WWE Fastlane 2017: All The Results And Highlights

What's up, wrestling fans! Get ready to take a trip down memory lane because we're diving deep into WWE Fastlane 2017, guys. This event was a pretty big deal, serving as the final pay-per-view before the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania. Held on March 5, 2017, at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, Fastlane 2017 was packed with intense matches, shocking turns, and moments that set the stage for some epic WrestleMania showdowns. So, buckle up, grab your favorite snacks, and let's break down everything that went down!

The Road to WrestleMania Gets Intense

The main storyline heading into WWE Fastlane 2017 was all about the WWE Championship. Universal Champion Goldberg was set to defend his title against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, and this show was all about building that monumental clash. But before that, the Raw brand had its own championship picture to sort out, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride. The showpiece match of the night was undoubtedly the WWE Championship triple threat match. The reigning champion, Kevin Owens, put his title on the line against his former best friend, Chris Jericho, and the ultra-intense Roman Reigns. The history between these guys was thick, with Owens having turned on Jericho just weeks prior, setting up this explosive encounter. The crowd was absolutely electric, feeling the tension and anticipating a spectacular main event. The stakes couldn't have been higher, as the winner would walk out with the most prestigious prize in WWE and a massive momentum boost heading into WrestleMania. The build-up to this match was a masterclass in storytelling, with betrayals, betrayals of betrayal, and an escalating rivalry that had fans on the edge of their seats, wondering who would emerge victorious and what the consequences would be for the entire Raw roster.

Universal Championship Match: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar

Now, let's talk about the match that everyone was buzzing about: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship. This wasn't just a match; it was a collision of titans. We all know the history between these two legends, dating back to WrestleMania XX. This time, however, the script was flipped. Goldberg, in his return to the WWE, had dominated the competition, and he was looking to get revenge on The Beast Incarnate. The anticipation for this match was through the roof. Fans were desperate to see if Goldberg could recapture the magic of his original run and if Lesnar would finally get his definitive win over his rival. The match itself was surprisingly short, but boy, was it intense! Goldberg came out with a fire in his eyes, and he hit Lesnar with everything he had. We saw the signature Jackhammer, the devastating Spear, and ultimately, Goldberg walked out with the Universal Championship. This result sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, as it completely altered the landscape heading into WrestleMania. The question on everyone's mind was: what would happen next? Would Lesnar seek a rematch, or would this be the final chapter in their legendary rivalry? The crowd's reaction was a mix of stunned silence and erupting cheers, a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. This match delivered on the spectacle, even if its brevity left some wanting more. It was a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of WWE history, proving that sometimes, the shortest matches can have the biggest impact.

Other Notable Matches and Moments

But Fastlane 2017 wasn't just about the main events, guys. We had a stacked card with plenty of other incredible action. The Cruiserweight Championship was on the line when Neville defended his title against Austin Aries. Aries was making his main roster debut in a singles match, and the hype around him was enormous. He's a phenomenal performer, and the anticipation for his clash with the dominant Neville was palpable. The match itself was a technical masterpiece, showcasing the incredible athleticism and skill of both competitors. Neville retained his title, but Aries proved he was a force to be reckoned with in the Cruiserweight division. Another match that had fans talking was the Raw Women's Championship match, where Bayley defended her title against Charlotte Flair. Bayley had recently won the title, and this was her chance to prove that she belonged at the top. Charlotte, as always, was looking to extend her impressive undefeated streak at pay-per-view events. The match was hard-fought, and in a shocking turn of events, Charlotte Flair managed to break Bayley's streak and reclaim the Raw Women's Championship. This was a massive moment, especially considering Bayley's underdog story and the emotional connection fans had with her. The crowd was stunned, and it set up a compelling rematch for WrestleMania. We also saw the SmackDown Tag Team Championship match, where American Alpha defended their titles against The Usos. This match was an absolute barn burner, with both teams giving it their all. The Usos, after a controversial finish, emerged victorious, becoming the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions. This was a significant shift in the tag team division, and it really heated things up heading into the next chapter. The action didn't stop there, as we had other solid bouts like Samoa Joe's debut singles match against Sami Zayn, where Joe continued his dominant streak. The pre-show also featured a match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, showing the depth of talent on the roster. Every match contributed to the overall excitement and narrative of the show, making Fastlane 2017 a memorable event for all the right reasons. The strategic booking of these matches ensured that every championship had a compelling storyline, and the outcomes directly influenced the build-up to WrestleMania, creating a ripple effect that kept fans engaged throughout the year.

Setting the Stage for WrestleMania

Ultimately, WWE Fastlane 2017 did exactly what it was supposed to do: it delivered unforgettable moments and set the stage for an incredible WrestleMania. The Universal Championship match between Goldberg and Brock Lesnar was a massive upset that redefined their rivalry. Kevin Owens retaining the WWE Championship, albeit in a chaotic triple threat match, meant that Roman Reigns' path to redemption would be even more challenging. Charlotte Flair reclaiming the Raw Women's Championship added another layer of intrigue to the women's division. The shifts in the tag team championships also promised exciting future encounters. This pay-per-view was a crucial stepping stone, ensuring that the storylines were hot and the rivalries were personal as we headed into the biggest show of the year. The booking decisions, while sometimes surprising, were designed to maximize the drama and anticipation for WrestleMania, ensuring that fans would be invested in every single match. The event perfectly encapsulated the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, leaving the audience with more questions than answers and a burning desire to see how everything would unfold on the grandest stage. Fastlane 2017 wasn't just another stop on the road to WrestleMania; it was a destination in itself, filled with drama, action, and moments that would be talked about for years to come. The strategic placement of these marquee matches ensured that the excitement was sustained from the opening bell to the final farewell, leaving an indelible mark on the WWE landscape and cementing its place as a pivotal event in the annual wrestling calendar. The showrunners skillfully navigated the complex web of storylines, ensuring that each outcome felt earned and contributed to the overarching narrative of Raw and SmackDown. The sheer unpredictability of the results kept fans guessing, a hallmark of truly great wrestling events. The lingering questions and unresolved tensions created a palpable buzz, making WrestleMania 33 an even more anticipated spectacle. The event's success lay in its ability to generate sustained interest, proving that even a penultimate pay-per-view could be a showstopper in its own right. It was a testament to the talent both in front of and behind the camera, a collaborative effort that resulted in a night of pure wrestling magic. The sheer audacity of some of the booking decisions, like Goldberg's victory, demonstrated a willingness to take risks, which ultimately paid off in generating significant buzz. The event’s climax left the WWE Universe in a state of collective anticipation, eager to witness the culmination of these epic sagas at the upcoming WrestleMania.