WWE Fast Lane 2015: Feuds That Will Increase Excitement Level for Event

This year, WWE has dropped the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view and replaced it with Fast Lane in an attempt to make the Road to WrestleMania a little more evenly paved. Without the Chamber match as a main event, the inaugural show will have to boast a strong card to convince fans it's worth watching.

However, WWE must walk a fine line. It doesn't want to present a throwaway pay-per-view, but it can't give away its WrestleMania matches and risk undercutting the biggest show of the year. Here are the best feuds to make Fast Lane a success in its own right.

Rusev vs. John Cena

Ever since Rusev debuted, it has seemed likely that John Cena was in his future. His anti-American stance is a perfect foil for Cena's ebullient patriotism, but it always felt like this was a WrestleMania moment in the making rather than a direct follow-up to the Royal Rumble.

However, we likely won't have to wait long to see Rusev take on the Doctor of Thuganomics. The pair will meet at Fast Lane, and it could be a worthy main even if Brock Lesnar isn't going to defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Credit: WWE.com

Seeing Rusev run roughshod over the midcard has been good fun, but we haven't seen him face any significant main event competition. Cena has long been the gatekeeper of the upper card, and it'll be interesting to see how the Bulgarian Brute fares against him.

Even though this is a clear setup for a WrestleMania rematch, the bout itself should be great fun. Rusev is an underrated performer, and Cena usually brings out his best when he's paired with fresh talent. Expect some lame "comedy" from Cena over the next few weeks but a good match at Fast Lane.

Roman Reigns vs. Big Show

Roman Reigns is headed to the main event of WrestleMania, but he's doing so with barely any major feuds under his belt and even fewer high-profile singles matches on pay-per-view. It's not just a question of experience; fans need to see him do something if they're going to be invested in his rise.

A match against Big Show seems likely, and even if it's not the most inspiring of pairings, at least it's something. At this point, what Reigns needs most is a rivalry—even if it's an uneven one with a giant who is past his prime.

Credit: WWE.com

There will be no surprised faces when Reigns inevitably picks up a win to head into WrestleMania looking strong, but at least we'll have seen him take the spotlight. For someone headed for greatness, he's spent a lot of time using others as a crutch, and that has to stop now.

Reigns isn't the worst choice for the man at the top of the ladder, but the only way he'll make any real progression in the ring and on the mic is by learning the ropes for himself. It's sink-or-swim time, but Reigns will likely fare better once he has the chance to find his own feet.

Daniel Bryan vs. Anyone

The Royal Rumble demonstrated that fans haven't cooled on Daniel Bryan in his time away, and his performances in the ring over the past few weeks have shown that he hasn't missed a step. With his Casket match on SmackDown seemingly ending his feud with Kane, it'll be interesting to see what's next.

Bryan is the sort of talent who can have a good match with anyone. With his technical mastery and connection to the crowd, you could announce a match between him and just about any member of the roster and rely on it being one of the strongest on the card.

That gives WWE plenty of options. Bryan could face Seth Rollins in what would surely be a marquee match. It could have The Authority set up a bout between Bryan and Dean Ambrose. There's even the possibility of seeing Bryan take on Bray Wyatt once again given that previous meetings have been so good.

What's important is that Bryan has something to do. His showing at the Royal Rumble was disappointing because it seemed insignificant. A decent feud in the run-up to Fast Lane will offer plenty for fans to get excited about, particularly if it's against worthy competition.

Which feuds are you most excited to see play out at Fast Lane? Let us know in the comments section below.