WWE Fastlane 2016: Results That Will Make the Biggest Impacts at WrestleMania 32

As the final pit stop before WrestleMania 32, WWE Fastlane 2016 set the stage for what fans can expect to see at the next installment of The Show of Shows on April 3.

It was a newsworthy night, with the crowning of a new No. 1 contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the long-awaited returns of Edge and Christian to WWE TV.

Although a majority of the match outcomes were fairly predictable, the in-ring action was above-average overall, with the Triple Threat main event, AJ Styles vs. Chris Jericho, and the Intercontinental Championship matches stealing the show.

But above all else, fans now have a better idea of what will transpire on The Grandest Stage of Them All in just under six weeks.

With the annual event and Monday's Raw in the books, let's look back at the bouts that will make the biggest impacts at WrestleMania 32.

Roman Reigns Becomes No. 1 Contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Credit: WWE.com

Controversy clouded the heavyweight title picture for weeks with Reigns, Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose all vying for the gold. When they collided in the massive Triple Threat match at Fastlane, there was no love lost between the three hungry competitors.

Not even Reigns and Ambrose, who coexisted at various points throughout the contest, were able to remain on the same page, as Ambrose eventually attacked his former Shield stablemate with a chair. In the end, it was Reigns who stood tall with a title shot against Triple H at the pending pay-per-view.

The long running rivalry between Triple H and Reigns has been building for no less than two years, and it was only inevitable that they go one-on-one. Come WrestleMania, the stakes will be higher than ever with the gold up for grabs.

Reigns may not be the most beloved babyface at the moment, but he is undoubtedly deserving of a top spot on the 'Mania card after all the obstacles he has had to overcome in recent months. He had an impressive performance in the Triple Threat match, but Triple H will pose an entirely different challenge.

Reigns' win came as no surprise to anyone who has followed his gradual rise to superstardom over the past year, but it officially cemented his spot in the main event of the spring spectacle. He and The Game are on a collision course for what should be a sensational championship clash, to say the least.

Charlotte Retains Divas Championship Against Brie Bella

Credit: WWE.com

For a match that didn't seem too intriguing when it was initially announced for Fastlane, WWE did a commendable job of getting fans invested in this contest. Brie's first win over Charlotte was worthless, but she was able to rally fans behind Brie by dedicating her title opportunity to injured sister Nikki and retired husband Daniel Bryan.

That cast doubt in the minds of fans who thought it was obvious Charlotte would retain. Typically, whenever WWE plays the tribute card, it's an indication that the challenger will capture the championship.

Thankfully, that wasn't the case, as Charlotte still reigned supreme as Divas champion by the conclusion of the contest. She powered out of a "Yes!" Lock and a single-leg Boston Crab to secure the figure-eight leglock on Brie for the submission victory.

That win was key in furthering Charlotte's momentum going into WrestleMania. From Nikki Bella to Paige to Becky Lynch to Brie, she has knocked off everyone who has stepped up to challenge her for the butterfly belt—except Sasha Banks.

Earlier in the evening, Banks and Becky Lynch were victorious over Team B.A.D. members Naomi and Tamina in tag team action. As seen on Raw, Banks and Lynch will face off at some point soon to determine a true No. 1 contender to the title.

AJ Styles Avenges Loss to Chris Jericho

Credit: WWE.com

Few feuds have been hotter since the Royal Rumble than Styles vs. Jericho. Styles has successfully established himself as a international sensation over the past few weeks, but to ensure his first victory over Jericho wasn't a fluke, he had to repeat the feat at Fastlane.

It was far from a walk in the park for The Phenomenal One, however, as Jericho pulled out everything in his arsenal in an attempt to put him away for the three-count. Y2J even managed to kick out of the patented Styles Clash and survive long enough before tapping out to the Calf Crusher.

Instead of ambushing Styles afterward, he shook his hand out of respect, but the seeds have been planted for a Jericho heel turn for some time. It should be coming to fruition sooner rather than later, which is why their series of matches should continue through WrestleMania.

With his win, Styles is now in the driver's seat on the road to WrestleMania. He has nothing left to prove against the inaugural undisputed champion, but Jericho might want to further embarrass Styles in the weeks ahead.

They appeared to be allies on Monday's Raw, but for how much longer? Either way, Styles has been extremely well-handled since arriving in WWE, and his Fastlane triumph should bode well for his immediate future.

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, is a journalism major at Endicott College. Visit his website, Next Era Wrestling, and "like" his official Facebook page to continue the conversation on all things wrestling.

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