WWE Fastlane 2016, as a whole, wasn’t exactly a standout event. Positioned between the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, this pay-per-view mostly featured one-sided matches stemming from minor TV storylines that never reached WrestleMania’s spotlight, making it feel like filler content. However, when Elimination Chamber is on the card, the show can carry some significance. Among the matches, the third encounter between AJ Styles and Chris Jericho was one of the most eagerly awaited and managed to deliver a solid performance.
Looking back at their previous bouts on Raw and SmackDown, there’s a clear development in how both competitors adapted and studied each other’s moves. For instance, Jericho expertly counters Styles’ Phenomenal Forearm mid-match and follows it up by dropkicking Styles’ leg while he’s perched on the top rope. On the other side, Styles stays cautious to avoid Jericho’s Walls of Jericho submission early on, responding quickly with a hurricanrana from his back to keep the distance. These subtle details reward fans who’ve been tracking the storyline buildup closely.
Taken on its own, the match holds up well. Compared to other bouts earlier in the show, it was arguably the best, kicking off strong, though the pace noticeably slowed after about ten minutes. Both wrestlers appeared winded at this point, especially Jericho, which was unexpected given that 2016 is often remembered as one of his peak years. Styles occasionally seemed a bit scattered but worked hard to engage the crowd. Still, some moves that might have sparked bigger reactions on other nights barely made an impact here.
There were a few hiccups—Jericho missed his position when Styles launched a stunning reverse DDT from the middle rope, a move he’s rarely attempted on less familiar opponents. Fortunately, the crowd came alive when both wrestlers executed their signature finishers like the Walls of Jericho, Styles Clash, and Codebreaker. Although the audience didn’t erupt at the conclusion, Jericho’s tap out to the Calf Crusher was well-executed and gave Styles a meaningful early WWE victory.
All things considered, this was a commendable match that’s worth watching if you’re interested. Otherwise, it’s not a must-see for casual viewers.
Fan Take: This match was key for AJ Styles in establishing himself as a top-tier talent early in his WWE career, showing the potential for fresh rivalries and exciting in-ring storytelling. For fans, it highlights how critical these mid-card events can be for setting the stage for WrestleMania and shaping the future direction of WWE’s roster.
