Fastlane 2021 - 5 Things we learned

#3 Braun Strowman squashed Elias because Shane McMahon was "hurt" prior to Fastlane

McMahon played both Strowman and Elias at Fastlane.

Prior to the scheduled match at Fastlane between Shane McMahon and Braun Strowman, it was revealed that McMahon hurt himself during training earlier in the day.

Because of that, Strowman had to wait once again to get his hands on Shane-O-Mac. While he was coming out of his locker room on a crutch, McMahon was approached by Elias. The Drifter was looking to get a spot at WrestleMania.

McMahon listened to him nonchalantly and when the three men (including Jaxson Ryker in Elias' corner) appeared in the ring he was named as McMahon's replacement. It was a shock to The Drifter and another slight to the Monster Among Men.

"You're taking my place, tonight."OH, so that was @shanemcmahon's idea...@IAmEliasWWE is set for action against @BraunStrowman RIGHT NOW at #WWEFastlane! pic.twitter.com/qIGOvGXWi7

— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2021

The second it was revealed that McMahon wouldn't be competing at Fastlane, it was clearly another example of Shane messing with Strowman.

It wasn't a surprise when Strowman tore through Elias during the bout. After beating The Drifter, he was still understandably upset due to McMahon's actions. He left the Thunderdome in a fit of anger.

.@BraunStrowman has no time to talk. He's on the 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩 for @shanemcmahon. #WWEFastlaneStream on @peacockTV: https://t.co/915r65SHfW pic.twitter.com/VUu08CYgDO

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 22, 2021

The execution of the whole angle between Strowman and Shane has been strange. McMahon stumbled through his promos a few weeks ago and then dumped green slime on Strowman. That isn't a great way to push a feud.

This is clearly going to lead to some sort of No Holds Barred match another stipulation match at WrestleMania 37. McMahon excels in those matches because they don't require chain wrestling or the countering of moves. Strowman also does well in those areas because he is seen as somewhat of a bull in a china shop.

Because he likely faked his injury prior to Fastlane, McMahon will probably continue to torment Strowman simply because he is a bully. Adding Elias gives McMahon an unwilling proxy in the angle. It at least gives Elias something else to do instead of battling Jeff Hardy for the hundredth time.

The Drifter always seems to come out on the losing end of his feuds when he is a heel. Perhaps this is the impetus for another shift in character for Elias. It could also lead to Ryker leaving Elias' side to be McMahon's enforcer.

Fastlane was just the most recent chapter on the Road to WrestleMania. It was a chapter in which McMahon continued to play games at the expense of Strowman. Strowman will get his revenge in April and will hopefully send McMahon off of TV once again.