10 Ways WWE Screwed Up At Fastlane 2017
5. Ending Braun Strowman's Dominance
Much like almost every other big match at Fastlane, Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns should have been so much more. Strowman has been built incredibly well over the past few months, and he’s becoming one of the most effective monsters WWE have had in years. Not only that, but he was allowed plenty of dominance over Roman, the company’s chosen one, throughout the build-up, and came into Fastlane with more momentum than everything else in the company.
Unfortunately, it now looks like Strowman was only ever built-up for Reigns to tear down. He got plenty of offence in on Roman throughout the match, but his undefeated streak is over, and his dominance has stalled. Braun’s first loss came on what amounts to a midcard match on a transitional pre-WrestleMania pay-per-view, and it didn’t have to be this way.
Strowman didn’t need to beat Reigns last night, but him losing cleanly is the worst possible outcome. A disqualification or other screwy finish would have worked perfectly to keep his aura intact while also making Reigns look strong, but no. In WWE, “The Guy” must prevail over everyone else, no matter the cost. Braun will get his heat back, but all he was allowed to do last night was kick-out of a Spear, while Reigns, having slayed the beast, will presumably face The Undertaker at WrestleMania.