WWE Fastlane 2015: Handicapping Potential WrestleMania Matches from Pay-Per-View

Fastlane, WrestleMania's newborn stepchild, is designed to set up matches and angles for the March extravaganza.

It wouldn't be a surprise if this card closely resembled that of WrestleMania. A dicey finish between Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan can result in the two meeting again in Santa Clara opposite Brock Lesnar.

Goldust and Stardust are just beginning to gain momentum. It's probable their match at Fastlane won't be their final encounter.

The confrontation between Sting and Triple H is almost guaranteed to lead to Sting's long-awaited in-ring debut at WWE's biggest event.

Fastlane actually couldn't be a better name for this pay-per-view. By night's end, after only three hours, it won't be difficult to project the WrestleMania lineup.

Rusev vs. John Cena: 3-2

Rusev is WWE's premier monster heel. As he continued his winning ways, a showdown with John Cena seemed like more of a big-match encounter.

Fastlane is too small of a stage for this match. According WWE.com, WWE physician Dr. Chris Amann confirmed Cena is struggling with a scratched cornea. This will open the doors for an inconclusive finish where the match has to be ended by doctor stoppage.

In order for a potential WrestleMania rematch to not seem like a rerun, it should implement Hulk Hogan. Hogan is WWE's most notable real American and is just as perfect a fit for a feud with Rusev as Cena.

Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns: 6-5 Odds

Plans for Lesnar and Reigns to main event WrestleMania date back several months, per Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t WrestlingInc.com). Reigns' dominant performances at the Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble in 2014 were designed to set him up as WWE's next top star.

Bryan's return is currently making an awkward situation out of what was once a sure thing. WWE is overthinking itself amid the advent of outrage following Reigns' Royal Rumble win. But through multiple weeks of television, fans are split (or confused) as to whom to cheer for.

WWE.com currently has a poll of who is the biggest threat to Lesnar's WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Bryan holds a narrow lead over Reigns and Seth Rollins at 36 percent.

The lack of zealous demand, similar to that leading up to WrestleMania XXX, will likely result in WWE sticking with its original plan.

Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan: 9-2 Odds

It would be quite surprising if WWE completely changed direction and nixed its planned main event between Reigns and Lesnar.

Booking Bryan to defeat Reigns and go on to WrestleMania would be akin to cancelling the 2015 Royal Rumble. In fact, this feud seems designed to legitimize Reigns.

WWE is booking Daniel Bryan to have no respect for Reigns as a wrestler. If the two have a great match and Reigns is victorious, a split crowd will be unified in its support of Reigns.

Bryan's best chance of being in the WrestleMania main event is in a potential Triple Threat match.

Brock Lesnar vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns: 11-4 Odds

Earlier this month, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported Vince McMahon made a change to the WrestleMania main event (h/t Wrestling Inc). Per usual, the report notes "plans could always change," so the actual outcome is anybody's guess.

Last year, the fans forced WWE's hand in a similar situation. The result was Daniel Bryan in a main event Triple Threat match at WrestleMania XXX.

This year, cheers for Reigns are audible among the same casual fans who root for Cena. As long as Reigns maintains their support, WWE will not feel the need to cave to pressure from its more hardcore fanbase.

Lesnar is WWE's biggest attraction and will be a draw no matter who he faces in the main event.

In 2014, a Triple Threat match was a necessity. This year, it would be overkill.

Sting vs. Triple H: 83-100 Odds

Since Sting's arrival in WWE, a showdown with Triple H was imminent. Sting continues to play mind games with The Authority, and Fastlane should be no different.

Barring injury, Sting vs. Triple H at WrestleMania 31 is more of a shoo-in than any other match. Their confrontation will likely end with one icon challenging another.

With Sting's appearances so spread out, this may be the spot where Triple H gets his heat. WrestleMania is just weeks away, and Triple H still has yet to get over on Sting.

In all likelihood, an ambush by The Authority is planned. But with Sting set to appear in person, the priority should be to make their match official.

Will Dolph Ziggler get involved in the Reigns-Bryan main event? Listen for more on the PodNasty Fastlane preview!

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