WWE Fastlane 2018 predictions

Here are my predictions for tonights WWE ppv FASTLANE:

Six-Pack Challenge for the WWE Title
John Cena vs. Sami Zayn vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens vs. Baron Corbin vs. AJ Styles
-> If WWE truly wants to piss its fans off even further, there will be a title change here. All SmackDown has done is disappoint over the last six months, and fans will likely riot if WWE dangles the Styles-Nakamura match at WrestleMania in front of them only to change course here right before the buzzer. That said, a victory by Ziggler would be a pleasant surprise because it would at least wrap up a confusing angle in which he won and then relinquished the U.S. title in a span of 24 hours. Outside of that, anyone else beating Styles for the title would be a total disaster. WWE already has a main event angle going nowhere on SmackDown (see below), the last thing it needs to do is pull a WrestleMania match that fans exploded for when Nakamura announced his choice of opponent at the Royal Rumble.  
Pick: AJ Styles retains the title

WWE United States Title Match
Randy Orton vs. Bobby Roode
-> A Mahal interference seems like a no-brainer here. It's crazy that Mahal's entire run with the company's most prestigious title only served to make him a legitimate midcarder. A title change here does not make much sense, but can WWE really go back-to-back pay-per-views with zero real developments in terms of its championships heading into WrestleMania 34? I think that's exactly what is going to happen.  
Pick: Bobby Roode retains the title

SmackDown Tag Team Title Match
The New Day vs. The Usos
->  While I wish we were headed for this two-on-two match at WrestleMania 34 in April, I have a feeling SmackDown is going to give us a triple threat with The Bludgeon Brothers involved. Let's hope that's the case, at least, because BB against one of these two teams would not be nearly as exciting. I do think BB interferes in this match and tries to take out both teams, setting up a non-finish without a title change:  
Pick: Match ends in a no contest

SmackDown Women's Title Match
Ruby Riott vs. Charlotte Flair
->  If the new SmackDown faction the Riott Squad has proven one thing since being rushed up from NXT, it's that they are not entirely ready for prime time. While Riott is a fine in-ring performer, she lacks the presence to be the leader of the stable. So what exactly does that say about her prospects to exiting Fastlane as champion? You get the point. Flair  has basically been biding time before the reveal of who her WrestleMania opponent will end up being. And while there's an argument to be made that this could be the time for Carmella to cash in somewhat under the radar, WWE hasn't yet committed to who Asuka will pick after winning the Royal Rumble. We may very well see Carmella provide the tease once again but the smart money is on Charlotte keeping the strap.
Pick: Charlotte Flair retains the title

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev
-> WWE hasn't given us much of a reason to care about this either, but it should at least be a good match featuring two of the most over superstars on SmackDown. It is clear that WWE hopes some of Rusev's juice rubs off on Nakamura here, and their lone backstage segment leading into this match was fantastic. Unfortunately, it sets Rusev up for another loss. God forbid WWE allow someone the fans like to get over on their own.  
Pick: Shinsuke Nakamura wins

Carmella and Natalya vs. Becky Lynch and Naomi
 -> There's not much of a storyline here to speak of, and the players involved create too much of a negative reminder about the Welcoming Committee storyline that bombed in 2017 upon Charlotte Flair's arrival on SmackDown Live. Making an official prediction might be contingent on whether you believe Carmella will cash in her Money in the Bank contract later in the night. After being off television for months, she returned on Tuesday and promptly lost to Lynch. Another loss here could be the perfect "out of sight, out of mind" booking that opens the door for her to cash in later on. Then again, I've been predicting that every blue-branded PPV for eight months.  
Pick: Becky Lynch & Naomi win


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