10 WWE Fastlane 2018 Impulse Reactions

6. Bludgeoned

Shinsuke Nakamura Rusev
WWE

Bludgeon Brothers may have a sh*t look, carry sh*t props, cut sh*t promos and still have the lingering sh*t smell from their time as Wyatt Family goons, but they proved that none of that matters as long as they're actual sh*tkickers.

The beating that broke up the frantically-paced Tag Team Title match was an obvious statement of intent from the characters and booking team alike. Determined not to slot into silliness as The Ascension were years earlier, Harper and Rowan were all business for a change, decimating all five foes in an intrusion that will likely signal their place in a WrestleMania triple threat with the teams.

Xavier Woods' steel steps-based demise was the one most laboured upon for good reason, but each attack was marvellously brutal. Big E was reduced in size and stature by a humbling in-and-out double team, whilst the flattening of both Jimmy and Jey on the floor was as visually satisfying as it was fanciful.

The sooner they've got shot of their giant hammers the better, though. It's impossible to suspend disbelief when two men with the expressed purpose of incapacitating their opponents neglect to use a comedically oversized version of Triple H's weapon of choice. They went to the trouble of branding them, the least they can do is give them a big swing once in a while.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett