WWE Fastlane Kickoff
#WWEFastlane
Original Air Date: March 10, 2019
Event Date: March 10, 2019
aired live on the WWE Network
City: Cleveland, OH
Venue: Quicken Loans Arena
Panel: Jonathan Coachman, Sam Roberts, Beth Phoenix, David Otunga, Christian, AJ Styles
Commentary: Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Greg Hamilton
Brand: Co-Branded
Panel
Jonathan Coachman introduces the Kickoff panel, and the panel lists tonight’s matches.
Video
A look at the complicated journey towards Wrestlemania for Becky Lynch.
Panel
The panel discusses Becky Lynch’s chances of winning tonight. Beth and Sam disagree on how much Becky has to lose. David thinks it was a bad idea for Becky to sign a hold harmless agreement.
The panel moves on to discuss the WOmen’s Tag Title match, but The IIconics arrive and interrupt them. The IIconics have been searching for the women’s tag champs, but Sasha and Bayley have not yet appeared on SmackDown Live despite claiming to want to defend their titles on any show.
After The IIconics leave, the panel talks about Mandy Rose challenging Asuka for the SmackDown Women’s Title.
Backstage
Kayla Braxton welcomes Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Mandy thinks Asuka is desperate. Sonya says Mandy has the mental edge. EC3 walks up and says, “Mandy.” He introduces himself as a “hot commodity,” but Sonya is quite unimpressed. She tells EC3 to take a hike, so he does.
Backstage
Earlier today, Carmella was getting people to sign a petition to get R-Truth another US Title match. Zelina Vega says Carmella is wasting her time, because Andrade is going to take the US Title once he’s finished with Rey Mysterio. Samoa Joe walks up and tells both Carmella and Zelina that their argument is pointless, because Joe won’t be losing the US Title. Joe then signs Carmella’s petition before walking away.
Panel
Christian joins the panel (replacing Beth Phoenix). Coach asks Christian about The Miz performing in his hometown and how his emotions will affect him. Christian thinks The Miz will be distracted by his hometown and his father. Sam thinks Miz is focused on the wrong thing: his father’s approval. Christian thinks Miz and Shane McMahon have “forced chemistry” which can’t compare to The Usos’ chemistry.
Selfie Promo
Ricochet is excited about living his dream by competing in his first WWE PPV match and becoming a champ. Aleister Black says winning the RAW Tag Titles is his and Ricochet’s destiny.
Video
A look at Kofi Kingston having his WWE Title match taken away from him and being replaced by Kevin Owens. Also, we see clips of Daniel Bryan calling Owens a nobody, and of Owens’ explanation of why he wants to fight Bryan.
Panel
AJ Styles joins the panel (replacing Otunga). Styles says Kofi Kingston earned the right to face Daniel Bryan, and it was a mistake for that match to be taken away. Sam Roberts asks Styles what has happened to him for him to be on the Kickoff show rather than being in a title match. Styles says you can’t always be on top. He also briefly talks about Randy Orton. Styles doesn’t seem worried about Orton.
Backstage
Kayla Braxton welcomes Kevin Owens. Owens says he agrees with everyone who says that Kofi Kingston deserves a title shot, but he would be crazy to turn down the opportunity Vince McMahon gave him. Tonight, Owens will punch Daniel Bryan in his stupid face. Owens is cut short when New Day walks up. Kingston tells Owens that he has no problem with him, and he wishes Owens luck. Owens appreciates Kingston’s words, and the two men shake hands.
Owens walks away, and Kofi gives some words of encouragement to Big E and Xavier Woods for their tag match. New Day is about to all head to the ring, but a crew member stops them. Kofi is told that the McMahons would like to speak with him about the WWE Title match. Woods and Big E get excited for Kofi, and Kofi leaves to go meet with the bosses.
Match 1
Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev w/ Lana vs Xavier Woods & Big E
(referee: Darrick Moore)
Result: Big E pins Rusev after Up Up Down Down
Time: 13:15
Match Thoughts
Great match. New Day can pretty much always be counted on to put on a PPV-quality match if they’re put on the Kickoff show. Tonight was no exception. This match had a lot of exciting near falls, and both teams seemed like they could win at any time after the match passed the ten minute mark. I’d like to see this match again.
Panel
David Otunga has rejoined the panel as they briefly talk about The Shield’s six man tag match tonight. They also quickly go over most of the other matches before the Kickoff show ends.
>> Read the Recap & Review for Fastlane. >>