8 Match Star Ratings For WWE Fastlane 2021

Usually the Kickoff match is so drab and forgettable and worked at such a languid pace that it inspires the panicked dread of writer's block.

Here, it's an upper midcard match worked by a former multi-time World Champion and the man WWE fans thought was set for the big push in January that makes a Monday morning that bit more difficult.

Analysed as a "lol get f*cked" Shinsuke Nakamura response to his relegation, it was mildly amusing. But then, his almost total lack of energy and commitment explains why no such push is forthcoming. This was lazy, routine, forgettable stuff that acted as a predictable beat in the ongoing Seth Rollins Vs. Cesaro programme, which we know because Seth wasn't remotely shy about cutting an exposition-heavy mid-match promo, in which he dragged down an already middling effort with minor league crowd interplay in front of lagging virtual faces.

It was good. Nobody in good faith could claim otherwise. But this is the world's biggest and richest wrestling company on the Fastlane to the landmark show of the year, and it was reasonable to expect some piss, vinegar and electricity. And not something slower than sh*t.

Glorified TV match, gentleman's three, whatever you want to call it - this was it. The finishing sequence was pretty hot, but you don't put in a good day's work by answering all your emails at half four.

Star Rating: ★★★