Greetings one and all! I am Shee and this is Green Eyes. I won’t bore you with my history, I’m back to do a bit of writing so let’s get right to it. Anyone who remembers me will know I do like to look as those stats from time to time so today I’m going to take a stats approach to previewing the upcoming Fast Lane PPV.
Current Trends
Before I launch into the numbers game, I want to look briefly at the current state of the WWE product and specifically the world title picture. Every man and his dog have had their say on the Roman Reigns Rumble win. I was as pissed as anyone with the victory but hindsight has allowed me conclude a few things.
I inherited the pissed off vibe of the Philly fans. This definitely swayed me. I didn’t want him to win in the first place, granted, but the anger that reverberated throughout the Philly crowd amplified my own irritation.
The Royal Rumble match sucked. A lot of reviews gave this match 3 stars. This was generous. It was poorly put together with very few highlights. Bubba Ray Dudley’s return was one of those highlights but the number 1 and 2 spots were sacrificed to facilitate this. This was weak and unimaginative booking. Bray Wyatt and Rusev’s performances pleased me but by and large, move for move, it was a sucky ass wrestling match!
I am tired of WWE telling me what to like. I don’t dislike Roman Reigns, but as pretty much everyone with eyes has concluded, he’s not ready for this push. And the even bigger problem here is WWE’s disconnect with what fans want. Two consecutive years of a face booked Royal Rumble winner that ends with said face being booed relentlessly is a poor state of affairs. Wake the fuck up WWE creative.
On to Fast Lane. I adopted this approach to PPV previews several years back. A few facts about my figures before I begin:
Numbers include pre-show matches
Stats are sourced using Wikipedia
Victories/defeats include defeats in tag matches, multi man matches and battle royals etc..
# of matches and Record stats refer to the last 12 months’ worth of PPV matches
Bad News Barrett (c) vs. Dean Ambrose – Intercontinental title match
Bad News Barrett
# of matches: 3
Record: 2-1-0
Form: Won in his last 2 intercontinental title matches at PPVs
Dean Ambrose
# of matches: 11
Record: 4-7-0
Form: Lost in each of his last 4 PPVs
I think WWE missed the boat not giving Barrett at world title reign at the height of his Nexus days. Despite being rushed to the main event, I thought he was a solid all round talent and when you look at the world title reigns of Sheamus, Jack Swagger, Alberto Del Rio and the Miz, only Vince knows why Barrett didn’t get a run. What frustrates me about an obvious talent like Barrett is that in 2010 you could definitely call him “one for the future”. Here we are in 2015 and he’s still “one for the future”. That said WWE do seem to have a certain amount of faith in him and he was duly reunited with the Intercontinental title not long after his in ring return from his latest injury. Royal Rumble aside, Barrett has won in each of his last 2 PPV outings.
I was pleasantly surprised at the success Dean Ambrose received as a face following the Shield break up. I had him pegged as the break out heel following the faction’s break up with Seth Rollins as a mid-card face. How wrong I was on both counts. But Ambrose’s PPV record has not been kind to him recently. He has failed to win in his last 4 PPV contests and finished firmly in second place coming out of the Bray Wyatt feud. I understand a lot of the anger the IWC has shown towards Ambrose’s booking. He is a natural in ring talent and is easily one of the top 5 faces on the roster going by the crowd reactions he’s getting. I also believe it’s “over” talents like Ambrose and Ziggler that generate a large portion of the aversion to Roman Reign’s current push. WWE would be foolish to ignore the potential long term talent they have in Ambrose. Take a little of the goofy mic work away and keep him doing his bad ass thing and they have a solid main eventer.
As far as this one goes, it has a Barrett win written all over it. I’m not sure what the long term payoff is for Wade’s intercontinental title run; I’d like to think there’s a step up to a world title run in there somewhere. But the world title picture looks pretty crowded at the moment so the best thing Wade can do is build meaningful I.C. title feuds. Some of the best matches in WWE’s history have been based around this title. But with mostly two world titles in the WWE over the last 10 years, the I.C. title has fallen away. Now is the time to put it back on the map. Barrett should take this reign, much like he took the bad news gimmick and use it to put himself firmly and permanently on the WWE map.
Prediction: Wade Barrett wins and retains
Nikki Bella (c) (with Brie Bella) vs. Paige
Nikki Bella
# of matches: 6
Record: 4-2-0
Form: Has won 4 out of her last 4 PPV matches
Paige
# of matches: 9
Record: 4-5-0
Form: Has lost 4 out of her last 4 PPV matches
At first glance, the stats would suggest Nikki is the in form Diva going into this contest. But Paige is arguably the breakout Diva of WWE’s main roster in 2014 so I’m not inclined to write her off just yet. Nikki Bella has been a decent heel over the last few months. She brings plenty of aggression to the ring which is always welcome as far as Diva matches go. It’s hard as a fan to get interested in these matches so when Nikki and Brie spent 6 minutes beating the crap out of each other at Night of Champions, I was quite impressed. Nikki has worked hard in separating herself from her sister in terms of character development and the changes she’s made have certainly but some distance between her and Brie. If you’re looking for technical bouts in the Divas division, Nikki might not be your first choice but if you’re like me and you like short entertaining Diva matches, I reckon Nikki is as good as any Diva to deliver.
Paige comes from good stock. She effortlessly transitioned from NXT to the main roster both on the mic and in the ring. Her character began to get much more interesting right around the time AJ Lee returned and they traded a few PPV wins. And even though she lost the Divas title ultimately, she has never been too far from being back in the title hunt. As far as her WWE future goes, time is definitely on her side. Her character, her ability in the ring and her overall look for me spell many Diva title reigns to come.
However she is very much on a down swing as far as the stats go with defeats in 4 of her last 4 PPV matches. It’s hard to see too far down the road as far as the Divas title is concerned; most likely because plans for the title probably don’t exist yet. As far as this one goes, I think with Paige’s recent momentum gives her a chance in spite of her recent PPV losses. But I think Fast Lane will come a tad too soon for her. Keep an eye on her for Wrestlemania though.
Prediction: Nikki Bella wins and retains
The Usos (c) vs. Tyson Kidd & Cesaro – Tag Team Title Match
Jimmy Uso
# of matches: 9
Record: 5-4-0
Form: Won 2 of last 5 PPV matches
Jey Uso
# of matches: 9
Record: 5-4-0
Form: Lost 3 of last 5 PPV matches ;-)
Cesaro
# of matches: 13
Record: 3-10-0
Form: Lost 7 consecutive PPVs in 2013
Tyson Kidd
# of matches: 3
Record: 1-2-0
Form: Lost in 2 of last 3 PPV appearances
I saw the Usos at a live event in Dublin in 2009. They hadn’t long debuted as cocky heels and I thought, storyline wise, there wasn’t going to be much to this team. But, in a faltering tag team division, they persevered and are now the best tag team on the roster in my mind. They’ve put a 3 PPV losing streak in 2014 behind them to pick up wins in each of their last 2 PPVs. I thought they were unlucky to lose the tag belts to Miz and Sandow. It looked very much like the tag belts and the Usos in tandem were cheapened slightly to make way for the Miz/Sandow comedy act. Not that I’ve any major problems Miz/Sandow but I don’t think they needed the tag belts to make it what it is. I think long term the Usos have a promising future in WWE’s tag division. There’s always a chance there’ll be singles runs eventually but for now I think the Usos should stick to maximizing their talent in a tag division that is often short on just that.
There is certainly no lack of talent as far as Cesaro goes. My stats have lead me to discover that he had 13 PPV matches in the last year. Granted a few of those were pre-show matches but that is still more than any other wrestler on the WWE roster. After winning the Andre the Giant battle Royal and a triple threat match at Extreme Rules, Cesaro embarked on a 7 PPV losing streak that only ended at the Royal Rumble pre-show. I can’t stand these generic WWE “rumours” that he’s not connecting with the fans or this brass ring bullshit. Cesaro is an obvious talent, WWE need to get the finger out and book him to his strengths. As for Tyson Kidd, I’ve always been a fan but he seems to be stuck on a permanent heel/face carousel these days. This tag team venture won’t last forever and while I believe Cesaro will eventually move up the ladder, I would be a little more concerned for Kidd long term.
This is a hard one to call as there is a lot going on here storyline wise. Looking ahead, I want to believe that this is only temporary for Cesaro and that his singles career is ready to take off again. But when you look at the Total Divas crap they’ve shoved into this then there might a few weeks in it yet. If WWE are in anyway serious about this Cesaro-Tyson team then I see no reason not to give them a run with the belts. A loss at Fast Lane could all but end the momentum they’ve gained over the last few weeks. Allowing the Usos chase the titles once more could also beef the storyline up some more heading towards ‘mania. So I think Cesaro/Kidd will take this one.
Prediction: Cesaro/Kidd win tag titles.
Seth Rollins, Kane and Big Show vs. Dolph Ziggler, Ryback and Erick Rowan
Seth Rollins
# of matches: 12
Record: 8-4-0
Form: Won 8 PPV matches in a row in 2014
Kane
# of matches: 6
Record: 0-6-0
Form: Lost 6 PPV matches in a row
Big Show
# of matches: 5
Record: 2-3-0
Form: Has won 2 of his last 3 PPV matches
Dolph Ziggler
# of matches: 9
Record: 4-5-0
Form: Has won 3 of his last 4 PPV matches
Ryback
# of matches: 9
Record: 3-5-0
Form: Has won 2 of his last 3 PPV matches
Erick Rowan
# of matches: 5
Record: 2-3-0
Form: Has lost 3 of his last 4 PPV matches
**This match has not been announced yet but I’m fairly confident it will be added to the card.**
As far as the stats go, Rollins is one of the stand out performers of 2014 with 8 PPV wins which he won in 8 consecutive PPVs. Despite losing in his last 3 PPV matches, we saw very strong outings from Rollins in each defeat, with deserved acclaim going his way for his role in the world title match at last month’s Royal Rumble. Kane on the other hand has had a disastrous run of form since 2014 with not a single win in his last 6 PPV matches. The Big Show fairs slightly better with 2 wins in his last 3 matches including a chairs match win against Erick Rowan at TLC. Big Show and Kane are currently in the midst of yet another squabble which may stack the deck against the Authority team here. Also, with Rollins getting the better of Ziggler in recent weeks, the stage may well be set for is uppence to come!
Ziggler has won 3 of his last 5 PPVs with his lone survival at Survivor Series being the crowning jewel of his 2014. I was convinced WWE were ready to pull the trigger on Ziggler at the Rumble as I thoroughly believe Ziggler can be the top face in WWE. Looking at his crowd reactions and in ring work suggest all the tools are there. 2015 will keep me hoping I guess. As for Ryback, he has looked great since coming back from injury. It has worked really well in reigniting his character which had become somewhat stale following his main event run in 2013. Erick Rowan, however, I fear for. There was no reason he couldn’t go over Big Show at TLC. All this says to me is WWE have nothing for him. And whilst I don’t like bashing big guys for being big, Rowan is horribly limited as far as in ring mobility goes. I would worry about what he has to offer long term now that the Wyatt family days appear to be over.
I think the presence of a rift between Kane and the Big Show means this match has only one outcome; a win for Ziggler, Ryback and Rowan. I would expect plenty of involvement from Mercury and Noble along the way but I think Ziggler will most likely pick up a pinfall against Kane (right after Big Show probably knocks him out). The way things are going, there does not seem to be any clear road map to ‘mania for either Ziggler or Rollins. Despite several rumours floating around about tag matches etc.. I think WWE would be well served to let these two go at it. Rollins always has the MITB briefcase to keep things interesting for later on in the night and at the same time gets a chance to steal the show with Ziggler. Book it!! As far as Fast Lane goes…
Prediction: Ziggler, Ryback and Rowan win
Rusev (c) (with Lana) vs. John Cena – U.S. Title Match
Rusev
# of matches: 10
Record: 8-2-0
Form: Yet to suffer clean defeat on WWE main roster including 7 PPV winning streak in 2014
Cena
# of matches: 11
Record: 7-4-0
Form: Won in 4 of his last 5 PPVs since losing World title to Brock at Summerslam 2014
So Rusev is finally hitting the big time as far as feuds go. The Russian/Bulgarian has been given as big a push as any big guy I’ve seen in the WWE. But whilst pushes for Umaga, Great Khali and Vladmir Kozlov eventually fizzled out, there seems to be something more to Rusev’s run of form. He has only two PPV defeats to his name; namely his Survivor Series and Royal Rumble eliminations which did little to damage his credibility. The biggest risk, one might ponder, may be his potential to fall victim to WWE’s ever changing to decision makers behind the scenes (anyone seen Tensai lately?). Rusev has dominated the Swaggers, Mark Henrys and Big Shows of this world; Cena presents a different challenge.
Cena has won 4 straight PPVs since being defeated by Lesnar at Summerslam including a DQ win over Brock at Night of Champions and his 487th PPV victory over Randy Orton at Hell in a Cell. Going into his contest with Rusev, one cannot help but glance a wandering eye ahead to Wrestlemania where it is strongly rumoured the two will face off again. The question is thusly, how do WWE book the Fast Lane outcome? Whatever the outcome, WWE have a responsibility to keep momentum with Rusev following this huge push. He is possibly their most potent heel when you factor in the real life implications surrounding Russia at the moment.
I believe Fast Lane will see Rusev beat Cena setting up a ‘mania showdown for super Cena to triumph over the Russian threat whilst capturing the US title. And I honestly wouldn’t be against that outcome if booked correctly and if Rusev comes away looking strong. I do hope it’s a clean win for Rusev at Fast Lane. An outright dominance of Cena would be even better. But WWE might be a tad reluctant to give Rusev that level of win over Cena, especially given Brock Lesnar did the same thing at Summerslam. I do expect Rusev to go over regardless, possibly a pinfall victory by devious means. The big challenge for these two at Fast Lane is that they need to show that this match is also worthy of Wrestlemania!
Prediction: Rusev wins and retains
Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan
Roman Reigns
# of matches: 8
Record: 5-3-0
Form: Has won in his only previous singles bout in a WWE PPV
Daniel Bryan
# of matches: 4
Record: 2-3-0
Form: Has won 3 of his last 4 PPV matches
What’s the biggest indicator that Roman Reigns is not ready for a world title reign? For me it isn’t his still developing in-ring work. It isn’t even his stumbling mic work. It’s the way WWE have booked him. Summerslam 2014 saw Reigns defeat Randy Orton in his first and ONLY singles match on a WWE. I’m sure I’m not the first person to highlight this stat, I had to double check it to be sure but, yes, the guy has 1 PPV singles match to his name. He has no ground breaking single matches to speak off. His Summerslam outing against Orton was decent but if anything Regains was lucky to have had his maiden PPV singles match against Orton (an unsung hero of putting talent over). Reigns has had no prolonged mid card feuds, no mid card title reigns and he was injured for 4 months of last year. I don’t want to become a Reigns basher but facts are facts. I’ll keep an open mind to what’s coming, because frankly I haven’t a choice, but WWE are a distance yet from selling this guy to me as the one to beat Brock.
Daniel Bryan, on the other hand, has plenty of singles matches in PPVs. Daniel Bryan has single victories at PPVs, acclaimed matches, U.S. title reigns, prolonged mid card feuds and an overall wealth of experience that goes far beyond the confines of the WWE. He hasn’t missed a beat since returning which for my money is a phenomenal achievement is giving his prior injury woes. The Rumble represents 1 of 2 PPV defeats Bryan suffered over the last 12 months; the other being in the Elimination Chamber prior to last year’s mania. A double win at ‘mania and subsequent victory over Kane prior to getting injured leaves Bryan with 3 wins in his last 4 PPV contests.
Who wins this? If WWE are going down the Triple Threat road at ‘mania then a clean win for either man here is unlikely. I have to believe Reign’s spot in the ‘mania world title match is set in stone. I’m even seeing TV ads on Sky Sports over here headed by Reigns. This is the guy WWE are backing. WWE may add Daniel Bryan to the ‘mania match but it won’t be at the expense of Reigns looking bad. Maybe Bryan gets an unclean win and the Authority keeps Reigns in the match? This might not be too unrealistic, I wouldn’t put it past WWE to try and turn the fans on Bryan. Although realistically Bryan could use every dirty trick in the book to beat Reigns at Fast Lane, kick a front row child in the face, shoot a puppy, get on the mic and call everyone an asshole and the crowd would still love him. I think WWE would be smart to keep Bryan in this feud. If anything, given Brock’s limited appearances, you get to have Bryan and Reigns on TV every week leading up to ‘mania.
Prediction: Daniel Bryan wins
Triple H – Sting segment
Sting on not joining WWE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjctPQQWDVE
I’ve always loved this video. You have to respect Sting’s honesty here. What’s even more respectable is that years later, at 55 years old, Sting’s performances outside of WWE since have been strong enough to not only cement his legacy as an all-time great but to keep WWE so interested in him that they have brought him in to have his WWE debut match at Wrestlemania. If I’m Sting then I have a big smile on my face. He tore it up in TNA for all those years. As crappy as TNA became, he was an ever constant and now he deserves to finally have his big WWE moment.
Triple H, the wrestler, is awesome. With all the behind scenes work he does, he can still strap on the boots a few times a year and tear the house down. I actually think the matches we get out of Trips these days are better than what we saw of him in his heyday. He has mountains of experience, tons of in ring knowledge and is just an overall in ring general when it comes to putting on a show. The vibe I get off him as far as behind the scenes go is a different story. Frankly he comes off as bit clumsy; I thought he babbled a lot during the Austin’s podcast. But take nothing away from what he can do in the ring. Triple H vs. Sting is about 99% certain for ‘mania and these two old dogs certainly have the potential to steal the show.
That’s it for me folks. Feedback welcome as always. It’s a while since I had the knack to write about wrestling so my hope is to maybe keep this column going once a month.
Slán go fóill
Shee