WWE Fastlane gave fans an array of exciting matchups, intriguing story developments, and unexpected outcomes. The standout moment from the event was the crowning of Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, a divisive result that may yield a surprisingly juicy fruit for the WWE if done right.
Both these superstars have a storied past. Just over six months ago, Jey Uso was still at the side of Roman Reigns as he helped foil Cody Rhodes’ pursuit of the WWE Undisputed Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. Fast forward to today, and the narrative has taken an astonishing twist.
This unlikely duo, which once stood on opposite sides of the ring, now holds the esteemed WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championship titles together after staring at The Judgment Day in the eye and beating the Archer of Infamy and the Black Prince.
Jey and Cody’s path to the tag team title belts at Fastlane was fraught with unexpected challenges. As the match grew more intense, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio attempted to tip the balance in favor of The Judgment Day. However, a series of mishaps, including a missed Money in the Bank briefcase swing by JD McDonagh, unintentionally aided the enemies. The consequent teamwork between the two saw them execute a synchronised move on Finn Balor, sealing their victory and, with it, the titles.
This victory is noteworthy for several good reasons. The Usos, known for their dominant reign as tag team champions, particularly their main event performance at WrestleMania 39, have set a high standard. While Jey Uso’s collaboration with Rhodes is novel, it’s essential to recall the Uso legacy in tag team wrestling. The pairing of Rhodes, the American Nightmare, with Jey Uso, the Right Hand Man, initially raised eyebrows due to their tumultuous past and apparent differences in style and alignment. However, their chemistry in the ring is undeniable.
Even outside of the ring, the former rivals appeared, not just cordial, but as if they’re the best of friends, joking around and just generally having fun as they fielded questions from the press following Fastlane.
The implications of their victory extend beyond personal accomplishments. The Judgment Day, consisting of Finn Balor and Damian Priest, had a short yet notable reign. The duo’s loss, especially given their dominance and significant screen time in recent storylines, raises questions about the future of their faction and the direction WWE intends to take with their narrative.
Further analysis reveals Rhodes-Uso team’s victory could serve multiple purposes. Given both wrestlers’ star power and popularity, this partnership might be WWE’s attempt to bolster the tag team division’s significance. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, who previously felt the sting of The Judgment Day’s dominance, might be next in line for a title shot again, adding another layer to the unfolding narrative.
Still, it’s puzzling that WWE disbanded the Usos and made “Main Event” Jey a solo star only to partner him with the face of the company. With Cody Rhodes being a significant player in the singles competition and his historical quest to take the title belts from Roman Reigns, it raises the question of how long this tag team reign will last and whether it serves a broader storyline objective.
WWE’s storytelling thrives on unexpected twists. The emergence of Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso as tag team champions is no exception. While their alliance might have initially seemed odd to longtime fans, their in-ring performance and the subsequent championship win have undoubtedly added a layer of intrigue to WWE’s programming.
As we look to future events, especially with Crown Jewel and Survivor Series on the horizon, it remains to be seen how this development shapes the landscape of WWE’s tag team division and broader narratives.
For now though, all signs indicate that Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes are getting along just fine. If these superstars get over as a team as much as solo stars, who knows? The WWE might have to change its plans and give both of them a shot at a top title while retaining the Tag Team title belts.
