On Sunday, March 5th, the WWE "Fastlane" 2017 pay-per-view arrives from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This particular event will be the final PPV before the epic "WrestleMania 33" match card hits Orlando, Florida in early April. That could mean that new "Monday Night Raw" champions or contenders will emerge from the latest event, to put themselves in a prime position for the biggest pay-per-view of the year. Here's a glimpse at what is expected so far for the WWE "Fastlane" 2017 event in Milwaukee.
Universal title match
Goldberg will challenge Kevin Owens for the WWE Universal title.
Word is that Bill Goldberg will capture the gold and bring it with him to "WrestleMania 33." There's also the matter of Chris Jericho. Owens sent his former friend to the hospital after their "Festival of Friendship" celebration went totally sour. The two former friends will probably compete at "Mania," and quite possibly it will be Jericho costing Owens the title at "Fastlane."
The @WWE #UniversalChampion @FightOwensFight is ready for action against long-time rival @iLikeSamiZayn RIGHT NOW on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/jHOyTRsGeu
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 21, 2017
That would mean Brock Lesnar challenges Goldberg for the title in what's said to be their final match. "The Beast" is expected to walk out as champ when "WrestleMania" is said and done.
As of this report, Lesnar isn't expected to appear at "Fastlane," but WWE could always have him emerge to close the show.
Women's title match
Charlotte Flair invoked her official rematch clause on "Monday Night Raw" and will take on the current women's champion Bayley. There are rumors that Sasha Banks might get involved again, but could cost Bayley her title.
Looks like @MsCharlotteWWE just read the #BankStatement as @SashaBanksWWE picks up the submission victory! #RAW pic.twitter.com/Z5Tc8Nc5t5
— WWE (@WWE) February 21, 2017
Charlotte has yet to lose at a pay-per-view, and that trend will probably continue at "Fastlane." She is likely to enter "WrestleMania 33" as the champion, and possibly defend it in a Fatal Fourway, also featuring Sasha, Bayley, and Nia Jax.
Cruiserweight & tag team titles
As of the recent episode of "Raw," WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville and his challenger Jack Gallager officially signed their match contract. The two members of the "205 Live" program which follows "SmackDown" on Tuesdays, also got into a bit of a skirmish, with Gallagher getting the upperhand. Fans are expecting Neville to continue his reign as champion, with a possible new opponent for "WrestleMania." Could Austin Aries step into the ring against Neville to challenge for the title?
The #KingOfTheCruiserweights @WWENeville laughed at @GentlemanJackG's manners. But he wasn't laughing after one of Jack's headbutts! #RAW pic.twitter.com/yAqjxthisG
— WWE (@WWE) February 21, 2017
The tag team titles are always a mystery.
As it stands, Enzo Amore and Big Cass are No. 1 contenders for tag team champions Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. It's likely that Gallows and Anderson will hold the titles heading to "WrestleMania," but as to who their opponents will be remains to be seen.
Roman Reigns & Strowman
Another match on the card will feature Roman Reigns battling his latest nemesis Braun Strowman. The two have come face-to-face several times in the ring, but Braun has mostly had the upper hand. On the most recent "Raw," Strowman defeated Big Show in the main event match and then fought off an attacking Reigns to close the show. Will Reigns finally get the win at "Fastlane" pay-per-view? There have been rumors that one "Deadman" may show up to get involved and set something up with Reigns for "WrestleMania 33." Fans certainly wouldn't complain about having The Undertaker return for another big match.
Wwe Fastlane 2017 match card
- Kevin Owens (c) vs. Goldberg (Universal title)
- Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
- Neville (c) vs. Jack Gallagher (Cruiserweight title)
- Gallows & Anderson (c) vs. Enzo & Big Cass (Tag Team titles)
- Bayley (c) vs. Charlotte Flair (Women's title)
Another potential match that seems likely for "Fastlane" is Sami Zayn taking on Samoa Joe. On "Raw," Joe has now attacked Zayn twice, leading to Sami probably wanting his revenge. There's also the lingering storyline with the injured Seth Rollins, who will appear in a special interview on "Raw." Could "The Architect" make a return in time for "WrestleMania" or even show up at "Fastlane" PPV?
Fans will certainly be on the edge of their seats when WWE's "Fastlane" event takes place on Sunday, March 5th, 2017.