20 Reasons Why WWE Fastlane 2019 Was An Absolute Mess

5. Overwrought & Overcooked

Nia Jax Tamina Shite
WWE.com

No Fastlane match was more disappointing than Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair, which could (and should) have been a home run. Instead, the duo were struck out by an overwrought, overcooked, and overbooked scrap that was impossible to get into from the moment it was made clear that Becky wouldn't be doing much wrestling.

90% of the bout was an injured Lynch selling for Flair. The other 10% was hope spots. That fits with the story WWE were trying to tell: the problem is that said story f*cking stinks.

'The Man's' fire is her biggest strength, and WWE had Flair pour gallons of cold water on it last night. She just sold, and sold, and sold. This harmed the crowd reactions, and by the end there was more than enough evidence to make the case that WWE should never have leaned into the "injured knee" angle so heavily.

Throw the ridiculousness of Becky being forced to win back the title shot she rightfully won in the Royal Rumble into the mix, and you're left with a big puddle of narrative slop. How have WWE messed this, of all things, up?

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.