Fastlane Preview: A Closer Look at This Week’s Raw
This week’s Raw served as a prelude to Fastlane this Saturday. Consequently, the episode centered around building anticipation for the matches scheduled for this high-octane event.
A highlight from Monday’s Raw was the official contract signing between Gunther and Tommaso Ciampa, setting the stage for their Intercontinental Championship clash over the weekend.
Meanwhile, fresh from a victorious title defense at NXT No Mercy, Becky Lynch staked her NXT women’s title against Tegan Nox.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the crucial moments leading up to Fastlane:
Kickoff to Chaos:
The episode began chaotically with Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler already in the throes of battle. Raquel Rodriguez sided with Baszler, with Rhea Ripley supporting Jax. Once the dust settled, Ripley took to the mic, hinting at unresolved issues tied to Judgment Day. Post-advertisements, Ripley expressed her disappointment in Priest’s recent actions and held Dominik Mysterio accountable for some mishaps.
Jey Uso’s entrance was unexpected, given his match with The Archer of Infamy was postponed. However, the segment took another twist when JD McDonagh intervened, only to be countered by Cody Rhodes.
While starting the show with brawls and dialogues isn’t groundbreaking, the narrative surrounding The Judgment Day evolved intriguingly.
Segment Grade: C+
Noteworthy Bits:
- Dom holding Ripley’s belt resembled a boyfriend reluctantly holding his girlfriend’s purse.
- Dom’s recovery from No Mercy is commendable.
Relentless Rivalries: Chad Gable & Otis vs Giovanni Vinci & Ludwig Kaiser
Chad Gable and Otis, seemingly tethered to Imperium, faced off against Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser. With repetitive face-offs in recent memory, the novelty was lacking. Yet, the quality of the action was undeniable. A notable development was Gunther entrusting Kaiser with Vinci’s guidance.
Segment Grade: B
Key Takeaways:
- Maxxine Dupri’s growth since her early days is evident.
- Kaiser’s uppercut and Gable’s submission skills deserve praise.
Swift Showdown: Cedric Alexander vs Bronson Reed
In a quick bout, Cedric Alexander met Bronson Reed. While Alexander exhibited a spirited start, Reed’s aerial prowess secured his victory.
Segment Grade: C-
Observations:
- Alexander’s underutilization in WWE remains baffling.
- Reed might benefit from a vocal advocate.
Twists and Turns:
While Ciampa and Gunther’s contract signing was heated, the subsequent match between Xavier Woods and Ivar felt disjointed due to Erik’s absence. After some mishaps in the bout, Ivar’s post-match aggression was notable.
Segment Grade: C+
Highlights:
- Kingston’s humorous antics were a treat.
- Michael Cole’s appreciation of Ivar was well-deserved.
- Kingston’s commentary added zest to the segment.
Brief Battles: Chelsea Green vs Tegan Nox
Amidst Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura’s developing feud, Chelsea Green and Tegan Nox squared off. With potential interference from Piper Niven, Natalya’s entrance balanced the odds.
Segment Grade: C
Points of Interest:
- Nakamura’s heel persona shines effortlessly.
- Green’s dynamic with Niven was amusing.
Surprises and Strategy: Drew Mcintyre vs The Miz
Drew McIntyre elucidated his recent actions, only to be confronted by The Miz. Their brawl culminated in a bout, where McIntyre utilized some unsportsmanlike tactics for the win.
Segment Grade: C+
Moments to Note:
- McIntyre’s potential alignment change seems ambiguous.
- The challenges of wrestling in formal attire were evident.
Main Event Madness: Gunther vs Tommaso Ciampa
The evening’s marquee match between Gunther and Ciampa was a wrestling masterclass. With neither wrestler having external support, the fight’s intensity was palpable. Following a fierce battle, Gunther retained his title, only to be challenged by Johnny Gargano and Ciampa.
Segment Grade: A-
Key Moments:
- The decision to hold a match immediately after the contract signing was refreshing.
- Ciampa’s resilience despite being at a size disadvantage was commendable.
- The synchronization between Gargano and Ciampa was flawless.
The Bottom Line:
Although this Raw had few standout matches, the segments effectively set the stage for Fastlane. Gunther vs. Ciampa was undeniably the standout, closely followed by the tag-team bout. Nakamura and Rollins’ segment was executed impeccably. On balance, this episode felt like a typical precursor to a major event.
Overall Grade: C
