MEMPHIS, Tenn. (February 22nd, 2015) — The road to WrestleMania has never been an easy one. It's filled with sharp corners, bumps and roadblocks along the way. But four men who know this all too well would be competing for the ultimate opportunity — a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Brock Lesnar in the main event of the annual spectacular. Due to multiple controversies in the 2015 Royal Rumble Match, Daniel Bryan's eventual victory was deemed questionable and The Yes Man was told that he was to defend his unique opportunity against The Authority's golden child — Seth Rollins. However, overruling Triple H and Stephanie's arguably corrupt decision, the Chairman of the WWE himself made some decision of his own and Mr. McMahon added two more worthy challengers into the mix — Randy Orton and Roman Reigns. These four combatants were determined to headline this year's WrestleMania and live our their dreams on the Grandest Stage of Them All, but only one of them could receive that golden ticket. The Fastlane to WrestleMania begins!
Chris Jericho is no stranger to overcoming the odds. Nor has he ever backed down in the face of danger. Those traits would serve Y2J well as he went into battle against arguably the most dangerous man in WWE history — the United States Champion, Rusev. Following the Soviet Machine's utter annihilation of John Cena on Raw a few weeks ago, Jericho stepped forward out of respect for his former rival and in defense of the WWE Universe. In the eyes of many, Rusev must be stopped, but those same people also wonder if he can truly be beaten. So far nobody has been able to topple the Hero of the Russian Federation, all falling at his feet as he dominates the competition.
Y2J stood face-to-face with the man who is responsible for John Cena's absence and did not back down an inch. The opening bell unleashed a flurry from Jericho as the former World Champion wasted little time unloading on his Russian adversary. The beat-down continued and all the pent up rage oozed from Jericho, but as expected, Rusev responded in kind and ended up throwing Y2J to the outside to catch himself a breather. The "never say die" attitude of the self-professed King of the World has to be respected as he went right back on the offensive against this big brute. Connecting with his signature enziguiri, Jericho looked to have to the upper hand and attempted to deliver his patented Codebreaker, only to be thrown down to the canvas, swatted like a fly. Rusev retaliated with his signature superkick, flattening the nine-time Intercontinental Champion.
The end began closing in on Chris Jericho as Rusev's momentum built, and when that happens, it's bad news for everyone. The big Russian picked his opponent up and lifted him onto his shoulders, but the savvy Jericho slid off the brute's back and threw him chest-first into the turnbuckle and followed it up with his iconic bulldog. Rusev looked perhaps more vulnerable than ever before as Y2J nailed the Lionsault and hooked the leg, but all he could manage was a two count. Realizing how close he was, Jericho attempted to put the Soviet Machine in the Walls of Jericho, but the leg strength of Rusev was too much for Y2J to handle. Going for another Codebreaker, Jericho hoped to put an end to the match and capture the United States Championship, but Rusev evaded the attempt and met it with a devastating superkick. It wasn't long before Jericho was rolled onto his front and locked in the bone-bending Accolade and despite his heart and determination, Y2J had no alternative but to submit. —
United States Champion Rusev def. Chris Jericho to retain the titleMuch to the dismay of the WWE Universe, Rusev was handed his United States Championship and celebrated his victory by pumping it into the air. Lana looked on with a smug grin as Chris Jericho rolled out to ringside, realizing he had failed to not only capture the United States Championship, but avenge his friend. Y2J was arguably the last hope of anyone putting a stop to Rusev's reign of terror. If he couldn't do it, then who honestly can?
It's a big night for The Authority. Seth Rollins with an opportunity to headline WrestleMania, Triple H to confront Sting for the very first time — a lot rides on WWE Fastlane for this unit. The office is buzzing as Triple H and his wife, Stephanie McMahon try to sort out their plans for the night. "I don't want to have to worry about tonight's main event" explained the COO, "I've set the motions in place and it's up to you to capitalize on them". Seth Rollins nodded and understood The Game's words. "I'm going to WrestleMania, Hunter. I promise you" declared Rollins. A knock on the door broke up the conversation and the duo of Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury walked in with some news for their boss. "He's here to see you, sir" said Noble. Apparently knowing exactly who he was referring to, Triple H ordered them to send this mystery arrival in. Michael Cole questioned who exactly they were talking about, but of course John 'Bradshaw' Layfield told the Voice of the WWE to mind his own business.
It's been a tough few weeks for Stardust with his beloved brother turning on him and becoming a Goldust that we haven't seen in a very long time, if ever. Reluctant to trade blows with his own flesh and blood, Stardust hoped it would not come to this, but thanks to the actions of The Bizarre One, it was clear that this is exactly what he wanted, and the way he's been as of late, who's going to tell him no? It's brother versus brother, and whether Stardust wants to or not, he's going to have to come face-to-face with his sibling who just so happens to want to tear him to pieces.
Even now, Stardust begged his brother to think about what he was doing and try to work this out. But there's jsut no reasoning with this new attitude of Goldust's and he slapped the taste right out of Stardust's mouth. It was at that moment that Stardust realized that he would have no choice but to fight back and socked his brother in the jaw with a right hand. In a cosmic flurry, Stardust gave it right back to his brother and finally gained some momentum in this sibling rivalry. Back and forth they went with no remorse and their relationship was clear as the two brothers knew each other very well and telegraphed each other's moves left and right.
But it seemed as though this retaliation from Stardust only made matters worse, and Goldust reached a whole other level of aggression when he began throwing punches back. The WWE Universe watched in horror as Goldust unleashed an almighty wrath on his brother and began delivering blow after blow with absolutely no give. Even going as far as removing his gloves, he beat down on his own flesh and blood without a care in the world. But perhaps Goldust's rage got the better of him as he took his eye off the ball for just one second and found himself rolled up by Stardust in a small package and lost the match. —
Stardust def. GoldustA shocking turn of events saw Stardust somehow come out victorious even after a brutal beating at the hands of The Bizarre One. Even Stardust couldn't believe it was he looked around in astonishment. But more than anyone else, it was Goldust who struggled to come to terms with the loss. Stardust stood up and extended his hand to his fallen brother, despite the violence and the anger, he still intended to reconcile. Goldust looked up and saw the gesture — and he took it. The two brothers stood face-to-face shaking hands and all seemed well in the Rhodes household, but then —
Goldust delivered a low blow to Stardust! Leading his brother into a false sense of security, Goldust dropped Stardust to his knees with a disgusting act of disrespect. But he wasn't finished there as it was time to put an end to this scene, Goldust dropping Stardust with the Final Cut and leaving with rage in his eyes. This brotherly battle is far from over.
The cryptic messages that Bray Wyatt has been sending for the last few weeks have all been left without explanation. His words only served to confuse the WWE Universe and have all of us scratching our heads wondering what he's talking about. The Eater of Worlds is no stranger to mystery, but his recent antics have led us to WWE Fastlane where he promised that the subject of these message would be summoned and he would welcome this person with open arms. The man himself made his way to the ring in his usual eerie fashion, sporting a huge grin from ear-to-ear. Sitting in his rocking chair in the center of the ring, Wyatt blew out his lantern and a spotlight shone down. "The time has come, my children. For he is here!" screamed Wyatt, "Tonight I welcome him home, and I claim what is rightfully mine. This prophecy shall be fulfilled and I shall be thankful to him for providing me with the platform that I need. Come to me, my brother... it is time for me to take control and become what my destiny wants me to be!". Wyatt's words echoed through the arena, and suddenly the lights shut off, creating a buzz around the arena. Who is "he"?
Moments of darkness pass when the spotlight returns, shining down onto Bray Wyatt's rocking chair... but Wyatt was gone. And in his place sat something that shocked the WWE Universe to the core. Sitting in Bray Wyatt's chair in front of the world —
the urn. The noise became deafening as fans looked on at the brass container that has been associated with none other than The Undertaker for decades. But why was the urn there? And where was Bray Wyatt?
Well, the latter question was answered sooner rather than later as Wyatt walked into the spotlight and became laughing maniacally. The Eater of Worlds picked up the urn in his hands and hysterically chuckled to himself. "He has arrived, my children... he is... here". Wyatt raised the urn above his head. Is this what he was referring to? Is whoever he has been talking about inside the urn? "He has returned home! And now I hold him in my hand... with all the power I could possibly need" explained Wyatt, tears building in his eyes from the emotion he was feeling, "The prophecy has been fulfilled... I am in control... this is my yard now... and I am the New Face of Fear...". Dropping the microphone, Bray Wyatt continued to laugh and left the ring, clutching the urn to his chest with a sadistic grin. What does this mean? Why is the urn now in Bray Wyatt's possession? Is The Undertaker in cahoots with Bray Wyatt? What is going on?!
Since joining forces, The New Day have had great success, becoming the WWE Tag Team Champions on the first episode of SmackDown as it returned to Thursday nights. But winning their opportunity at the Royal Rumble, the new number one contenders are determined to claim their first gold as an alliance. Cesaro and Tyson Kidd have made their intentions clear, they want the titles and they're taking them at WWE Fastlane.
Well perhaps they shouldn't underestimate the combination of Kofi Kingston and Big E as they are not a duo to be messed with. Cesaro kicked things off with former rival, Kofi Kingston and they went back-and-forth, much like their days battling over the United States Championship. Once Tyson Kidd got involved, things looked bleak for the WWE Tag Team Champions as Kofi was isolated from his corner. Xavier Woods shouted words of encouragement to his New Day ally from ringside and perhaps the motivation worked as Kingston was able to tag in his larger partner, Big E. The former Intercontinental Champion ran through the self-professed Brass Ring Club and made them rethink their earlier claims that they would take the titles on this night.
Cesaro and Kidd did manage to pull back from the bulldozer-like offence from Big E and prepare to put the powerhouse away with their signature Cesaro Swing/dropkick combination, but thanks to a Trouble In Paradise to Kidd from Kingston, this was put to a halt. And capitalizing on the chaos, Big E lifted Cesaro onto his shoulders and with Kofi springing off the ropes, he was driven to the mat with the Midnight Hour which led to The New Day retaining their belts. —
WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day def. Cesaro and Tyson Kidd to retain the titlesAnother victory for the blue-clad faction as they held onto their titles for another night. Despite claiming their title victory as "fact", Cesaro and Tyson Kidd left empty handed and were forced to go back to the drawing board before their next attempt. There's going to be a party tonight when the boys in blue take those titles back home.
Renee Young was backstage alongside the Intercontinental Champion, Dolph Ziggler, and going into his match up next, she wanted to know if the recent chaos has thrown him off his game. The Show-Off explained that he was dead set on retaining the gold after working so hard for it and he is 100% focused. It doesn't matter how many people want to get involved, one thing is for sure — Dolph Ziggler has no intention of leaving without the Intercontinental Championship.
Since crossing The Authority, Dolph Ziggler has had an uphill struggle. But he has overcome the odds as always and walked out as Intercontinental Champion. The Royal Rumble saw an outstanding performance from the former World Champion, but the return of Bad News Barrett shook Ziggler's foundations and since that moment has found his title reign under threat from the British brawler. As well as added chaos from Dean Ambrose and Luke Harper, the Show-Off's reign as Champion has become burdened by carnage, but Bad News Barrett looked to capitalize on it and walk out with the title that he never truly lost, forced to vacate it due to injury in 2014.
With the Champion and challenger ready to compete for the prestigious prize, Bad News left the ring and grabbed himself a microphone. "I saw what you had to say, Dolph. And quite frankly, I've never heard anything as ridiculous in my life" bellowed Barrett, "So I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you — you won't be leaving with the Intercontinental Championship tonight — I will. Thankyou!". The Brit re-entered the ring and was met with a superkick from the Champion. Perhaps Barrett should learn when to keep his mouth shut and focus on the task at hand. Aiming for a quick victory, Ziggler covered his challenger, but avoiding the embarrassment of such a short attempt, Barrett kicked out at two and quickly left the ring to gather himself.
Once the match finally reached a level playing field, Barrett looked to be in full control, backing up his earlier claims. Ziggler struggled to battle back, the power advantage clearly on the side of Bad News. Just when the #1 contender hoped to put an end to Dolph Ziggler's title reign, he was halted by
the arrival of Dean Ambrose! The Lunatic Fringe emerged at ringside and delivered a verbal threat to Bad News Barrett. But the balance was soon restored when
Luke Harper made his way to ringside and began brawling with his recent enemy. Bad News looked on in confusion as the battle raged on outside, but the distraction had allowed enough time for the Show-Off to revitalize and strike for one final blow, dropping Barrett with the ZigZag and claiming the victory. —
Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler def. Bad News Barrett to retain the titleHistory repeated itself and carnage once again played a vital role in the outcome of an Intercontinental Championship bout. Officials were forced to arrive on the scene and pull Dean Ambrose and Luke Harper apart as Dolph Ziggler watched and celebrated his victory. While this result may have pleased the WWE Universe, one man was far from happy and displayed his frustration by clubbing Ziggler in the back of the head and taking him to the canvas. Bad News grabbed the Intercontinental Championship and raised it above his head, screaming "This belongs to me!" and even making sure Dean Ambrose and Luke Harper are aware of it on the outside. This situation has gotten out of hand, and this close to WrestleMania — who can control it?
Michael Cole informed us that it was now time for the first-ever face-to-face confrontation between Triple H and The Vigilante, Sting. Following a small reminder of the last few weeks in the video package, the COO of the WWE made his way to the ring with his wife, Stephanie McMahon by his side. As always, the reaction was far from positive, but the pair cared little for the opinions of the WWE Universe. The Game welcomed everyone to WWE Fastlane, and hoped that everyone was enjoying their night. Of course, an insincere smile followed and Triple H soon got to business. "Tonight, I have come out here to confront a man who has been a thorn in our side since November of last year. A man that has no place here in the WWE" he explained, "I am out here to confront the man who calls himself The Vigilante, because he is too afraid to come out of the shadows and face me like a man". Stephanie McMahon chimed in and warned Sting that his persistent invasions will be met with severe consequences. But The Game told the world that he would welcome Sting to the WWE for one night only and tell him exactly what he needs to hear — "Go away".
Lights flash. Static takes over. And the sound of a crow echoed around the arena sending shivers down the spines of all those in attendance. The time had come, and The Vigilante didn't disappoint, arriving onto the stage with nothing but focus in his eyes. His target was clear, and that target is The Authority. As the WCW alumnus made his way to the ring, Stephanie hid behind her husband who was equally as intimidated by the arrival of this mythical icon from the past. Setting foot in the ring for the very first time since Survivor Series, Sting stands across from The Game and the two share what can only be described as an intense showdown. Armed with his signature baseball bat, Sting approaches the power couple, but The Game is quick to stop him from making any rash decisions.
"Stay away from my wife! You come any closer and I'll cripple you here and now, do you understand me!" bellowed Triple H. Sting stopped advancing and stood motionless in the center of the ring. The atmosphere was incredible as Triple H slowly raised the microphone to his lips. "I know why you're here... everybody knows why you're here" explained The Game, staring right into Sting's eyes. Triple H declared that Sting's intentions were clear, but what isn't clear is why after 14 years has he decided to come out of the shadows for this moment. "I don't know if you heard, Sting, but WCW isn't around anymore" mocked Triple H, getting a laugh from Stephanie behind him. Sting's past comes into play as Triple H reminded everyone how WCW perished in the Monday Night Wars and Sting went down with the ship, only to rise from the depths 14 years later. "Have you been afraid to face me, Sting? Has it really took you 14 years to build up the courage to face me like a man?". Sting edges closer to his targets but The Game halts him once more.
"You stuck your nose in our business at Survivor Series — but we're still here" explained Triple H with a chuckle, "You may think you know what you want, but this isn't WCW. You're not the ultimate hero anymore. You're not even The Icon around these parts. All you are is a washed up has-been who wants his one last moment". The Game looked around the WWE Universe who were practically begging Sting to shut him up, but Triple H wasn't finished. "Like I said, I know what you want. But mark my words — if I give you what you want, there'll be no going back. There'll be no resurrection of Sting. There's be no glorious ride into the sunset. It will end with you — broken and battered at my feet — begging for forgiveness". Sting tilted his head as he listened to what The Game had to say. And then Sting made his move and pointed to the WrestleMania sign with his bat.
"You want me at WrestleMania? You want to dance with the big boys? If we do this, I will wipe the memory of Sting from the history books. Nobody will even know you existed" explained Triple H, "But if you want it — you got it!". The WWE Universe erupted as Triple H confirmed the match between himself and Sting for the Grandest Stage of Them All. "You will regret this day, Sting. And when I leave you a broken man at WrestleMania, there'll be no more Vigilante, no more Icon, just a black and white stain left on the mat and your name erased from history——". Suddenly, Sting grabbed the microphone from Triple H's hand as he backed both him and his wife into the corner. The Vigilante then raised the microphone to his mouth and spoke his first words since arriving in the WWE — "Game... over...". The Icon dropped the microphone and turned to leave — but he was attacked from behind by Triple H!
The Game began pounding away at The Vigilante, much to the WWE Universe's dismay. Stephanie screamed orders at her husband, telling him to break Sting in half. But then the Stinger began fighting back, delivering right hands to the COO and eventually dropping him with a shot to the gut with the baseball bat. Sting grabbed Triple H and set him up for the iconic Stinger Death Drop, but then —
Stephanie jumped on Sting's back! As Sting struggled to get the Billion Dollar Princess of his back, Triple H grabbed Sting's own bat and drilled him in the gut with it. The Game capitalized on the situation, shouting "You're finished, Sting!" before
dropping The Vigilante with a Pedigree! The WWE Universe watched in horror as Sting was planted into the canvas by Triple H. Sting's grand return had been tarnished by The Authority and The Game was loving it. Grabbing his wife, the duo left ringside leaving Sting laying. Could The Icon have made a mistake coming to face The Authority? Perhaps his glory days are indeed over? Only time will tell and the answer will be revealed — at WrestleMania!
Since defeating AJ Lee at Survivor Series to become the Divas Champion, Nikki Bella — alongside her sister, Brie — has dominated the divas division. After toppling Natalya at the Royal Rumble, the British bombshell, Paige stepped up to the game and came to the aid of her fellow divas and in the process earned herself a title shot at WWE Fastlane. Having held the title twice previously, Paige looked to make it a trilogy of reigns by putting away this devilish diva and ending this Bella tirade.
With Brie Bella at ringside, the task was never going to be easy and Paige soon realized that she had to keep one eye on the Champion's sister at all times. Perhaps Brie's presence was too distracting as Paige found herself struggling to take advantage of the match. However, refusing to give up, the British bombshell fought back and knocked Brie from the ring apron with her own sister, Nikki and rolled the Divas Champion up. Nikki kicked out and Paige flew towards the middle rope where Brie was back on her feet.
Brie Bella nailed Paige with the Divas Championship and the official never saw a thing! Nikki rolled her adversary up and retained the Divas Championship once again. —
Divas Champion Nikki Bella def. Paige to retain the titleThe Bella Twins quickly fled from ringside as Paige held her head in agony. Once again, Nikki had escaped by the skin of her teeth thanks to assistance from her devious sister. Paige came around and realized what had happened, the disappointment setting in. Heading into WrestleMania, who will be the next challenger for Nikki Bella's title, and will they be able to take the prize from her?
Four separate scenes showed us the preparation of the four individuals in the main event — Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton and Seth Rollins. The WrestleMania main event hangs in the balance as these four men compete for their chance to challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Brock Lesnar on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Who will leave as the #1 contender?
The most prestigious position in the WWE is up for grabs. Few superstars had had the opportunity to headline WrestleMania, but one more person will have that opportunity, but who will it be? Daniel Bryan won the 2015 Royal Rumble Match, but due to several controversies has found himself defending that victory against three other men — Randy Orton, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Only one of them can leave with the proverbial golden ticket and all four of them want it more than anything.
The four men stood in their respective corners and analysed the situation, but it wasn't long before Seth Rollins put his intelligence to use and hopped out of the ring, leaving his three opponents to do battle. Roman Reigns made the first move, attacking Daniel Bryan as Orton watched from the sidelines. Soon after, The Viper got himself involved, pulling The Juggernaut aside and engaging in a war of words with the man he has been partners with as of late. After Reigns pushed Orton, the former World Champion retaliated with a European uppercut and all hell broke loose. The recent allies suddenly became enemies and as the old saying goes, "it's every man for themselves". Rollins continued to watch from ringside but picked his spot and slid in to cover Roman Reigns after he was taken down by Orton. Although it only resulted in a two count, and Rollins found himself in the clutches of the man he put on the shelf — Randy Orton. Orton finally got his hands on Seth Rollins and began unloading his pent up frustration on the Future of the WWE.
As The Viper unloaded on Rollins, Daniel Bryan flew from the top rope and delivered a huge flying dropkick, taking Orton down. Bryan saw an opening and began his signature kicks to the chests of Rollins and Orton before finally delivering two roundhouse kicks. But then out of nowhere — a Spear from Roman Reigns! Could Reigns be going to WrestleMania? Not if Seth Rollins has anything to do with it as he broke up the pinfall. Rollins grabbed Reigns and the former Shield brothers began to brawl, but Reigns got the upper hand and threw Mr. Money in the Bank from the ring. Reigns looked be in control and began measuring up Randy Orton for a big Spear, but Rollins grabbed his leg from the outside and pulled him out to engage in a brawl by the announce desk.
Orton got to his feet and stalked Daniel Bryan, preparing for an RKO when suddenly —
The Authority arrive! Big Show, Kane and J&J Security appear at ringside and ambush Randy Orton in this no disqualification match! Orton found himself dragged from the action and mugged on the outside. Seth Rollins re-entered the ring and saw the ambush in progress, smirking at what he saw. However, when Rollins turned around — Spear from Reigns! Roman Reigns looked be closing in on a victory, but then the WWE Universe watched in shock as the unthinkable happened —
Sheamus delivers a Brogue Kick to Roman Reigns! What the hell was Sheamus doing here?! Is this what The Authority were referring to earlier when they said they "had it covered"? Is this the man they asked to speak to? Sheamus stood over the fallen Roman Reigns and taunted to the crowd, boos coming in from all corners as Sheamus had sold out and for some reason aligned with The Authority.
Sheamus left ringside as Reigns fell out of the ring, leaving Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins inside the ring. The WWE Universe pleaded with their last hope at stopping Seth Rollins going to WrestleMania, Daniel Bryan to get up and make the cover. Bryan got to his feet and saw it was only him and Rollins and began pumping his hands into the air, creating "Yes!" chants from all around. Suddenly, the Big Show entered the ring — but he met a Running Knee! Kane entered the ring — and he too met the Knee! Bryan was on fire but Seth Rollins had regrouped and grabbed his Money in the Bank briefcase. But before he could attack — Randy Orton slithered back in and delivered an RKO! Orton was then dragged back out of the ring by J&J Security. Then the WWE Universe erupted as Daniel Bryan crawled to put his arm across Seth Rollins — and scored the three count!—
Daniel Bryan def. Seth Rollins, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns to retain his main event match at WrestleManiaThe world rejoiced as Daniel Bryan celebrated his victory, much to the dismay of The Authority by ringside having failed their duty. Daniel Bryan climbed the turnbuckle and pumped his hands into the air as the sea of fans joined him in celebration. Daniel Bryan is going to WrestleMania to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship! The Yes Movement has succeeded once more!