him to move forward with confidence as he set his sights on reclaiming the WWE Championship. After a series of hard-fought battles, McIntyre proved his resilience and determination, overcoming his former friend in a brutal and unforgiving encounter. This victory positions McIntyre as a top contender for the WWE Championship, and he will be looking to make a statement at WrestleMania.

Edge's WrestleMania Decision

Edge's actions at the end of the Universal Championship match left the WWE Universe wondering about his WrestleMania decision. By attacking both Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan, Edge sent a clear message that he is willing to do whatever it takes to capture the Universal Championship. His unpredictable behavior has added a new level of excitement to the WrestleMania main event scene, as he looks to reclaim his place at the top of the WWE.

Final Thoughts

Overall, WWE Fastlane 2021 was a solid event that delivered on its promise of action and drama. The matches were well-fought, the storylines were compelling, and the stage was set for an epic WrestleMania 37. From Roman Reigns' continued dominance to Edge's shocking actions, Fastlane provided plenty of talking points and moments that will be remembered for years to come. As we head into WrestleMania, the excitement is palpable, and the WWE Universe is eagerly anticipating the Grandest Stage of Them All.