WWE Fastlane 2023: Preview, Predictions, and Matches to Watch Out For

WWE fans are in for a treat as the company prepares to host its seventh edition of the Fastlane event series on October 7, 2023. WWE Fastlane 2023 is a premium live event (PLE) that will feature some of the best wrestlers from the Raw and SmackDown brands, competing in exciting matches.

The event will take place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, and will be streamed live on Peacock. So, let’s take a look at some of the matches that have been confirmed or rumored for WWE Fastlane 2023 and the list seems quite impressive!

1. The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa) vs. John Cena & Unannounced Partner

This match was announced on the September 25 episode of SmackDown, after John Cena returned to WWE and challenged The Bloodline, who have been dominating both brands with Roman Reigns as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.

WWE Fastlane 2023: Preview, Predictions, and Matches to Watch Out For
John Cena Vs Bloodline | Source: WWE

Initially, John Cena and AJ Styles were scheduled to face Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa at Fastlane, but Styles suffered a severe attack by The Bloodline members on SmackDown last week. The brothers also attacked Cena in the main event of the show.

Therefore, Cena now has to choose a new partner for the match. WWE confirmed on RAW that John Cena will face Jimmy and Jey in a handicap match at Fastlane 2023. There is a possibility that the 16-time world champion could get unexpected assistance from a major superstar this week on SmackDown, leading to a conventional tag team match for the event.

He said he would reveal his partner at Fastlane, and many fans are speculating that it could be The Rock, who has a history with both Cena and Reigns.

2. Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

The World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura has been added to the Fastlane 2023 card officially. Rollins, who calls himself The Visionary, gave Nakamura the opportunity to choose the stipulation for their match. Nakamura, known as The King of Strong Style, opted for a Last Man Standing match.

WWE Fastlane 2023: Preview, Predictions, and Matches to Watch Out For
Seth Rollins vs Shinsuke Nakamura | Source: WWE

Nakamura had previously lost to Rollins in a World Heavyweight Championship match at Payback 2023. After the match, Nakamura assaulted Rollins in an act of frustration, as shown on WWE Exclusive.

3. Rumored: Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre

McIntyre has expressed his displeasure with Jey Uso’s return to Raw. Uso declined to join Judgment Day during his match with McIntyre on Raw, but McIntyre did not show any sympathy for Uso, who was attacked by Damian Priest, Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio after the match.

Rhodes, who was responsible for bringing Uso to Raw, came to Uso’s rescue that night. McIntyre also had a confrontation with New Day and abandoned Kofi Kingston to a beating by Ivar of The Viking Raiders. With neither Rhodes nor McIntyre involved in any other storyline, McIntyre’s gradual turn to the dark side and Rhodes’ connection with the Uso situation, it makes sense to have them feud with each other.

4. Rumored: Women’s World Championship — Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax

Jax made a dominant return to Raw, attacking Ripley and the main challenger Raquel Rodriguez. Ripley has been recuperating at home while Jax has wreaked havoc on the red brand.

A world title match between the two powerful wrestlers is inevitable, but it is unclear if they will schedule it for Fastlane or build it up gradually.

5. Rumored: Intercontinental Championship — Gunther (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa

Gunther’s unprecedented reign has not only enhanced the intercontinental title but also a group of challengers delivering outstanding performances. Chad Gable’s career was revived during his rivalry with Gunther and Ciampa is the next one to benefit.

WWE Fastlane 2023: Preview, Predictions, and Matches to Watch Out For
Gunther | Source: WWE

The former NXT champion Ciampa has been overlooked on the main roster, but he has appeared like a killer pursuing the longest-reigning intercontinental champion in history. Ciampa is nearing a title opportunity after defeating Gunther’s Imperium associates Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser. A contract signing between the two sides is planned for the Oct. 2 episode of Raw.

6. About WWE

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., doing business as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and various other business ventures.

WWE shows are sports entertainment, featuring story line-driven, scripted, and partially choreographed matches; though including moves that can put performers at risk of injury, even death, if not performed correctly. It was founded in 1953 as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation and is the largest wrestling promotion in the world. It is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.

Pratyasha Sarkar

Pratyasha Sarkar

Officially a student of literature, but unofficially a defence lawyer of fictional characters. I am mostly either feasting on chocolate chip cookies or binge watching sitcoms. Also, I firmly believe mint ice cream tastes like toothpaste.

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