The Rise of Jade Cargill: Breaking Barriers at WWE Fastlane 2023

WWE Fastlane 2023: Winners and Analysis

Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes Def. The Judgment Day

Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in their match against The Judgment Day at WWE Fastlane 2023. Uso, sporting new gear, showcased his wrestling prowess by hitting a spectacular spear, which commentator Michael Cole emphasized was significant due to Roman Reigns’ impending return. Damian Priest’s strategic selling of his leg throughout the match added a layer of suspense, as fans speculated whether he would cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase later. Despite Jey Uso kicking out of various attacks, including a briefcase shot from Rhea Ripley, Uso and Rhodes managed to secure the win with a modified 1D (with a Cody Cutter). This victory sets up a potentially exciting feud between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens against Jey Uso and Sami Zayn leading up to WrestleMania. The match between these talented teams earned an A- grade.

LWO and Carlito Def. Lashley and Street Profits

In a two-on-three match reminiscent of the classic NWO vs. WCW “Bash at the Beach” encounter, LWO (Latino World Order) and Carlito came out on top against Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits. The crowd at WWE Fastlane erupted with excitement as Carlito made a surprise appearance, receiving a tremendous ovation. Despite the Street Profits’ continued presence as babyfaces, their lack of a killer instinct was evident as they fell prey to the aggressive offense of their opponents. While it was a pleasure to witness Carlito back in action, it is hoped that this loss does not mark the end of Bobby Lashley’s association with the Street Profits. This match receives a solid B grade.

Iyo Sky Def. Charlotte Flair and Asuka

Iyo Sky managed to retain her WWE Women’s Championship against formidable opponents, Charlotte Flair and Asuka. The crowd reaction spoke volumes as fans overwhelmingly supported Sky over Flair. The involvement of Bayley added an unexpected twist, as many anticipated her interference would cost Sky the match. Surprisingly, Bayley lent her support to Sky, leading to her successful title defense. The unity within Damage CTRL, for now, is intact, and the future for Sky looks promising. This women’s triple threat match deserves a B+ grade.

John Cena and LA Knight Def. The Bloodline

The team of John Cena and LA Knight emerged victorious in their hard-fought match against The Bloodline at WWE Fastlane. The surprise appearance of Pat McAfee stirred excitement, and his interactions with Michael Cole created a memorable moment. The energy in the crowd reached a fever pitch, with LA Knight receiving an even bigger reaction than John Cena. The match showcased the dominance of The Bloodline, but Cena’s hot tag to LA Knight resulted in an explosive comeback. The crowd erupted in an emphatic “this is awesome” chant as all four competitors engaged in a thrilling battle. After the match, LA Knight’s choice to raise Cena’s hand instead of having his hand raised signaled an intriguing dynamic between the two. This match, featuring moments of sheer intensity, earns a solid B+ grade.

Seth Rollins Def. Shinsuke Nakamura

In the main event of WWE Fastlane 2023, Seth Rollins emerged victorious in an intense Last Man Standing Match against Shinsuke Nakamura. The match started with elaborate entrances featuring magnificent robes worn by both competitors. Last Man Standing Matches typically take time for fans to fully engage, given the long durations and numerous counts. However, as more weapons were introduced, the crowd became increasingly invested in the match. Nakamura’s impressive use of nunchucks showcased his skills and left fans yearning for him to hold the championship. Commentator Michael Cole played a pivotal role by passionately pleading with Rollins not to risk a career-ending injury. The match escalated into a bloody war, with both competitors delivering punishing moves. Rollins ultimately retained his title with a Falcon Arrow through a table in the crowd. This captivating main event receives an A grade.

Editorial Analysis

The Growing Success of WWE Fastlane

With WWE Fastlane 2023, the annual pay-per-view event continues to captivate audiences with its mix of high-stakes matches and thrilling storylines. The event provided a platform for emerging talents like Jade Cargill to make a splash, as well as established superstars like John Cena and Seth Rollins to showcase their exceptional skills. The success of WWE Fastlane is a testament to the enduring popularity of professional wrestling and the dedication of fans around the world.

Breaking Barriers in Women’s Wrestling

The women’s matches at WWE Fastlane displayed the progress made in the world of professional wrestling. Notably, Iyo Sky successfully defended her WWE Women’s Championship against top-tier competitors, Charlotte Flair and Asuka. The overwhelming support for Sky from the crowd exemplifies the growing recognition of women’s talent and the willingness of fans to embrace new faces. Additionally, Bayley’s surprising alliance with Sky highlights the potential for captivating storylines and unexpected alliances in women’s wrestling.

Rising Star: LA Knight

One standout from WWE Fastlane was LA Knight, who received an incredibly enthusiastic response from the audience. The crowd’s excitement for Knight, even surpassing that for John Cena, demonstrates his rising popularity and star power. WWE should capitalize on Knight’s momentum and carefully craft his storylines to maximize his potential as a main event player.

Advice for WWE

Continued Focus on Talent Development

WWE should continue to invest in talent development programs to nurture the next generation of superstars. The success of emerging talents like Jade Cargill and LA Knight at WWE Fastlane showcases the importance of cultivating fresh talent to maintain the longevity of the industry. By providing opportunities for new wrestlers to shine, WWE can ensure a continuous influx of exciting performers and compelling storylines.

Showcase Women’s Wrestling

Women’s wrestling has seen tremendous growth and recognition in recent years, and WWE should continue to prioritize and elevate its women’s division. WWE Fastlane demonstrated the immense support for women’s matches, as evidenced by the crowd’s overwhelming endorsement of Iyo Sky. By consistently featuring strong women’s matches and engaging storylines, WWE can further empower female wrestlers and inspire the next generation of women in sports entertainment.

Strategic Booking for WrestleMania

As WWE Fastlane serves as a crucial build-up to WrestleMania, the booking decisions made at this event will set the stage for the grandest stage of them all. WWE should carefully plan storylines and matchups that will create anticipation and excitement heading into WrestleMania. Feuds like Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens against Jey Uso and Sami Zayn have the potential for captivating narratives leading up to the pinnacle event.

In conclusion, WWE Fastlane 2023 delivered an entertaining evening of professional wrestling action. The event showcased the talent, dedication, and passion of WWE superstars, culminating in an impressive main event between Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura. With strategic planning and a continued emphasis on talent development and women’s wrestling, WWE can build upon the success of WWE Fastlane and provide fans with even more memorable moments in the future.