WWE returns to the SAP Center in San Jose, California on Sunday night, as they close out 2018 with their final pay-per-view event — WWE TLC. The show marks the tenth event promoted under the TLC chronology.
Sunday’s show goes down live on PPV and via the WWE Network with multiple world championship matches, as well as the best talents and rivalries from the RAW, SmackDown Live and 205 Live brands.
Headlining the event this weekend will be Daniel Bryan vs. A.J. Styles for the WWE Championship. In other featured bouts, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose will do battle for the WWE Intercontinental Championship and Ronda Rousey defends her RAW Women’s Championship against Nia Jax.
In keeping with the TLC theme, there will be two Tables, Ladders and Chairs matches, as Braun Strowman and Baron Corbin look to settle their differences, and Becky Lynch will defend her SmackDown Live Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair and Asuka. The show will also feature Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton in a Chairs Match, Bobby Lashley vs. Elias in a Ladder Match and Natalya vs. Ruby Riott in a Tables Match.
Also on Sunday’s PPV, the second season of WWE’s Mixed Match Challenge series will wrap-up, as R-Truth and Carmella meet Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox in the finals of the tournament.
As is the case before every high-profile WWE and NXT event, SEScoops.com has you covered from all-angles with pre-show news and coverage leading right up to the event. Writers Andrew Ravens, Ian Carey and Jeff Moss have collaborated to produce their predictions and in-depth analysis for each match on the WWE TLC card. Without any further adieu, let’s jump into the SEScoops.com predictions roundtable for this year’s WWE TLC PPV.
WWE TLC
Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton (Chairs Match)
Andrew Ravens: With this card featuring so many heels going over in their matches and the fact that WWE has kept Mysterio strong since returning, I actually have Mysterio going over here. A late minute addition to the card but should be a fun match nonetheless. (Prediction: Rey Mysterio)
Ian Carey: Orton should get the win here. Mysterio beat Orton at Crown Jewel and it’s unlikely Vince will have Orton lose two in a row to the same guy on PPV. Mysterio has been selling a neck injury heading into this match which will likely play into the finish. (Prediction: Randy Orton)
Jeff Moss: The one low point on the Smackdown Live side of things for this event. What do I even say about this? It’s like putting on a greatest hits record from a band you listened to in high school. Im sure it’ll be entertaining as each wrestler plays that song that I loved when I was younger, moving back and forth between familiar choruses. Hell, there may even be a new song worked in there too. But, at the end of the day, I’m still not going to rush out and get excited about remastered hits I’ve heard a million times. So this will be fun, but in the end, fairly pointless. (Prediction: *Flips Coin* Rey Mysterio)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, Rey Mysterio
R-Truth & Carmella vs. Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox (MMC Season 2 Finals)
Andrew: A lackluster finals involving these superstars. It’s really a toss-up as who will win this contest. I think the idea of this tournament was all about putting smiles on people’s faces. Whether that worked or not as designed by WWE, didn’t help interest in it. I have R-Truth and Carmella going over to win this tournament. (Prediction: R-Truth & Carmella)
Ian: I expect Carmella and R-Truth to walk away from this match the winners. As a result, each will enter at #30 in their respective Royal Rumbles this year. Somehow, R-Truth might still manage to mess that up, however. The winners are also being booked on a vacation which should result in some comedic antics between the pair. (Prediction: R-Truth & Carmella)
Jeff: This is it, kids. After weeks of heated rivalry, win and loss exchanges and a gruelling tournament, this is the match that brings it all to a head and determines once and for all (checks notes)… who gets a vacation? Oh right, this is that Facebook thing. Why is this taking up time on an already-stacked PPV? All I can ask from this match is that it’s short so not one else has to suffer a Mixed Match Challenge-related injury. (Prediction: R-Truth & Carmella)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, R-Truth & Carmella
Buddy Murphy vs. Cedric Alexander (WWE Cruiserweight Title)
Andrew: Due to the fact that Murphy beat Alexander to win the title back at the Super-Showdown event, there’s a chance that WWE could do a surprise title change here. However, I think Murphy has done a fine job as champion and should remain on top of the division. (Prediction: Buddy Murphy)
Ian: I’m expecting a title change here. Alexander is the bigger name on 205 Live right now and the title works a little better around his waist. In my opinion, they missed the ball not putting the belt on Mustafa Ali at Survivor Series but perhaps the main roster is where the heart and soul of 205 Live is going to end up. (Prediction: Cedric Alexander)
Jeff: If this match doesn’t get pre-showed it should be pretty great. With Mustafa Ali’s killer showing on Smackdown Live this week, the 205 brand has never been on more people’s radar and this could really help to get some new eyes on it. Buddy Murphy has gone from Alexa Bliss accessory to credible killer really well and Cedric is at the top of his game. He also really likes to have fun, from what I understand. Regardless, these two should tear it up with Buddy retaining. (Prediction: Buddy Murphy)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, Buddy Murphy
Bobby Lashley vs. Elias (Ladder Match)
Andrew: No disrespect to either guy here but this could be the worse match on the card. Elias should get the win here but with the way that WWE has been booking Lashley as of late, don’t be surprised to see him go over. However, to keep things having an equal balance, Elias gets it done. (Prediction: Elias)
Ian: This is one of those weird ladder match where there is a weapon hanging. The match doesn’t end when you get the weapon, you’re just able to use it. Both of these two are well protected right now in WWE, so honestly I’m expecting a non-finish here to protect them both. How that happens is anyone’s guess but I expect Vince won’t want either guy to take a loss on an undercard match. (Prediction: No Contest)
Jeff: Unless Judy Bagwell is holding the titular Guitar On a Pole, I can’t say this interests me even a little bit. I see Elias winning this one for two reasons; 1.) his jokes about Lio Rush are the closest to funny that WWE has come in a long time and 2.) Avenging me for having to sit through multiple weeks of Bobby Lashley presenting his butthole to the world. I mean, it’s a pretty great looking derriere, but enough is enough, dude. (Prediction: Elias)
CONSENSUS: 2-0-1, Elias
Finn Balor vs. Drew McIntyre
Andrew: This could be one of the better matches on the card, but as much as Balor is a fan favorite, WWE is clearly and rightfully behind McIntyre right now. He’s one of the top/best heels that RAW has to offer these days. McIntyre should go over and do it conveniently. (Prediction: Drew McIntyre)
Ian: McIntyre is the favorite son right now, so he’ll get the win. Once upon a time, Finn Balor was a favorite son who was pegged as a top guy. That changed upon his return from injury after winning the Universal title. Maybe one day Finn will be pushed back to the top again but that day won’t be Sunday. (Prediction: Drew McIntyre)
Jeff: For what seems like the 50th event in a row, I find myself saying “Oh Finn… what happened?” But at least this time around he’s up against Drew McIntrye who seems to be destined to be a Champion, probably sooner than later. With that being apparent, I’d call this one for McIntyre just to keep him as the dominant monster they want him to be. Maybe Lars Sullivan debuts during this match to set up some Big Dude v Big Dude action at the Royal Rumble? (Prediction: Drew McIntyre)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, Drew McIntyre
Natalya vs. Ruby Riott (Tables Match)
Andrew: Riott has been getting the upper hand in this feud and even brought up Natalya’s late father who appears to be used in their upcoming match as an image on a table. Natalya gets her revenge and has a feel-good moment. (Prediction: Natalya)
Ian: Natalya will get the win and Ruby Riott will get her comeuppance. This might be a bit of cringe-worthy angle but it should be a good match. Both Natalya and Ruby Riott can really go in the ring, and this match is a good chance to really showcase how good Riott is. Natalya will still get the win though. (Prediction: Natalya)
Jeff: This is a tough one. As I’ve always said, Ruby Riott is a blameless, holy creature and probably one of the best “traditional” heels on the Raw roster right now. But Nattie is (by extension, marriage and a whole lot of weird math) a Hart. And I loves me some Harts, always have always will. What should happen here is Nattie shirking off “character” and just beating the holy hell out of Riott for being disrespectful to her father. Remind everyone why Nattie is the veteran that she is, with the pedigree that she has. But, WWE for some reason likes to see her cry, so I imagine that Ruby wins and makes Nattie eat a cake shaped like her dad or something silly like that. … Sidebar: Being the wrestler he was, you know Anvil, wherever he is, got a kick out of that table with his picture on it … (Prediction: Ruby Riott)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, Natalya
The Bar vs. The New Day vs. The Usos (SmackDown Tag Titles)
Andrew: This should be a really fun match, but there’s a problem with the competitors in it. We’ve seen New Day, and Usos hold the titles plenty of times. It makes no sense for Cesaro and Sheamus to drop the titles here as what’s the point outside of just having a title change for the heck of it. SmackDown desperately needs new tag teams to challenge for the titles. (Prediction: The Bar)
Ian: I’m expecting the Usos to walk away from this match with the titles. They were the only surviving members of the tag-team Survivor Series match which could indicate they are being viewed as the top team in the division right now. (Prediction: The Usos)
Jeff: If we know anything about Uso/New Day matches it’s that they have a tendency to be really damn good. These two teams know each other inside and out and have put on some of the more memorable and exciting tag team matches of the year and I doubt this will be any exception. Also the Bar will be there! Let’s be honest, Raw’s Tag scene is so dismal right now that their titles aren’t even on the show. So this match has a low bar to start (no pun intended). Now that Big Show has gone back to the gym to give himself 9th and 10 abs, I think it’d be cool to start a Bar breakup and have the Usos grab the titles. But that’s just me. (Prediction: The Usos)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, The Usos
Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka (TLC Match For SmackDown Women’s Title)
Andrew: And here is what most people will look forward to the most on this card as it could go in many different ways. Whether that sees Lynch retain or Flair or Asuka win the title. By adding Asuka to this match and making it a TLC match, I actually think Flair gets it done and wins the title. Have Asuka be the reason for allowing Flair to win the title. This also gives Lynch a path without looking weak by losing her title and allowing her journey to a match against Ronda Rousey at Mania begin. (Prediction: Charlotte Flair)
Ian: This is a tough one but I’m taking Asuka. To pick this match correctly you really have to know where they are going for WrestleMania and how they plan to get there. Nobody but Vince McMahon knows for sure what that will be. One option is that Asuka wins the title and Becky enters the Rumble next month for a chance to face Rousey at WrestleMania. (Prediction: Asuka)
Jeff: This is the main event, right? We can all agree on that? I think even Bryan and AJ would support that claim. Becky Lynch is the hottest character in the company right now and deservedly so. She’s even making Charlotte step up and develop herself beyond “I’m a flair and I win a lot because I’m great” (which she is). The best part of this match for me is the fact that since she’s in the ring with two insanely talented women, Auska can finally be Auska again. Let all three loose and this easily becomes match of the night. A winner is honestly hard to pick because there’s an upside to each one of them holding or not holding the title. To push this forward though, I think Charlotte pins Auska leading into the Royal Rumble where Becky can win and get a shot a reclaiming the title she never lost. (Prediction: Charlotte Flair)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, Charlotte Flair
Ronda Rousey vs. Nia Jax (RAW Women’s Title)
Andrew: There’s no good reason for Rousey to lose to Jax here as Rousey needs to lose to someone with a bigger name at a bigger show. Jax has been built up alright considering the Becky Lynch incident that got her more heat for the situation rather than her character in the lead up to this match. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)
Ian: This should be a bit of a no-brainer, Rousey is going to win this and likely knock Nia down a few pegs as she does. I don’t expect Nia to continue to be a big-time player on Raw for a little bit after this. Rousey will likely turn her attention to Becky and/or Charlotte on Smackdown during the road to WrestleMania, which really gets going next month at the Royal Rumble. (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)
Jeff: My initial prediction for this match was simply Ronda stomping to the ring, destroying Jax and stomping to back to play D&D or whatever it is she does with her other MMA friends when they hang out. But, the more I think about it, if a Rousey/Becky Main event of WrestleMania is where we are heading, do either one of them really NEED a title? Ronda’s got the clout, Becky’s got the heat… It could be a killer match based on their mutual dislike of each other alone. That said, it may be asking too much of RAW right now, so barring any unforeseen roster moves .. I.E. – Becky to RAW … I see Ronda retaining here. Tamina may try to help on Jax’s behalf, but really, is Tamina ever actually a help? (Prediction: Ronda Rousey)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, Ronda Rousey
Braun Strowman vs. Baron Corbin (TLC Match)
Andrew: As long as Strowman can actually work this show, then he should go over as it only makes sense with the current storylines in place regarding what both men have to win and lose. Strowman gets it done with him going onto challenge Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble. Maybe this could lead to Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin next. (Prediction: Braun Strowman)
Ian: What happens here will likely depend on how healthy Strowman is going in. For Strowman to win, it would have to mean Vince is done with Baron Corbin as an authority figure on Raw. At some point, Kurt Angle is coming back so I’m thinking Strowman should get the win here and Corbin will lose out on his shot to be the full-time Raw GM. (Prediction: Braun Strowman)
Jeff: Corbin made a lot of sly remarks about Strowman only having “one hand” or “one arm” this week on RAW, so that leads to me to believe that Strowman might just show up and take him on, injured or not. Sadly, since WWE doesn’t care about their own Universal title, and seems to be hell-bent on making “Evil GM’s” the only story they feel like telling with any consistency, Baron Corbin will win here (probably with outside help from Drew McIntyre) and become the “Permanent” GM of Raw. Then he’ll hand Strowman’s title oppour— Title Match, dammit, to McIntyre for the assist. To be honest, I’d be ok with seeing Brock and Drew throw bombs at each other for 15 minutes or so, but that’s getting ahead of ourselves. (Prediction: Baron Corbin)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, Braun Strowman
Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose (WWE Intercontinental Title)
Andrew: This could be a match that will steal the show and one that needs a title change in order for it to continue. The build-up to this match between Ambrose and Rollins has been the fact that Rollins is looking to get his payback on Ambrose for attacking him. Thus, I have Ambrose winning the title which will allow for this feud to continue and Rollins to have a reason to want to battle Ambrose. (Prediction: Dean Ambrose)
Ian: Unless Ambrose has not been properly vaccinated for his trip to San Jose, I expect him to pick up the victory against Rollins. Ambrose needs a win to start off his heel turn on the right foot, meanwhile Rollins can afford a few losses at this stage so I’m expecting Ambrose to pick up the win and the title. (Prediction: Dean Ambrose)
Jeff: So here’s the thing about Dean Ambrose since he came back: he’s low-key been the best promo and character on the show, but so subtly that it may not have been noticed. This past week, watch how he changes demeanour when Roman Reigns is brought up. Ambrose is a scared man who has broken a bit by the tragedy that’s befallen his brother and he’s lashing out at his other brother to compensate. It’s the height of “I’ll break up with you by treating you badly until you leave because I know I don’t deserve you but don’t have the guts to change for you” thinking and it’s FASCINATING. I’m looking forward to seeing what these two do in the ring with all the energy and passion that they can both bring. As for a winner? This is only the start of a long feud, so I’d see Ambrose taking this one and making Seth try to catch up to him. (Prediction: Dean Ambrose)
CONSENSUS: 3-0, Dean Ambrose
Daniel Bryan vs. A.J. Styles (WWE Title)
Andrew: This should be one of the easier picks on the card considering two things. One, it was AJ Styles who decided that he wanted to drop the title, according to reports. Secondly, Bryan just won the title, and it makes no sense even with WWE’s booking to have him drop the title so soon. I see this being the final match between these two stars and look forward to seeing what’s next for them. (Prediction: Daniel Bryan)
Ian: I’m expecting the new Daniel Bryan to walk away with the title but not the win in this match. Bryan has shown he’s willing to do anything to get the title, so he’ll likely do antyhing to keep it. AJ Styles will likely win this match by DQ, leading to a gimmick match between the two at the Royal Rumble. (Prediction: A.J. Styles via DQ)
Jeff: For the last year, AJ Styles thing has been either a) Face Who Is In Charge Of a Certain Location or b) WWE Champion. His run as champion was lukewarm at best, and had me hoping the belt would go to ANYONE else. I was so damned happy when it became Ultimate Jerk Daniel Bryan that if they take it off him now, I may just lose it. I love AJ, but it’s time for him to do something new. Take on a different challenge and be repositioned slightly. Wouldn’t it be a million times better to see the Miz’s trophy shenanigans with AJ instead of the tomato pretending to be Shane McMahon? So, with all that said, Bryan retains here and continues yelling “FICKLE” at us all until at least Feb. (Prediction: Daniel Bryan)
CONSENSUS: 2-1, Daniel Bryan
What do the experts think is going to happen on Sunday evening? Check out the official WWE TLC betting odds. What do you think of the above WWE TLC predictions? Let us know by sounding off in the Comments section below, and make sure to join us here on Sunday evening for live play-by-play results coverage of the entire event.
