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WWE Fastlane 2019 was the final pay-per-view before the Show of Shows WrestleMania 35. It was a dual brand PPV, but it was a substandard show overall. Some matches were commendable, but some bouts did not meet the expectations of many fans. Considering WrestleMania is over a month away, the storylines for the biggest wrestling carnival of the year will begin from this week.
Several titles were on the line in Cleveland. As a matter of fact, no titles changed hands at Fastlane. The WWE Champion Daniel Bryan retained his title against Kevin Owens and Mustafa Ali. Asuka also retained against Mandy Rose. The Tag Team Champions of both brands defended their titles successfully while the Women's Tag Team Champions Boss 'N' Hug Connection overpowered the team of Nia Jax and Tamina. Moreover, the US Title match was announced as Samoa Joe retained the title in a fatal-4 way bout.
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Since all the titles of the blue brand were defended at Fastlane, Smackdown Live is expected to be mind-boggling this week. The show will take place at the Wright State University Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio.
Here we look at the 4 surprises that could happen on this week's episode:
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#4 Lacey Evans could confront Asuka
Lacey Evans was drafted to the main roster last year, but she has not wrestled in any brand yet. In fact, Evans appears on both brands but leaves within a minute. This often leaves people confused or unsatisfied, and it is not clear what WWE wants to do with Evans at this moment. Moreover, she also showed up at Fastlane, but she left immediately.
Lacey Evans was the first entrant of the Women's Royal Rumble match where she lasted 29 minutes before being eliminated by Charlotte Flair. Considering her performance at Royal Rumble, WWE could have big plans for her.
With Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair involved in the Raw Women's Championship match, Evans could be an ideal opponent for the Smackdown Women's Champion Asuka. There is no denying Evans is immensely talented in the squared circle, and we saw her dexterity in the ring at Chase Field.
Asuka might be seeking for a new challenger after beating Mandy Rose at Fastlane. Evans could interrupt Asuka on Smackdown Live, and they could begin a new rivalry that will culminate at the Grandest Stage of Them All.
#3 A triple threat match between R-Truth, Andrade and Rey Mysterio
The US Title match was a surprising addition in Fastlane as the newly crowned US Champion Samoa Joe had his first title defence in Cleveland. There is no denying that the match stole the show and it was one of the best matches of the night. Earlier, Andrade was scheduled to face Rey Mysterio, but the US Championship match replaced the bout. Joe defended his title against Andrade, Rey Mysterio and R-Truth.
Though R-Truth got his rematch in Cleveland, he might get another chance on Smackdown Live this week. With Andrade and Rey Mysterio involved in the US Championship, they might get one more shot to challenge the United States Champion, Samoa Joe. Hence, there could be a triple threat match between Rey Mysterio, Andrade and R-Truth this week. The winner of the triple threat match might earn an opportunity to challenge Joe at the Show of Shows.
#2 Luke Harper returns
Luke Harper suffered an injury last year which forced him to be out of action. However, Harper made an appearance at a house show last week, and he's anticipated to return on TV soo. Since WrestleMania 35 is around the corner, he could return this week on Smackdown Live.
Luke Harper and Erick Rowan were the Smackdown Tag Team Champions before Harper got injured. The Bludgeon Brothers held the Tag Team Titles for 135 days before they lost it to the New Day. Therefore, the Bludgeon Brothers could reunite this week if Luke Harper returns.
Considering Erick Rowan is aligned with the WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, Harper could also join hands with the current WWE Champion. The trio could be top heels against Kevin Owens, Mustafa Ali and Kofi Kington. We might see a six-man tag team match on Smackdown Live if Harper does return.
#1 Randy Orton could attack AJ Styles
Neither Randy Orton nor AJ Styles had a match at Fastlane, but they appeared at the event. Orton interrupted the segment of Elias when the Viper struck an RKO out of nowhere. Styles made a sudden appearance as he attacked Orton with a Phenomenal Forearm and the former WWE Champion made a statement at Fastlane. The two men are likely to collide at the Grandest Stage of Them All and the build-up could start from Smackdown Live this week.
This is feud is certainly a dream feud as the two men have an immense legacy. Though both superstars are part of the blue brand, they never had a long feud. They collided once in the past when the Viper overpowered Styles.
Since AJ Styles is not involved in the WWE Championship match, he needs a credible opponent for the Show of Shows. Randy Orton is a thirteen-time WWE Champion, and he is undoubtedly a great choice. Orton could assault Styles on Smackdown Live following the attack at Fastlane.
