In the WWE, twists and turns are par for the course. But WWE Fastlane 2023 took us on a roller coaster like no other. At the heart of it all? Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso’s astounding victory over The Judgment Day. But, first things first – how did these two fierce enemies end up snagging the Undisputed Tag Team Championship together?
The Judgment Day, specifically the duo of Damian Priest and Finn Balor, were the champions and everyone expected to remain as the title holders. Their grip on the tag team division was strong, especially with their new association to the nefarious JD McDonagh. So when Rhodes and Uso stepped into the ring, the odds weren’t necessarily in their favor.
Now, anyone who has watched wrestling for a long time will be the first to tell you about the common trope where the fiercest of rivals team up. It’s been done. A lot. The WWE has done it countless times, with The Rock and Mankind or The Miz and John Cena, among others. But that kind of magic doesn’t come easy, and few believed the same could be said for Rhodes and Uso. Yet, the electricity in the Indianapolis arena during Fastlane told you that this wasn’t forced. Fans cheered the duo on and they didn’t disappoint.
AND NEWWWWWWWW!
Jey Uso and @CodyRhodes are the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions!#WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/gGenl3M0hF
— WWE (@WWE) October 8, 2023
The climax of the match was cinematic, worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster. JD McDonagh, presumably looking to do his job and ensure a Judgment Day victory, went for a strike against Rhodes but ended up injuring Priest instead. Talk about a plot twist. This gave our unlikely heroes, Rhodes and Uso, the upper hand. And boy, did they seize the moment. After executing some jaw-dropping moves (that combined Cody Cutter/1D, anyone?), they secured the win. The sound of that three-count echoed the hopes and dreams of every underdog.
WWE, being the clever puppeteer it is, had set the stage perfectly. Rumor mills suggest that they have grand plans for Jey Uso as a solo act. And if the cheers at Fastlane were any indication, the crowd is ready for it. They’ve seen him shine bright alongside his brother, Jimmy Uso, but this new partnership with Rhodes? It’s like getting a fresh dessert after a hearty meal.
And speaking of Rhodes, can we take a moment to appreciate this superstar? His popularity remains undiminished even if he hasn’t seen the best booking decisions recently.
From feuds with Brock Lesnar to teaming up with a former adversary, Rhodes’ journey is nothing short of a spectacle. A newfound alliance with Jey Uso at Fastlane is not only unexpected but also exhilarating.
While fans might chuckle at the irony of splitting the Usos only to see Jey win another tag title, it’s undeniable that he’s breaking barriers.
Now, one can’t help but wonder where this leaves The Judgment Day. Their loss, while unexpected, adds depth to the narrative, showing that even titans can stumble. And as for Rhodes and Uso, their tag team title reign, while promising, is just a prelude. The wrestling aficionados among us know it’s just a matter of time before these two venture back to the singles scene, seeking new challenges and greater glories.
Fastlane 2023 showcased WWE’s unmatched storytelling prowess. In Rhodes and Uso, we see a pair that challenges the norms and revels in doing so.
As they wear their Undisputed Tag Team Championship belts, one thing is clear: WWE’s future is in safe, and incredibly entertaining, hands.
