WWE Fastlane 2021 Report Card: Grades Are In!

With WrestleMania 37 getting close, the final pay per view is Fastlane. So, it is time for the WWE Fastlane 2021 report card.

WWE Fastlane 2021 Report Card: Grades Are In!

Braun Strowman vs. Elias

Before Fastlane started, WWE shot an injury angle for Shane McMahon. It was simply done to extend his program with Braun Strowman into WrestleMania 37.

With everything going on with COVID, I forgot about Elias. His gimmick really needs an actual audience to work.

At least Elias did not get squashed in 60 seconds. Instead, fans were given almost four minutes. Grade: C-

Alexa Bliss vs. Randy Orton

We all knew Alexa Bliss and Randy Orton were not going to wrestle. After months of mind games, this was the moment The Fiend would return.

Before Bliss even came out, the games started. Then, Bliss appeared and it took seconds for fire to be involved. 

Well, The Fiend is back with a new burnt look. This should culminate at WrestleMania with a crazy gimmick attached. Grade: C

Intercontinental Championship: Big E vs. Apollo Crews

This change in Apollo Crews is a little too late. While the heel persona works, he should have joined The Hurt Business.

I am not sure what is going on with Crews’ current gimmick. As for Big E, he showed a more vicious side in his title defense.

The ending was sloppy as it was hard to tell who botched the conclusion. A post-match beating makes me think these two are not done. Grade: B-

Women’s Tag Team Championship: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler vs. Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair

Both teams headed into the match with issues for their respective partner. Plus, Reginald being with Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler created more of a mess.

Before the match started, it seemed like Sasha Banks was heading towards a heel turn. The post-match interaction between Banks and Bianca Belair seemed to confirm that belief.

Now, Banks and Belair can intensify their feud. That is my favorite match heading into WrestleMania and the foundation has been poured. Grade: B

Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Two of the very best in WWE are Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura. Thinking about it, these two have really not mingled in WWE.

Personally, the match was okay. While that might be good for some, Rollins and Nakamura had the chance to steal the show.

Ever since Rollins returned, he seems to be missing a major feud. The same can be said for Nakamura since turning face and splitting from Cesaro. Grade: B

United States Championship: Riddle vs. Mustafa Ali

Before the match started, you could tell Retribution was starting to crack. Unfortunately, keeping an eye on the stable took attention away from the match.

Like their previous meetings, Riddle and Mustafa Ali delivered. The final spot off the top rope was a nice finish to the match.

After the bell, WWE finally had Retribution turn on Ali. The stable never clicked and several superstars could be getting repackaged in the coming weeks. Grade: B+

No Holds Barred Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus

Drew McIntyre and Sheamus have a lengthy history that goes back to their early years in the business. In the build to Fastlane, they have met on RAW in compelling bouts.

When McIntyre came out with his face painted, you knew we were in for an awesome encounter. They fought around the ThunderDome and left fans pleased.

McIntyre’s win now lets him focus on WWE Champion Bobby Lashley. Maybe, this year’s WrestleMania will result in McIntyre getting his moment in-front of fans. Grade: A-

Universal Championship: Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan

Before Edge vs. Roman Reigns, the road to WrestleMania had to go through Daniel Bryan. Heading into the main event, there seemed to be a decent chance of a triple threat at WrestleMania.

Since returning over the summer, Reigns has mostly fought in brutal matches. But, Bryan used technical wrestling in an excellent way.

Reigns walked out as champion, although I do not know what is next. I would have liked the ending more if WrestleMania was not so close. Grade: A-