Not so Fast(lane)

Spear!
Courtesy: WWE 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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If you've been paying attention you probably know I'm not thrilled with the results from Fastlane. It is what it is, and I'll get to my feelings on the Goldberg champion win and YOUR 3 Cents too in a moment. But I also want to touch on the other travesty of justice that went down: ending Charlotte Flair's pay-per-view win streak.

Bayley retains
Courtesy: WWE

It was destined to end, I just wish WWE would have done it on a bigger show, like oh let's say the biggest freakin' show of the year in five weeks, WrestleMania. I don't mind so much that it's Bayley who ended the streak, but after seeing these two go at it on NXT and now on Raw, someone outside the box would have been refreshing. I guess I got my hopes up when I saw some speculation last week that NXT Women's Champion Asuka was mentioned as a possible WrestleMania opponent for Charlotte. I don't want to rush to judgment and will wait patiently to see what's next for the women.

Now to Goldberg. Quick recap: never been a fan, but that doesn't mean I don't respect what he did for the business in the late 90s and during his brief run in WWE. I'm not a fan of anyone coming in after a 13.5-year hiatus and being handed a title shot in his third match back. I'm even less of a fan of that person winning the championship in less than 30 seconds. And even lesser of a fan of that new champion facing another part-time performer (who has been suspended from UFC for drug violations).

Goldberg wins
Courtesy: WWE

Let's also approach this from another side. Why would Chris Jericho cost Kevin Owens the WWE Universal Championship when all signs are pointing to a match with KO at Mania? Wouldn't Jericho have wanted to be the one to end Owens' reign? Enough of my venting, here's what others are saying on the My 1-2-3 Cents social media sites. Some are for Goldberg, others share my thoughts.

Courtesy: WWE

• Chad: (poop emoji) "Nostalgia only goes so far. The main event at the biggest show of the year shouldn't be between two guys who will wrestle probably six times this year combined."
• goodbirger: "As a casual wrestling fan, I dig it. It will make me want to watch for the time being. Also, I hate that belt. I wish they would use a throwback belt for the big title."
• Martin Endersby: (thumbs down) "Time for WWE to probably ditch the old guard and part-timers. There's more than enough young, rising talent out there."
• Greg Mehochko: "I agree with Martin. I know (or at least 'I'm pretty sure') WWE has something more "big picture" in mind. But you just took the main event (or co-main) of WrestleMania and gave it to two part-time guys."
• Garrett Turner: "If WWE really wants to build up their roster as legitimate, they would not have their Universal Champion (Kevin Owens at the time) lose in less than a minute to someone who hadn't held the world title in 13+ years!! I get the fact that he is a huge draw and brings back nostalgia. But if he gets winded walking to the ring, I dread what we have in store for us at WrestleMania between Goldberg and Brock Lesnar. I feel like they should focus their efforts on building stars and not relying on those of the past."
  
• Ken Johnson: "He came back to put butts in the seats. He deserves to be champ for a week or so."
• Robert Wilson: "Yay, because the new young talent has no respect. They want it easy the old talent paved the way and still has a big following and spend the money there is a need for new faces but don't discount the vets."
  Thank you to everyone who weighed in. I will say this title change makes me feel a lot less sad about not being in Orlando this year for Mania. Hopefully, the show will still be great. I am curious to see what happens with this match now. And hey at least Neville retained the Cruiserweight Title... 

Goldberg doesn't need the Universal Championship

Face to face
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I know I've been critical of Goldberg since his return right before the Survivor Series in late 2016. My criticism isn't meant to be negative, I'm just expressing the other side of the argument as many fans are popping over his return. I preface this all with the caveat: I've never been a Goldberg fan. I don't hate the guy, I just never connected with him as a fan. I think in part because I was always a WWF guy over WCW in the Monday Night Wars, but even when he signed with WWE in 2003, I felt "meh." 

But putting my own thoughts and feelings to the side for a moment, I see the value in bringing back legends. Society in general loves nostalgia. That's why shows and cartoons from the 80s are coming back in big screen form. Yes, I've seen The Smurfs Movie, Scooby-Doo and the new Ghostbusters. I will probably go see Baywatch later this year. And I marked out when the Rock came back. But I don't think he should have had a run with the belt again.

Goldberg
Courtesy: WWE

As much as I love seeing my favorites come back and work with the current roster, I find value in those former Superstars helping establish the future. The Rock killing the Wyatt Family last year at WrestleMania and Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels and Mick Foley beating up on The League of Nations did nothing for these full-time Superstars. Putting the Universal Championship on Goldberg this weekend will be another example of that.

Kevin Owens
Courtesy: WWE

I know there will be those who argue Kevin Owens looks more like a pro bowler than a pro wrestler and a "fat guy" shouldn't be representing WWE. I couldn't disagree more and I've laid out my points on that in the past so I won't rehash it here. A year from now Owens will still be around. Will Goldberg? What about in five years? I'm not suggesting Owens cleanly beat Goldberg, especially considering Goldberg is headed to Mania against Brock Lesnar, but I don't think he should be going into the event as champion either.

Owens vs. Jericho
Courtesy: WWE

I don't read spoilers or speculation usually so I don't know what the plan is right now. But in my 1-2-3 cents, Goldberg will win by either disqualification or count out. This can set up Owens-Jericho at Mania with both the U.S. and Universal championships on the line. By dirty means, Owens wins both (Jericho is allegedly going to tour with Fozzy next month). Then Owens can drop the Universal Championship to Finn Balor and I'll be quiet (not likely) about the situation. But putting the gold on Goldberg is a band-aid solution that does nothing to help the current crop of Superstars.

Just give Reigns the title

Photo courtesy: WWE

By Chad Smart

@chadsmart & @my123cents on Twitter
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I made, I guess you could call it a New Year’s Resolution, to be less critical this year when it comes to writing blogs. I get tired of complaining about the same things and I’d guess loyal readers are tired of reading my complaints. Today though, I just have to vent. I promise this will be the last I write about this issue. At least until SummerSlam rolls around and nothing’s changed.  

If you’ve listened to the Royal Rumble recap podcast, 1) you’ll know about the awesome contest we’re running over the next month and 2) you know I was not too impressed with the outcome of the Rumble match. I understand why Triple H was a surprise entrant at number 30 and why he won the match to become World Champion. Just because I understand it doesn’t mean I have to like it. 

On RAW, the Authority ended the opening promo saying they would announce the main event for Fastlane, with the winner of that match going on to Wrestlemania to face Triple H, at the end of the show. After the segment ended, I texted Kevin to say surely the Authority wouldn’t put Roman Reigns in a position to go on to main event Wrestlemania, right? 

Courtesy: WWE

Then at the end of the show, Stephanie McMahon announces the main event for Fastlane would be a triple threat match featuring Dean Ambrose vs. Roman Reigns. Vs. Brock Lesnar.  This is the epitome of stupid, lazy booking. 

Barring WWE going with a Russo level swerve, I’m going to predict the main event at Fastlane ends with the Wyatt Family attacking Brock Lesnar and Reigns scores the pin fall on Ambrose. Which would give the fans Roman vs. Triple as the main event at Wrestlemania Star. I hope I’m wrong. 

As I pointed out on the podcast, Roman Reigns entered the Rumble match to a chorus of boos. After he returned from being attacked by the League of Nations, the crowd booed again. Nothing personal against Reigns, but now is not the time for him to be Champion and Vince McMahon needs to understand that. Maybe push him down the card the way Bray Wyatt, Rusev, Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler have and let Roman get the fans behind him organically to the point where they want to see him as champion. 

My personal issue with this story, besides the fact I’m tired of Hell Authority trying to keep popular baby face away from title storyline, is the title has been yanked away from Roman so often that I burnt out from seeing him in title matches. Not to mention that if he wins at Wrestlemania, Roman will be a three time champion in the span of 4-5 months and I’m old school and think title reigns should mean something. 

Another factor is the winner of Fastlane will face Triple H. Besides giving Roman the chance to get the shot, which goes against the Authority not wanting him to champion, why would Triple H want the possibility of facing Brock Lesnar? They’ve already fought a couple of times since Brock came back, so the match isn’t fresh. Brock has been presented as a suplexing monster, why would HHH want to be in the ring with that creature?  

Again, I understand the story being told, it’s just not a story I care to watch. With a roster as talented as the one WWE currently employs surely there are better matches to book and stories to tell other than what we’re getting. 

Anyway, as I said, that’s the last I’ll write about it. I’ll remind you to check out the podcast for the Road To Wrestlemania contest. You can find more details here.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Golden Star

Goldust vs. Stardust
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast here.

After this week, it's official, we will not be getting the much anticipated Wrestlemania showdown between Cody and Dustin Rhodes, better known to the WWE Universe as Stardust and Goldust respectively.  I may be in the minority when I say this, but I'm disappointed this match isn't happening on the grandest stage of all.

For years there has been speculation that the Rhodes brothers would lock up at Wrestlemania.  It seemed as if WWE Creative was headed in that direction after the two finally split in February.  But instead, six days after that breakup, a match happened at Fastlane.  Fans didn't seem to respond well to that showdown (which Goldust won) and from what I've read that's the reasoning behind scrapping the rematch for Wrestlemania.

Courtesy: WWE

I think they rushed that initial match.  I would have rather seen a six week build up to Wrestlemania, allowing things to simmer up until the point of everything boiling over at Wrestlemania.  More could have been done with father Dusty Rhodes as well.  I think the company just threw the match together and hoped for the best instead of allowing that slow burn.  (I realize six weeks isn't a slow burn, but by today's standards it certainly is)

Old school Goldust
Courtesy: WWE

Goldust is my favorite gimmick of all time.  Dustin Rhodes has spent nearly 20 years (off & on) in the role and I can't imagine anyone else being able to pull it off the way he did.  Those early years were simply amazing.  I had a hard time believing "The Natural" was under that wig and makeup. This most recent run has been a great one for him.  He's in even better shape now and if this is indeed his last run with WWE, I hope he's not just lost in the shuffle of the Andre the Giant Battle Royal. 

Stardust
Courtesy: WWE

Stardust has breathed new life into Cody's career too.  I have no doubt he'll continue be successful, but I would have loved for one more match against Dustin on the big stage.  Then add him into the hunt for the Intercontinental title.

I'm just a fan with an opinion and a forum to share it.  What are your thoughts?  Post your comments here or join us on Facebook.

Quick Thoughts on Fastlane

Bryan vs. Reigns
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
My 1-2-3 Cents the Podcast

As the title says, these are some quick thoughts on the final PPV stop on the Road to Wrestlemania.  I've never been a big fan of there being an event between The Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania, but I didn't think Fastllane was horrible by any means.  I do worry about the number of rematches next month though.  Without a world heavyweight title match, this show held up and the undercard champs and challengers shined.

Seth Rollins, Big Show & Kane beat Dolph Zigger, Ryback & Erick Rowan

The only thing about this match that surprised me is that Dolph Ziggler took the pin.  I thought it would be Rowan.  I also thought Rollins would get the victory for his team and not Kane.  Randy Orton is back, and while I'm not a huge fan I would rather see Rollins vs. Orton at Mania than Jon Stewart.  

Goldust pinned Stardust

I'd hoped they would save this match for Wrestlemania 31.  I'm going to assume this story continues with a grudge match.  I've gone back and forth on the Stardust character, but after last night, I'm on board.  The promo he cut on Dusty Rhodes and the beating he delivered to big brother convinced me.  But I've always been a big fan of Goldust.

New champs!
Courtesy: WWE

Masters of the Universe defeated The Usos

This is great news.  I'm a big fan of both Cesaro and Tyson Kidd.   I just hope WWE is ready to get behind the tag team division again.  I am not holding my breath though...

Sting challenged Triple H to a match at Wrestlemania

I see two benefits to this.  One: Sting will finally have a Wrestlemania (WWE) match.  Two: Fans will FINALLY stop talking about Sting vs. Undertaker.  This should be a good contest, although I'm a bit cynical over the "Sting tried to put us out of business" gimmick.  It's been nearly 14 years....

Nikki Bella defended the Divas title against Paige

I'm not going to lie, I'd hoped that Paige would win this battle and go into a feud with Charlotte (I know she's gotta be called up soon, right?)  But I'll admit Nikki has improved her in ring game.  


Bad News Barrett defeated Dean Ambrose by disqualification

I love Dean Ambrose.  I am really hoping this story continues on to Wrestlemania and the two don't wrestle again until then.  Since Ambrose stole the belt, perhaps a ladder match is in store for these two.  It'll give the Intercontinental title some importance.

Calling out the Undertaker
Photo courtesy: WWE

Bray Wyatt called out The Undertaker

This is an interesting one in my opinion.  I'm not sure how WWE will handle 'Taker now that The Streak is over.  I'm assuming this is going to happen at Wrestlemania.  A win for Wyatt would be quite a feather in his cap.  I am excited about this matchup.

Rusev made John Cena submit

Rusev is someone who has really impressed me as well.  I've enjoyed his character development and the push WWE has given him. I believe he shined in this high profile opportunity. He cheated to win, something that was well within his character as a heel.  I also believe we're headed for another rematch at Wrestlemania (maybe a submission match) and Cena as the victor. 

Roman Reigns beat Daniel Bryan

I think the IWC imploded as a result of this match.  I'm glad WWE made a move and is going forward with a one-on-one contest for Wrestlemania (at least as of now).  They have five weeks to build this matchup, I think it can be accomplished and fans need to just give this time to simmer and let's see where we end up after the show goes off the air on March 29. I'm curious to what's next for Bryan.  Hopefully more than a spot in the Andre the Giant battle royal (assuming they do it again)