Rollins Retains, Carlito Returns, and Cargill Debuts
Mia Walsh
Published Mar 27, 2026
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WWE Fastlane promised an evening packed with intense tag team showdowns and championship clashes. John Cena and LA Knight squared off against Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa, while Seth Rollins defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura in a Last Man Standing match. The highly anticipated WWE Women's Championship match featured Charlotte Flair, Asuka, and Iyo Sky vying for the coveted title. Additionally, The LWO sought a partner for their battle against Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits, adding another layer of excitement to the event. In a bid for tag team supremacy, Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso challenged champions Finn Bálor and Damian Priest for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.
With a diverse lineup of thrilling contests, WWE Fastlane was an overall winner that included some great action and a couple of surprises. Here are your winners and losers for WWE Fastlane 2023:
Winner: Cody and Jey Uso Become New Tag Team Champions
The opening match of the night started slow but gained momentum when Cody Rhodes received the hot tag, injecting much-needed energy into the previously lackluster tag team title bout. The crowd's enthusiasm elevated the match significantly, especially when Rhodes entered the fray. He went on a roll and seemed to turn the tide for the challengers.
As the action intensified, the match reached its peak when JD McDonagh attempted to assist The Judgment Day but inadvertently struck Damian Priest's injured left knee with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Seizing the opportunity, Cody Rhodes executed a devastating Cross Rhodes on the announce table. Subsequently, Jey Uso and Cody collaborated to perform a modified Cody Cutter followed by a 1-D, securing their victory and clinching the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.
This momentous win not only marked a thrilling start to the event but also set the stage for a compelling storyline within The Judgment Day faction. With the loss of the tag titles, tensions within the group escalated, particularly when it comes to McDonagh who Priest isn't going to be happy with.
Winner: Carlito Returns To WWE
WWE fans witnessed a surprise (sort of) return at Fastlane as Carlito reappeared in the ring during the tag match between the LWO and Bobby Lashley with The Street Profits. Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar were left without a partner due to earlier attacks on SmackDown. Rey made a phone call for help. Carlito didn't arrive with the team to start the match, but just as the odds seemed against them, Carlito stormed in, taking charge of the offense. With swift moves, he executed a backstabber, securing the victory for the LWO and affirming Rey Mysterio's belief in finding a reliable ally.
This unexpected comeback made for a huge reaction from the live crowd. It's clear Carlito is way over with the fans and if he's back and part of the group, this is a big get for The LWO who celebrated their win in the ring. His presence would undoubtedly be a valuable addition to the WWE roster. Nevertheless, WWE fans are accustomed to Carlito's occasional appearances, and whether he remains a consistent force or reverts to sporadic outings, his impact at Fastlane undoubtedly left a memorable mark.
Winner: Iyo Sky Retains The Women's Championship
With the tag team title change earlier in the evening, it wasn't likely to see another title change so quickly in the show. Not to mention, Iyo Sky has earned the right to pick up a big win in a Triple Threat title match with Charlotte Flair and Asuka. This was a solid match that started out chaotic as Asuka spit mist in Charlotte's face. Things settled in from there, with all three women having their moments.
Despite Sky telling Bayley not to come to the ring earlier in the show, Bayley showed up anyway. The foreshadowing might be that it would cost Sky, but in the end, it was because of Bayley's distraction that Sky retained. Charlotte had a Figure 8 locked in on The Empress of Tomorrow, and while Bayley drew the attention of the official, Sky hit a moonsault onto Flair. That was enough to get the win. Sky realized what had happened and hugged Bayley who was wise to ignore the champion's request to defend on her own.
Winner: LA Knight
The tag match featuring John Cena and LA Knight was next. This bout was set up entirely to get Knight over as much as possible. He was kept out of the match, waiting on the apron for a tag for most of the contest. Cena took a beating at the hands of Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso, but when the tag was finally made, the crowd was ready and they pushed Knight forward, just as WWE had planned. Knight came in and started to run through Solo and Jimmy.
The Bloodline gained a little momentum back, but it was the teamwork of Cena and LA Knight that prevailed and they secured the win. Much to the dismay of Paul Heyman, the announce crew suggested it could be rough treading for The Bloodline with Roman Reigns returning to WWE this week.
Winner: Seth Rollins vs Shinsuke Nakamura Last Man Standing
WWE was right to have this brutal match close the event. Both Rollins and Nakamura went hard for a good 30 minutes in a battle that went all over the arena and used almost every weapon imaginable. Nakamura strategically targeted Rollins' back and took aim at torturing the champion for most of the contest. Rollins did eventually gain some momentum but Nakamura kept finding ways to gain it back.
Eventually, Rollins set up a ladder near the announce table and tried to get Nakamura a few times. Close calls by both men where they barely beat the ten count and both headed out to the crownd and fought near the production tables. It was Rollins who eventually put Nakamura through two tables. Nakamura couldn't get up and Rollins barely did. He retained his championship and Michael Cole asked how long Rollins could keep up the pace.
This was a physical match that allowed Nakamura to step up his game.
