It looks like WWE is ditching a December PPV this year.
Back in July, WWE announced that it would be holding a PPV event on New Year’s Day. The following month, it was revealed that the PPV will be called Day 1. It’ll be held inside the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA.
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio is reporting that Day 1 will take the place of a December PPV for WWE. This leaves WWE with two PPV events in the month of January. Royal Rumble will take place on Jan. 29 inside The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis.
Initial Plans For End-Of-The-Year PPV
WWE had plans in place for a PPV on Dec. 12 inside Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The company then wanted to have TLC take place on Dec. 19 at a location to be determined. It should be noted that the Dec. 17 episode of WWE SmackDown will be held inside Allstate Arena.
With WWE deciding against running a December PPV this year, Survivor Series will be the promotion’s final PPV event of 2021. That’ll be held inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Nov. 21.
Last night at WWE TLC, Randy Orton lit the Fiend on fire to close the show. Different from previous WWE inferno matches, Wyatt did not just have one limb lit on fire, rather his entire body was engulfed in flames.
Wyatt took to Twitter following the conclusion of WWE TLC. He Tweeted out only a picture of a cocoon along with the words, “Thank You.”
WWE TLC was the 5th singles match between Orton and Wyatt on WWE programming. This does not include matches they have had on house shows, however.
No Mercy 2016: Wyatt defeated Randy Orton
WrestleMania 33: Randy Orton defeated Bray Wyatt (Orton won the WWE Championship)
Payback 2017:House of Horrors Mach: Wyatt defeated Orton
WWE RAW December 7th, 2020: The Fiend Bray Wyatt vs Orton went to a no-contest.
WWE TLC 2020:Firefly Inferno Match: Randy Orton defeated The Fiend
Their all-time head-to-head series now sits at 2-2-1 for each competitor.
It is not clear what may be next for Bray Wyatt and the Fiend. Wyatt’s persona is a 2x Universal Champion (1x WWE Champion as the old Bray Wyatt). This Wednesday at the Slammy Awards, Wyatt has been nominated for Superstar of the Year.
WWE has posted some backstage videos of Superstars reacting to their wins at Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view.
Charlotte made a surprise return at TLC as Asuka’s tag team partner. They defeated Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler to capture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. The women are now discussing possibilities for their team name. “Empress Queen” and “The Royal Team” were suggested. You can see their reactions below.
Sasha Banks reacts after defending her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmela.
Drew McIntyre says he feels fortunate about leaving TLC as WWE Champion. He fended off AJ Styles and The Miz in a tables, ladders and chairs match. It was originally scheduled to be a singles match, but The Miz cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to make it a 3-way.
Finally, The Hurt Business shows off their new Raw Tag Team Championships. They defeated the New Day.
Posted December 21st, 2020 in WWE, News. Tagged: WWE TLC.
Welcome to our WWE TLC Results. The show aired liveon the WWE Network from the ThunderDome at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL.
WWETLC 2020 Quick Results
Big E, Otis, Daniel Bryan, Chad Gable def. Sami Zayn, King Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro (Kickoff Show)
Drew McIntyre def. AJ Styles & The Miz in a TLC match to retain the WWE Championship
Sasha Banks def. Carmella via submission to retain the SD Women’s Championship
Hurt Business def. New Day to become the new RAW Tag Team Champions
Charlotte Flair & Asuka def. Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler to become Women’s Tag Team Champions
Roman Reigns def. Kevin Owens to retain the Univeral Championship
Randy Orton def. The Fiend in a Firefly Inferno match
Here are the takeaways from the PPV:
Drew McIntyre Retained The WWE Championship
Drew McIntyre defended the WWE Championship against AJ Styles in a TLC match tonight at the PPV. Omos accompanied Styles to the ring. Styles went after McIntyre’s knee early and hit him with a Dropkick. McIntyre battled back with a Suplex and followed it up with some chops in the corner of the ring.
McIntyre returned the favor and stomped on AJ’s knee before booting him in the ribs. Drew connected with a massive Back Body Drop and went for the Claymore but Styles countered with a kick to the face. McIntyre sent AJ tumbling out of the ring with a powerful chop to the chest.
Drew set up a table and went for a Suplex but AJ blocked it. McIntyre took a look at Omos before slamming Styles into the barricade. Drew set up the ladder under the WWE Championship in the middle of the ring. McIntyre started climbing but AJ stopped him with a chair shot to the knee.
AJ smashed the chair across McIntyre’s back and then set it up in between the turnbuckles. Drew catapulted Styles on the ladder but he landed on his feet and started climbing. McIntyre brought him down and launched him into the steel chair that AJ just set up in the corner.
McIntyre started climbing but AJ threw the chair at him and followed it up with a strike to Drew’s injured knee. AJ connected with an Enziguri and set up for the Styles Clash but McIntyre countered into the Future Shock DDT. McIntyre then lifted the ladder above his head and slammed it on top of AJ.
Styles battled back with another chop block to McIntyre’s knee and the WWE Champion collapsed to the canvas. AJ wrapped Drew’s knee in the ladder and applied the Calf Crusher. Styles followed it up with several chair shots to the champ’s back and injured knee.
AJ put Drew’s leg in the chair and applied the Calf Crusher once again. McIntyre broke the hold by bashing AJ’s face onto the steel ladder. Styles bashed McIntyre’s knee into the ring post and then hit him in the face with a ladder. McIntyre hurled a chair into AJ’s face and tossed another table into the ring.
AJ tripped up McIntyre and he fell onto ladder. Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm but McIntyre countered into a Belly to Belly Suplex onto the ladder. Styles then connected with the Phenomenal Forearm and both superstars fell to the mat. Omos slid another ladder into the ring and Styles set it up under the title.
Styles made his way up the ladder but McIntyre brought him down and slammed him through a table outside the ring. McIntyre started climbing but The Miz and Morrison rushed the ring. Miz Powerbombed McIntyre through a table and then cashed in his MITB contract to make it a Triple Threat TLC match.
The Miz slowly started climbing the ladder with a smile on his face. Omos got into the ring and grabbed Miz. Omos threw Miz through a table outside the ring and then Morrison him with a chair but Omos was unbothered. Omos walked towards Morrison and the two made their way backstage.
AJ and McIntyre started the climbing the ladder on opposite sides. Styles jabbed McIntyre in the knee but Drew shrugged it off and punched AJ in the face. The Miz crawled back into the ring and set up another ladder next to them. The Miz grabbed the title but McIntyre caught him with a punch to the face.
McIntyre bounced Miz’s face off the ladder and shoved him to the mat. AJ hopped back on the ladder and traded punches with McIntyre. Styles knocked McIntyre off the ladder but The Miz hopped back onto it. McIntyre shoved the ladder and AJ tumbled out of the ring. Drew then leveled Miz with the Claymore and grabbed the WWE Championship to retain the title.
Sasha Banks defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmella tonight. Carmella immediately rolled out of the ring right when the bell rang. Banks went after her and connected with an Arm Drag before rolling Carmella back in the ring.
Banks launched Carmella out of the ring but Reginald (her assistant) caught her. Carmella then drove Banks into the steel steps before the action returned to the ring. Carmella went for the cover but Banks kicked out at two. Sasha battled back and hit a Meteora for a near fall.
Carmella and Sasha battled on the ring apron and Carmella connected with a slam that sent Banks to the floor. Back in the ring, Carmella went for the cover but the champ kicked out at two. Sasha connected with a Backbreaker and then a kick to the face.
Sasha hit Double Knees in the corner and followed it up with Three Amigos. Banks climbed to the top rope and hit a Frog Splash for a near fall. Carmella connected with a Facebuster and went for the cover but Sasha kicked out at two. Carmella hit Banks with a Superkick and went for the cover but Sasha grabbed the bottom rope to break it up.
The two superstars battled on the top turnbuckle and Carmella hit a Hurricanrana but Sasha rolled through for a two count. Carmella locked in the Code of Silence in the middle of the ring. Sasha escaped but Carmella quickly applied the Chicken Wing. Banks escaped into a roll-up for a near fall.
Carmella went for a Bronco Buster but Sasha got out of the way. Sasha then applied the Bank Statement in the middle of the ring. Reginald then dragged Carmella out of the ring and Banks hit him with a Meteora. Carmella took advantage with two kicks to the face and rolled Banks back into the ring.
Carmella went for the cover but Sasha was somehow able to kick out at the last moment. Carmella threw a tantrum and started smacking Sasha in the face. Carmella went for another Facebuster but Sasha countered into the Bank Statement for the submission victory. Sasha Banks is still the SmackDown Women’s Champion.
Opinion: WWE TLC opened with two very good matches. I expected the WWE Championship match to be great but Carmella has definitely improved in the ring and delivered an entertaining match with Banks tonight.
New Day defended the RAW Tag Team Championships against Hurt Business’ Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin. MVP was ringside for the match. New Day isolated Cedric in the ring to start off the action and took turns beating him down. Benjamin tagged in and Kofi greeted him with a Double Stomp off the top rope for a near fall.
Woods tagged in and planted Benjamin with a Tornado DDT for a two count. Cedric tagged in and applied a submission hold to Woods in the middle of the ring. Woods connected with an Enziguri and both superstars fell to the mat. Benjamin and Kofi tagged in and Kingston connected with another Dropkick.
Cedric tagged in and Kofi greeted him with SOS for a near fall. Alexander dodged Trouble in Paradise and hit Kingston with a knee to the face. Cedric followed it up with a Brainbuster and went for the cover but Woods broke it up. Shelton planted Woods with Paydirt and then tagged in.
Shelton went for an Olympic Slam but Kofi escaped and booted Benjamin in the face. Benjamin brought Kingston to the top rope and connected with a Superplex. Alexander tagged himself in and hit Kofi with the Lumbar Check for the pinfall victory. Hurt Business are the new RAW Tag Team Champions. Hurt Business then celebrated on the entrance ramp after the match.
Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax defended the Women’s Tag Team Championships against Asuka and a mystery partner tonight at TLC. Asuka’s partner was supposed to be Lana but Nia & Shayna injured her on RAW. The mystery partner was revealed to be Charlotte Flair.
Asuka and Shayna locked up in the middle of the ring. Baszler booted Asuka in the midsection but the RAW Women’s Champion responded with some kicks of her own. Asuka went for an Armbar but Shayna escaped and tried to stomp on Asuka’s arm.
Charlotte then tagged in and leveled Baszler with a Clothesline. Flair went for the Figure Four but Shayna was able to escape. Nia Jax tagged in and slammed Charlotte into the turnbuckle.
Asuka tagged in and connected with Double Knees. Nia battled back with a headbutt and then threw Asuka into the ring post. Shayna and Nia took turns beating down Asuka in the corner of the ring as Charlotte pleaded for a tag.
Nia launched Asuka into the barricade outside the ring and then tagged Shayna back in. Charlotte leveled Baszler outside the ring and finally was able to tag back in. Charlotte unloaded some chops to Nia as Ric Flair was shown watching backstage.
Flair booted Jax in the face and then delivered a Fallaway Slam to Shayna. Charlotte stomped on Nia’s knee and followed it up with a big boot for a two count. Asuka hit Baszler with a knee to the face as Flair climbed to the top rope.
Charlotte connected with a Moonsault and rolled Nia into the ring. Charlotte went for the Figure Four but Nia booted her away. Asuka tagged in as Nia planted Flair with a Samoan Drop. Asuka connected with a Dropkick off the top rope and Baszler tagged in.
Shayna went for the Kirifuda Clutch but Charlotte was able to tag herself in. Charlotte bounced Shayna’s face into the turnbuckle and then booted Nia off the apron. Charlotte locked in the Figure Four and bridged into the Figure Eight but Nia broke it up. Asuka took out Jax with the Hip Attack as Charlotte connected with the Natural Selection on Shayna for the pinfall victory. Charlotte and Asuka are the new Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Opinion: It is easy to joke about Charlotte returning and already becoming a champion but the division missed her and it is good to see her back.
Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a TLC match. Kevin Owens attacked Reigns and sent him into the corner of the ring. Owens connected with a Cannonball and followed it up with a Splash off the ring apron. Jey Uso tried to attack Owens but Kevin was ready for it.
Owens grabbed a steel chair and bashed it over Jey’s back. Kevin bashed Reigns with the chair before returning to Jey. Uso went for a Superkick but Kevin bashed him in the leg several times with the chair. Owens put Jey’s foot in the chair and stomped on it.
Reigns caught Owens with the Drive By as WWE officials helped Jey to the back. Roman grabbed the steel steps and hit Owens several times with them. Back in the ring, Reigns beat the hell out of Owens with a steel chair. Reigns set up a couple chairs and connected with a Back Body Drop that sent Owens flying on top of them.
Roman started climbing up the ladder but Kevin Owens brought him down with a couple chair shots. Owens hit Reigns with a Brainbuster on top of the chair and said to Roman “you are making me do this”. Kevin started climbing towards the title but Jey Uso dragged him down.
Reigns connected with the Superman Punch as Jey brought a table into the ring. Roman put his boot on Owen’s head and shoved it into the mat. Owens hit Jey with a Superkick and then delivered a Stunner to Roman Reigns. Kevin then hit the Pop-Up Powerbomb that sent Jey through the announce table.
Back in the ring, Owens started climbing the ladder but Reigns scaled up the other side. Reigns brought Owens down and Powerbombed him onto a ladder and then Chokeslammed him through a table outside the ring. Reigns planted Owens with a Samoan Drop through a table before returning to the ring.
Reigns started climbing the ladder but Owens grabbed his leg. Roman laughed and Speared Owens through a table in the corner of the ring. Owens started taunting Roman and told him that he is going to have to kill him. Reigns went for another Spear but Owens got out of the way and Roman crashed through the barricade.
Owens started climbing the ladder in the ring and grabbed the title but Reigns brought him back down. Reigns connected with a Superman Punch but Owens shrugged it off and hit a Pop-Up Powerbomb that sent Roman through a table. Owens climbed back up the ladder but once again Jey Uso interfered.
Kevin hit Jey with a few headbutts and followed it up with a Stunner. Kevin started climbing once again but Roman hit him with a low blow. Reigns then locked in the Guillotine choke on top of the ladder and Owens fell to the mat. Reigns grabbed the title to win the match and retain the Universal Championship.
Opinion: I thought this match was very well done. Owens just kept fighting but simply could not overcome the odds. It took relentless interference from Jey Uso and a low blow from Reigns to retain the title. This was a great feud and showed how low Reigns will go to remain at the top.
The Fiend battled Randy Orton in the first ever Firefly Inferno match. The only way to win is to set your opponent on fire. Orton punched The Fiend in the face to start off the action but The Fiend just giggled. Orton went for an RKO but The Fiend blocked it and beat the hell out Randy in the corner of the ring.
The Fiend went for Sister Abigail but Orton escaped and connected with a Dropkick. The Fiend shrugged it off and raked Orton’s face across the top rope. The Fiend absolutely leveled Orton with a Crossbody and went for the Crossbody but Randy was able to counter into a Backbreaker.
Orton went for another RKO but The Fiend blocked it and connected with the Sister Abigail. The Fiend raised his arms and flames appeared on behind the barricade. The Fiend bounced Orton’s face off the steel steps and raked his eyes. The Fiend hit a Clothesline and grabbed a strap from under the ring.
The Fiend whipped Orton across the back several times and then set the strap on fire. The Fiend went to hit Randy but he ducked and the strap fell behind the barricade. The Fiend grabbed a pickaxe from under the ring but Orton dodged that as well. The Fiend launched Orton into the barricade and then grabbed a rocking chair.
The Fiend poured gasoline on the rocking chair and made a path leading up to it. The Fiend slammed Orton into the steel steps and then put him in the rocking chair. The Fiend pulled out a lighter but Orton was able to escape before the rocking chair went up in flames.
Orton hit The Fiend with an axehandle and then bashed the steel steps on his face. Orton tried to shove The Fiend’s face into the flames but he was able to esscape. Randy wrapped a steel chain around his fist but The Fiend planted him with a Uranage in the middle of the ring.
Randy planted The Fiend with a DDT off the ring apron but The Fiend popped up and locked in the Mandible Claw. Orton turned The Fiend around and shoved him into the flames. Orton rolled into the ring but The Fiend chased after him while on fire. Randy planted The Fiend with the RKO and then grabbed the can of gasoline. Orton poured the gasoline all over The Fiend in the middle of the ring. Randy grabbed a match and then lit The Fiend on fire to close the show.
Opinion: Orton and Wyatt have had some horrific matches in the past (House of Horrors, WrestleMania 33) but this one worked for me. It was gimmicky as hell and obviously pretaped but I was able to enjoy it for what it was. I’ll take someone getting lit on fire over worms projected onto the ring any day. Overall, WWE TLC was a very entertaining PPV with the WWE and Universal Championship matches being the best of the show.
Raw Superstar Charlotte Flair returned to WWE at Sunday’s TLC pay-per-view from the ThunderDome in St. Petersburg, Florida. Charlotte made a surprise appearance as Asuka’s tag team partner against Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler.
Charlotte and Asuka were victorious in the title match. With Charlotte’s return at WWE TLC, she and Asuka are the new Raw Women’s tag team champions.
As a result of this win, Charlotte is now a a Grant Slam Champion in WWE. She has won the Raw, SmackDown and NXT Women’s Championships. She has also won the Women’s tag titles, as well as the Royal Rumble.
WWE posted this photos Charlotte Asuka backstage at TLC after their big win:
The 10-time WWE women’s champion has been out of action for several months. Her last television appearance occurred on the June 22nd episode of Raw. After wrestling against Asuka, Charlotte was attacked by Nia Jax. WWE ran an injury angle to write her off television.
During her time away from WWE, she revealed on social media that she underwent a cosmetic surgical procedure:
“The surgery is cosmetic to fix an issue from a prior surgery,” she said. “I’ll be back when I’m ready. The body will be rested, and the mind still focused on legacy. Focused on this job. Focused on being better. Always being better.”
Charlotte Flair also did some acting during hiatus WWE hiatus. She and Alexa Bliss recently filmed an episode for the ‘Punky Brewster’ reboot that will air on the NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service.
Charlotte Flair at WWE TLC
Earlier this week, Lana suffered an injury of her own at the hands (and feet) of Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. As a result, Lana was pulled from the TLC pay-per-view. This left Asuka without a partner in the women’s tag team championship match. Asuka probably could take on the champions by herself, but had Charlotte Flair as a replacement for Lana.
A return at TLC puts her back on the “chess board” as WWE looks ahead to the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. It remains to be seen if Charlotte will team with Asuka for just one match at TLC, or if they will remain a tag team.
The final betting odds for most of the matches that will take place at the WWE TLC pay-per-view event have been released.
The card for the show that takes place this Sunday (December 20, 2020) from St. Petersburg, Florida at the Tropicana Field has likely been finalized as only six matches have been announced with WWE expected to announce a pre-show contest.
Asuka was supposed to team up with Lana to challenge WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler for the straps. However, Asuka will need to find a new partner after WWE did an injury angle with Lana from this past Monday’s RAW.
TLC Betting Odds
The favorites to win are listed as – while the underdogs are listed with +. Odds call for all three titles to change. Here are the final betting odds courtesy of BetOnline:
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns (-2000) vs. Kevin Owens (+650) – TLC Match
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre (-600) vs. AJ Styles (+350) – TLC Match
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler (N/A) vs. Asuka & TBA (N/A)
Randy Orton (+200) vs. The Fiend (-300)
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks (-500) vs. Carmella (+300)
WWE Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day (-200) vs. Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin (+150)
Make sure to join us this weekend for match recaps and our takeaways from this latest pay-per-view event held by WWE.
Posted December 16th, 2020 in WWE, News. Tagged: WWE TLC.
Raw Superstar Lana has been pulled from Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view.
During Monday’s WWE Raw, Lana defeated Nia Jax in singles action. After the match, she was attacked by Shayna Baszler and Jax. Jax hit Lana with several leg drops on the blonde beauty, while Baszler stomped on her arm.
According to WWE storylines, Lana was taken to a “local medical facility.” Doctors ruled that she sustained extensive injuries during the attack and has been deemed unable to compete at WWE TLC.
As a result, Asuka will have to find a new tag team partner against Women’s tag team champions, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler.
Lana recently posted an a video on social media explaining her need to prove herself by becoming a champion at WWE TLC:
WWE announced a few new matches on Friday night for the upcoming WWE TLC pay-per-view event.
First up is Bray Wyatt’s The Fiend character taking on Randy Orton in a singles match. Because WWE likes to have TLC themed stipulations for the top matches on the card, it’s possible that this bout receives a stipulation.
The second match will see WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka & Lana.
This bout comes days after Asuka and Lana beat Jax and Bazler in a non-title match this past Monday night on RAW.
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks vs. Carmella was also added.
Last but not least is Roman Reigns defending his WWE Universal Title against Kevin Owens in an actual TLC Match. This looks to be the main event of TLC although that has yet to be confirmed.
WWE presents the TLC pay-per-view event on December 20, 2020 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida that will air on the WWE Network.
WWE will be announcing more matches for this show in the coming weeks. The company has already a big match for this show that will see WWE Champion Drew McIntyre vs. AJ Styles.
Drew McIntyre will make his next title defense against AJ Styles at the upcoming WWE TLC pay-per-view event.
Last week, WWE started a tournament to determine the new #1 contender to the WWE Championship. The finals took place in a Sudden Death Triple Threat Match that featured AJ Styles, Riddle and Keith Lee.
This contest was booked in the third hour of Monday’s episode of RAW on the USA Network. This match saw Styles hit the Phenomenal Forearm to Riddle for the win in just about 14 minutes.
As a result of the win, Styles become the new #1 contender and will now challenge McIntyre for the WWE Championship at the final PPV event for WWE in 2020.
WWE TLC takes place Sunday, December 20th and airs live on the WWE Network.
It was reported last Monday that Strowman was slated to challenge McIntyre for the strap at this show. However, that changed due to Strowman dealing with a knee injury.
WWE got around this injury when he headbutted Adam Pearce and was suspended in storyline as a way to get him off television. Now, it should be noted that it’s possible Strowman can recover in time and WWE does an angle to add him to this title contest and make it a three-way bout.
The scheduled main event for this year’s WWE TLC pay-per-view event has been revealed.
Dave Meltzer noted in the Daily Update on F4Wonline.com that the scheduled headliner for this show is Drew McIntyre vs. Braun Strowman for the WWE Title.
This will be the first time in a few months that Randy Orton won’t be featured in the main title picture on the RAW brand.
As of this writing, there’s no word yet on which stipulation this match will have. Historically, WWE likes to add stipulations that are associated with the TLC theme whether that’s Chair, Tables, Ladder, and TLC matches.
WWE is expected to confirm this match booking soon. Also, it’s been reported over the last few weeks that WWE is planning a Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan feud.
Meltzer wrote the following about this program and its status at TLC:
“Right now regarding Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan for the Universal title, that match is scheduled to take place at some point, it could be TLC, but it’s leaning toward a later date.”
WWE presents the TLC pay-per-view event on December 20, 2020 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida that will air on the WWE Network. This will be the final pay-per-view show of 2020 for the company.
Ahead of the upcoming WWE TLC pay-per-view, SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio co-host Bully Ray recently commented on the 20th anniversary of the first-ever TLC match.
Whilst the ‘triangle’ ladder match from WrestleMania 2000 was essentially a TLC bout? SummerSlam 2000 saw the first official Tables, Ladders and Chairs match between The Dudley Boys, Edge & Christian and The Hardy Boyz.
Bully Ray on TLC Matches
“You don’t have time to think” Bully Ray began on the podcast. “Like when you’re taking a bump like I took off of the ladder that night? Or the bump that Matt [Hardy] took backwards off the ladder? The more you think, the worse it’s going to be.”
“You’ll get in your own head” Bully Ray continued, “you just want to grip it and rip it and go out there.”
Bully Ray would then discuss the extreme difficulty in putting together a TLC match, especially with 5 other performers in the bout. “A TLC match is probably the most difficult match to pull off in all of pro wrestling. And the reason is all six guys have to know the match backwards and forwards. Every step, every way. Because if one guy goes down? If something happens, if something goes wrong? Even the smallest of things? It’s going to be a dramatic chain reaction.”
Ray elaborated further, saying “everybody has to be able to fill in, everybody has to be able to improvise. You need to know where everybody is. When you come up with a match sometimes? You maybe only know the finish, and then sometimes you only know a couple spots. Some guys know the entire match. This particular match? Everybody has to know backwards and forwards, and everybody has to recite the match backwards and forwards. [Just so] all the other guys know that you got it.”
Have you seen the original TLC match? Have any others ever topped it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments
D-Von Dudley reflected on the impact of the TLC matchup between the Dudleyz, The Hardyz and Edge and Christian during a recent interview. Speaking with The Outlaws Radio Show, D-Von noted how they were treated like “rock stars” following the match up.
“We really couldn’t go anywhere without having to shut things down. My 15 minutes of fame I’m happy to say that it was worth it with all the abuse that I took over the years from ECW, the WWE and of course unfortunately I’d like to say sometimes TNA…Aces and Eights, that was greatest thing that came out of that, but for the most part, we had fun.”
He continued, “We did what we did and we had fun. We created history and if wasn’t for us, Edge & Christian, The Hardyz and The Dudleyz there would be no PPV called TLC and if it wasn’t for ECW and what we did, there would be no Attitude Era.”
D-Von On Changing The Business Forever
D-Von explained how their TLC match led to a resurgence in tag team wrestling. He also noted how tag team wrestling is “somewhat of a lost art nowadays” on WWE’s product. He argued how WWE has always been a “singles man competition” before listing notable teams throughout the decades. D-Von stated how teams had to fight to earn a position in WWE and get respect.
“You had to be somebody and I think when the Hogan and Andre era was gone, I think people thought that tag team wrestling was really a lost art until six guys that were unknown came in and changed the face of tag team wrestling and that’s exactly what we did.”
The first-ever TLC matchup took place at SummerSlam back in 2000. Edge and Christian would emerge victorious after their famous Triple Threat match with The Hardyz and Dudleyz.
Earlier this week, a list of matches that are being locally advertised for the final WWE pay-per-view event of 2019, TLC, was released.
One of those matches advertised was Baron Corbin vs. Roman Reigns in a TLC Match. It turns out that this match is booked for the show but the stipulation to go along with it hasn’t been finalized quite yet.
According to a report by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is considering a different stipulation for the match, which would involve a dog collar. This type of match would see Corbin and Reigns chained together while wearing dog collars.
“It will be a gimmick match but the gimmick has not been decided upon. It could be tables ladders or chairs, but dog collar match has also been up for consideration,” Meltzer wrote.
On last week’s episode of SmackDown, Corbin cut a promo in the opening segment where he said that Reigns’ bark was more like a chihuahua and then brought out doggy bags and more.
The Usos took out everyone with a flurry of Superkicks and then planted Kingston with a Samoan Drop. Jey Uso hit Kofi with a Frog Splash but Cesaro got into the ring and launched Jey into the ring post. Cesaro went for the cover on Kofi but Kingston kicked out at two. Woods hit Sheamus with an Elbow Drop off the top rope but the pinfall was broken up at two. Sheamus wound up hitting Xavier Woods with the Brogue Kick to retain the titles for The Bar.
This match was decent, but we’ve all seen these teams put forth a much better effort. The crowd wasn’t all that into this match and it is hard to blame them. I have seen enough of these three teams at the top of the division. The Bar retained but there isn’t really an interesting feud for them to have right now on SmackDown.
RAW GM Baron Corbin squared off against Braun Strowman tonight at WWE TLC 2018. Heath Slater was the referee for the match. If Corbin lost the match, he would no longer be the GM of RAW. Braun Strowman had not been seen on RAW since Corbin, Lashley, and McIntyre brutally attacked him a few weeks back.
Strowman came down to the ring with his arm in a sling. Braun noted that Corbin forgot that there are no disqualifications in a TLC match and said that there was somebody that wanted to help him. Apollo Crews, Bobby Roode, Chad Gable, and Finn Balor surrounded the ring. Heath Slater took off his referee shirt and threw it at Corbin’s face.
Corbin tried to retreat up the entrance ramp but former RAW GM Kurt Angle showed up on the entrance ramp. Angle hit Corbin with a steel chair several times until Baron got back into the ring. Everyone took turns beating the hell out of Corbin before Kurt hit him with the Angle Slam. Balor followed it up with the Coup de Grace as Heath put his official’s shirt back on. Strowman placed his boot on Corbin for the pinfall victory. Braun Strowman now has a Universal Championship match against Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble PPV next month.
RAW was just as terrible with Kurt Angle as the GM in my opinion, so this was completely meaningless to me. I’m not sure how anyone could be excited about another Braun Strowman versus Lesnar match either. WWE could have put the belt on Strowman before, but instead, they decided to awkwardly turn him heel in a feud against Roman Reigns and The Shield. Now, I’m not nearly as invested in Braun Strowman as a character on RAW. I will say that this segment was entertaining. Everyone that Corbin had screwed over recently as the GM got some revenge tonight and it was a clever way to work around Braun Strowman’s injury.
Ronda Rousey defended her RAW Women’s Championship against Nia Jax tonight. Tamina was ringside for the match. Rousey started off the match by hopping around the ring and avoiding every strike Nia attempted. Jax finally caught her and hit a Powerbomb for a two count. Jax followed it up with an Elbow Drop and went for the cover but Ronda kicked out at two.
Rousey battled back and was able to lock in the Arm Bar but Nia quickly grabbed the bottom rope. Jax then dragged Ronda out of the ring and hurled her into the barricade as Tamina applauded ringside. Back in the ring, Nia charged at Ronda in the corner but Rousey got out of the way and Jax crashed into the ring post. Rousey made her way to the top rope and connected with a Crossbody on Nia outside the ring.
Rousey brought Nia back inside and went for the cover but Jax kicked out at two. Ronda went for another Crossbody but Nia caught her and hit the Samoan Drop for a near fall. Jax lifted Ronda onto her shoulders and climbed up to the middle rope. Ronda escaped and connected with a Powerbomb for a two count. Ronda then locked in the Arm Bar for the submission victory.
The build-up to this match was not good at all, but to their credit, Jax and Rousey put on a solid match tonight. Rousey has improved a ton since joining WWE when it comes to her in-ring work. I honestly was expecting this match to be a disaster based on the build, but it wound up being fine. I have absolutely no idea where Nia Jax goes from here.
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defended the title against AJ Styles tonight at WWE TLC 2018. Bryan spent the beginning of the match rolling out of the ring to try and avoid Styles. Daniel finally got inside the ring and dominated for several minutes. AJ finally battled back and turned Bryan inside out with a massive Clothesline out of the corner.
Styles connected with a Dragon Screw and then went to work on Bryan’s knee. AJ locked in a Half Crab but Bryan countered into the LeBell Lock in the middle of the ring. AJ broke free and dropped Daniel with the Pele Kick. AJ followed it up with the springboard 450 Splash and went for the cover but Bryan kicked out at the last second.
AJ locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring. Bryan screamed in agony but was able to reach the bottom rope to break the hold. Daniel then rolled out of the ring and grabbed his left leg in pain as the crowd shouted: “this is awesome!”. AJ followed Bryan out there and connected with a Phenomenal Forearm off the barricade. Styles rolled Bryan back inside and went for another Phenomenal Forearm but Daniel avoided it. AJ went for a roll-up but Bryan countered into a roll-up of his own for the pinfall victory.
AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan put on a terrific match tonight. Bryan has been excellent as a heel and I’m looking forward to seeing who his next opponent is. Styles will be hovering around the WWE Championship picture as long as he is on SmackDown and you won’t hear me complain if we see these two Superstars compete again for the belt down the line.
Dean Ambrose Captured The Intercontinental Championship In Boring Fashion
Seth Rollins put his Intercontinental Championship on the line against Dean Ambrose tonight at WWE TLC 2018. The match started off at a painfully slow pace with Ambrose in control. Ambrose hit a Neckbreaker and tried to pin Rollins three times but Rollins kicked out at two every time.
Ambrose targetted Rollins’ knee with a Dropkick and locked in a Cloverleaf submission in the center of the ring. Seth was able to reach the bottom rope to break the hold and then rolled to the ring apron. Seth battled back and connected with a Slingblade and then a Blockbuster off the second rope.
Rollins battled through the pain in his injured knee and hit Ambrose with a Buckle Bomb for a near fall. Ambrose battled back with a Facebuster for a two count. Rollins hit the Superplex and then the Falcon Arrow for another near fall. Ambrose tried to do The Shield’s fist bump but Rollins declined. Seth knocked Ambrose to the outside and Powerbombed him into the barricade.
Seth brought Ambrose back inside the ring and said: “this is for Roman Reigns you piece of sh*t”. Rollins went for The Stomp but Ambrose countered into the Dirty Deeds for the pinfall victory. Dean Ambrose is the new Intercontinental Champion.
I could not believe how terrible this match was. Ambrose turning heel was an awesome moment on RAW several weeks back, but since then this feud has been complete garbage. I thought it would still at least lead to a fight tonight, instead, we got a match that was incredibly boring.
I did not anticipate watching Rollins sell a knee injury for twenty minutes tonight. Despite the atrocious build, I was still looking forward to a good match between these two Superstars. This match didn’t come close to being remotely entertaining and now Dean Ambrose is the Intercontinental Champion, despite being a complete bore on RAW since turning heel.
Ronda Rousey Handed Asuka The SmackDown Women’s Championship
Becky Lynch defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair and Asuka in the first-ever women’s TLC Match. Asuka Powerbombed Charlotte through a table and made her way up the ladder. Becky connected with a Dropkick to Asuka off the top rope but Asuka responded with a Hip Attack that sent Lynch out of the ring.
Flair took out Asuka and Lynch with a Moonsault off the top rope and then set up a table. Lynch got up and started swinging a steel chair. Flair booted it out of her hands and slammed Becky into the barricade. Lynch battled back and set up Asuka and Charlotte on top of the announce table. Becky climbed up a gigantic ladder and went for a Leg Drop but Asuka got out of the way. Lynch landed directly on Charlotte’s ribs and then bounced to the floor.
Asuka got back into the ring and started making her way up the ladder. Becky climbed up on the opposite side and the two started trading shots. Flair got into the ring and bashed them both with a kendo stick several times.
Lynch hit Charlotte with an Exploder Suplex outside of the ring. Asuka beat the hell out of Lynch with the kendo stick and then posed against the barricade. Charlotte Flair came out of nowhere and hit Asuka with a Spear that sent her crashing through the barricade. Becky and Charlotte started trash talking in the ring before trading punches.
Flair brought Becky out of the ring and hit a bunch of chops to her midsection. Charlotte set Becky up on top of a table and then slapped her in the face before climbing up the turnbuckle. Charlotte hit Lynch with an epic Cannonball through the table from off the top turnbuckle.
Charlotte made her way back inside the ring and set up the ladder under the title. Asuka rushed back in and climbed up the opposite side of the ladder. Flair and Asuka traded shots on the top of the ladder as Lynch set up another ladder right next to them. Charlotte knocked Asuka to the canvas and then traded punches with Becky.
Ronda Rousey came down to the ring and shoved over the ladder with Becky and Charlotte on it. Lynch and Flair fell to the canvas as Asuka climbed her way up the ladder. Asuka grabbed the title to become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.
This was a terrific main event. Vince McMahon will appear on tomorrow night’s episode of RAW in order to “shake things up”. I figured that Becky would drop the title tonight but I thought it would be to Charlotte Flair. However we wind up there, the main event of WrestleMania should be Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte. As for Asuka, she has been wasting away on SmackDown and it is great to see her as the champion again. Overall, WWE TLC 2018 was a mixed bag. The main event and Bryan vs. Styles were the only matches that were memorable.
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.
In the interview with Roberts, Balor reveals how he found out he would be facing the Scottish Pyscopath at TLC, and what that means to him.
“I’m still trying to process the fact that I have a match with Drew McIntyre at TLC,” Balor said. “I found out about it the same way you did, through social media.”
While Balor and McIntyre may have come from a similar part of the world to WWE, the two had never wrestled before they found themselves on the Raw roster this year.
“It’s crazy. We come from kind of the same general place on planet earth, we kind of have very similar career paths, but we’ve never had a singles match on TV,” Balor said.
“We never really crossed paths on the indies, we were kind of in the same place at the same time, but it never worked out there.”
Balor went on to say that he feels that their match at TLC will be something of a proving ground for the two superstars.
“I’m sure he has a lot of stuff he wants to prove to me. I have a lot of stuff I want to prove to him,” Balor said.
“Really, I have a lot of stuff I want to prove to everyone that’s watching. I’m looking forward to it. It’s good to be in the mix.”
Balor also says that fans can expect a memorable performance from him at the pay-per-view.
“It’s good to be in that spot. I don’t take it for granted. At TLC, I’m going to pull out all the stops.”
WWE TLC 2017 aired live tonight from the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN. AJ Styles faced Finn Balor and Kurt Angle made his WWE in-ring return. Here are 7 takeaways from WWE TLC 2017:
Asuka Won Her Debut Match, Sasha Banks Beat Alicia Fox
Sasha Banks picked up another victory over Alicia Fox during the TLC Kickoff show
Sasha Banks and Alicia Fox put on a very solid match during the TLC Kickoff Show. Sasha wound up picking up the victory via the Bank Statement and the crowd gave Sasha a great reaction after she picked up the win.
Asuka got a great reaction from the crowd as she made her way down to the ring. Emma controlled the first few minutes of the match. Emma hung Asuka up across the top rope and booted her in the back several times. Emma then got out of the ring and yanked on Asuka’s hair while she was still tied up in the top rope. Emma connected with a Splash for a two count.
Asuka battled back and connected with with a series of kicks and then stomped on Emma’s fingers against the mat. Asuka then hit a Dropkick off the second rope and then booted Emma in the face a couple of more times. Asuka then applied the Ankle Lock but Emma battled to her feet. Asuka then planted Emma with a German Suplex and Emma rolled out of the ring.
Emma once again grabbed Asuka by the hair and threw her to the floor outside the ring. The action returned to the ring and Asuka connected with a kick. Asuka applied the Asuka Lock in the middle of the ring for the submission victory.
Jason Jordan Interrupted Elias, Swann & Alexander Defeated Gallagher & Kendrick
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Elias came down to the entrance ramp to perform a song. He quoted Prince before he started strumming his guitar. Just before Elias began to sing, groceries started landing on him through the darkness. When the lights came on, Jason Jordan was on the entrance ramp with a shopping cart full of food. Jordan threw a couple more items at Elias and then walked backstage. Elias tried to perform a song later in the night but was once again interrupted by Jason Jordan throwing groceries.
Rich Swann & Cedric Alexander defeated Jack Gallagher & Brian Kendrick
Jack Gallagher came down to the ring with new sinester entrance music. Kendrick and Gallagher isolated Swann in the ring for a few minutes and beat him down. Swann was finally able to tag in Alexander and he connected with a Clothesline off the top rope. Cedric went for the cover but Kendrick dragged him out of the ring. Kendrick then tagged himself in and connected with a Superkick. Kendrick then applied with the Captain’s Hook. Swann climbed to the top rope and hit a Phoenix Splash onto Kendrick to break the hold. Alexander then connected with the Lumbar Check for the victory.
Alexa Bliss Retained Her RAW Women’s Championship In A Very Good Match With Mickie James
Mickie and Alexa argued to start off the match. Mickie then connected with a slap and Alexa got pissed off. Mickie the dragged Alexa to the canvas by her hair and followed it up with a boot to Alexa’s face for a two count. Bliss knocked Mickie to the ring apron and started to focus her attack on Mickie’s arm.
Alexa spent the next few minutes working on Mickie’s arm and shouting at the referee. Mickie connected with an elbow and then traded slaps with Alexa in the ring. Both Mickie and Alexa then connected with kicks at the same time and they both fell to the canvas. Mickie hit a series of forearms and then followed it up with a Clothesline for a two count.
Mickie climbed to the top rope but Alexa shoved her off and Mickie landed on her injured shoulder. Alexa climbed to the top rope and went for the Twisted Bliss but Mickie rolled out of the way. Mickie once again climbed to the top rope and connected with a Dropkick for a two count.
The crowd chanted “we want tables” as Mickie went for another cover. Alexa sucked Mickie into the corner and then grabbed her arm and slammed her into the turnbuckle. Alexa then hit the DDT for the pinfall victory. After the match, Mickie James was interviewed and she said that she is proud of her effort tonight. Mickie vowed to become Women’s champion once again.
Enzo Amore Defeated Kalisto & Is Once Again Cruiserweight Champion
Enzo came down to the ring to cut a promo. Enzo had lost his voice but still managed to cut the promo. Kalisto controlled the match early and connected with an Enziguri that knocked Enzo out of the ring. Kalisto dove through the ropes and hit a Suicide Dive onto Enzo outside the ring.
The action returned to the ring and Enzo crawled to the ring apron to avoid Kalisto. Enzo took control of the match and the crowd once again chanted “we want tables!”. Enzo mocked Kalisto’s “Lucha!” chant and climbed to the top rope. Enzo then descided against jumping off the top rope and hopped back down to the mat. Kalisto quickly connected with a kick and charged at Enzo in the corner. Enzo booted him to the mat for a two count.
Amore wound up like he was a baseball pitcher and then punched Kalisto in the face. Amore stayed on the attack and applied a Chin Lock. Kalisto broke free and slammed Enzo to the mat. Kalisto went for the cover but Enzo got his foot on the bottom rope. Enzo then slammed the back of Kalisto’s head into the bottom turnbuckle. Enzo then climbed to the second rope and connected with a DDT for a two count.
Enzo grew frustrated that he couldn’t put Kalisto away and threw a mini-tantrum in the ring. Kalisto once again went on the attack and Enzo tried to escape out of the ring. Enzo grabbed on the ring skit and pulled it into the ring while Kalisto was dragging him towards the middle of the ring. The referee started to get the ring skirt out of the ring and Enzo poked Kalisto in the eye. Enzo then hit his finisher for the victory and is now a 2x Cruiserweight Champion.
The crowd chanted “this is awesome!” before the match even started. AJ controlled the match early and connected with a kick that knocked Balor to the mat. AJ connected with the Phenomenal Forearm for a two count. AJ and Balor traded punches and Finn got the upper-hand and drove AJ to the corner.
Styles battled out of the corner and delivered a chop to Balor’s chest. Finn shoved AJ into the corner and delivered a chop of his own. Balor connected with a kick to AJ’s face that sent Styles tumbling out of the ring. Balor then flipped onto AJ outside the ring. Finn brought AJ back into the ring and connected with a Slingblade.
Balor charged at Styles but AJ countered into an Ushigoroshi and both Superstars fell to the mat. AJ slammed Balor face-first into the mat with a Facebuster for a two count. Balor knocked AJ to the corner and connected with a Dropkick. Styles quickly locked in the Calf Crusher in the middle of the ring. Finn broke the Calf Crusher by slamming AJ’s head into the mat several times.
AJ went for another Phenomenal Forearm but Finn shoved him out of the ring. Balor hopped on the ring apron and punted AJ’s head and Styles fell to the floor outside the ring. Balor followed it up with a Dropkick that sent AJ into the barricade. Balor rolled back into the ring as the referee was counting, but decided he didn’t want to win that way and went back after Styles. AJ lifted Balor up and slammed him over the announce table.
Back in the ring, AJ and Finn went for a Crossbody at the same time and both Superstars crashed to the canvas. Balor connected with an overhead kick and once again both Superstars fell tot he mat. Balor was first to his feet and drove AJ into the mat with the 1916 for a two count.
Finn climbed to the top rope but AJ sprung to his feet and connected with a Pele Kick. Styles went for the 450 Splash but Balor got out of the way. Balor hit a Dropkick and then hit the Coupe de Grace for the pinfall victory. After the match, Balor and AJ did the “two sweet” hand gesture. Easily the match of the night so far.
After interrupting two of Elias’ concerts tonight, Jason Jordan and Elias finally had a match. Elias controlled the match early and kneed Jordan in the back and Jordan fell face-first intot he second turnbuckle. The match then slowed down as Elias applied a Chin Lock.
Jordan shoved Elias out of the ring and Elias quickly hopped back into the squared circle. Jordan picked up Elias and slammed him into the turnbuckle. Jordan then hit a Belly to Belly throw and then planted Elias with a Side Slam for a two count. Jordan then perched Elias up on the top rope and connected with a couple of punches to Elias’ face. Jordan then rolled up Elias for the pinfall victory in an absolutely terrible match.
Angle, Rollins & Ambrose Defeated The Miz, The Bar, Kane & Strowman
Kurt Angle, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins made their way to the ring through the crowd in Shield vests. The came to the ring with chairs and beat the hell out Kane as the crowd chanted “yes!”. Rollins, Ambrose and Angle then attacked Sheamus, Cesaro and The Miz outside the ring with ladders.
Angle hit Strowman with a ladder outside the ring several times. Back in the ring, Kane grabbed Ambrose by the throat but Rollins broke it up and knocked Kane out of the ring. Ambrose and Rollins then took out Cesaro and Sheamus and cleared off the announce table. Rollins cracked a chair across Kane’s back and then rolled him onto the table.
Braun Strowman attacked Rollins and Ambrose and then went after Angle. Seth Rollins and Ambrose then hit Strowman with chairs and then slammed him into the ring post. Strowman and Kane were then set up on the announce tables and Ambrose and Rollins climbed up the ladders. Ambrose and Rollins then hit dueling Elbow Drops onto Strowman and Kane through the tables.
Angle was then surrounded in the ring by The Miz and The Bar. Rollins and Ambrose made the save and Kurt Angle hit three German Suplexes onto The Miz. Angle then delivered a German Suplex to Cesaro and Sheamus. Angle then locked in the Ankle Lock onto Kane but Braun Strowman quickly broke it up and slammed Angle into the barricade outside the ring. Strowman then hit the Running Powerslam on Kurt Angle through a table.
The Bar, The Miz, Kane and Strowman then beat down Ambrose and Rollins for the next few minutes as Angle was helped up the entrance ramp by WWE’s medical staff. Booker T went on a rant about how Angle shouldn’t have even been in the match as Rollins was whipped into a steel chair against the turnbuckle.
Kane accidentally hit Strowman with a steel chair and Braun stared at him. Braun then shoved Kane to the mat and Ambrose and Rollins tried to capitalize. The numbers game once again caught up to them and Ambrose and Rollins were beaten down. Sheamus and Cesaro brought a table into the ring and tried to slam Dean through it but the table didn’t break. They then set up the table in the corner and Strowman threw Ambrose into it.
The Miz then went up to the entrance ramp and waved in a garbage truck. Rollins and Ambrose leaped onto everyone besides The Miz off the top of the garbage truck. They then chased The Miz back down towards the ring and attacked him with chairs. Kane once again attacked Braun Strowman and Chokeslammed him through the stage.
Kane then stood above Strowman as Braun grabbed slowly tried to crawl out of the hole in the stage. Kane yanked a part of the set design down and a bunch of chairs fell onto Braun Strowman. Kane then Chokeslammed Ambrose and Rollins through two tables. Braun Strowman climbed out of the hole in the entrance ramp and The Miz begged him not to do anything.
Strowman launched The Miz into the screen on the entrance ramp and started trading shots with Kane. The Bar, The Miz and Kane then all attacked Strowman and threw him in the garbage truck. Kane, The Bar and The Miz then beatdown Ambrose and Rollins in the ring.
Kurt Angle’s music hit and he slowly made his way down the entrance ramp as the crowd chanted “you suck”. Angle hit an Angle Slam onto Sheamus and then hit another one on Cesaro through a table. Ambrose and Rollins hit a Spear onto Kane through the barricade. The Miz connected with the Skull Crushing Finale for a two count.
The Miz went for another Skull Crushing Finale but Angle reversed it into the Ankle Lock. The Miz kicked Angle and Kurt fell out of the ring. Ambrose, Angle and Rollins then surrounding The Miz in the ring. Rollins connected with a knee, Ambrose hit the Dirty Deeds and Angle hit the Angle Slam on The Miz. Angle, Rollins and Ambrose then planted The Miz with the Triple Powerbomb for the pinfall victory.
This match was all over the place and was a bit slow. Having said that, WWE TLC 2017 was a much better show than I expected. I am looking forward to Braun Strowman causing chaos tomorrow night on RAW after being shoved in a garbage truck.
Roman Reigns faced The Miz tonight on RAW for the Intercontinental Championship. Before the match even got started, Reigns attacked Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. Reigns got his revenge on them for last week and beat them down with a steel chair on the entrance ramp. The Miz was then shown with a concerned look on his face as Roman marched towards the ring.
Reigns dominated The Miz during the match and connected with a Superman Punch. The Miz kicked out at two but Roman remained on the attack. Reigns was gearing up for the Spear but was attacked from behind by Sheamus and Cesaro. The Miz was then disqualified and retained his Intercontinental Championship.
Sheamus, Cesaro and The Miz then beatdown Reigns and planted him with a Powerbomb. The trio posed in the ring over Reigns and mocked The Shield by fist-bumping. Sheamus and Cesaro had already attacked both The Miz and Seth Rollins earlier on RAW.
Just before RAW went off the air, Reigns was shown backstage clutching at his ribs in pain. He was approached by Dean Ambrose and then Rollins followed shortly after. The Superstars didn’t say a word to each other, but instead simply nodded their heads. Sheamus and Cesaro will be guests on Miz TV next week.
It was originally thought that The Shield would reunite to face The Miz and The Miztourage. However, it looks like Sheamus and Cesaro have joined The Miz in the battle against The Shield. WWE TLC will air on October 22nd. It appears that we will see The Shield versus The Miz, Sheamus and Cesaro at the PPV but that has not been confirmed yet.
Alexa Bliss insulted six time Women’s Champion Mickie James on RAW last week and called her an “old lady”. Bliss continued to poke fun at Mickie tonight on RAW by placing diapers in her locker room. Mickie tried to confront Bliss in her locker room but Nia Jax got in the way.
Nia Jax and Mickie James then faced off on RAW. Mickie hit a Tornado DDT off the turnbuckle and had the match won but Alexa Bliss broke up the pinfall. Alexa then started to attack Mickie James and Nia Jax was disqualified.
Mickie James got the last laugh and booted Alexa in the face on the entrance ramp. Mickie was later interviewed backstage and said that she wanted to become RAW Women’s Champion. RAW General Manager Kurt Angle appeared and said that Mickie James will get a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship based on her history and her performance tonight.
Alexa Bliss will defend her RAW Women’s Championship against Mickie James at WWE TLC on October 22nd.
The Vaudevillians, The Ascension & Curt Hawkins vs American Alpha, Hype Bros & Apollo Crews
Crews and Hawkins started off the match. Crews dominated Hawkins and then tagged in Ryder. Viktor was then tagged in and he leveled Ryder with an elbow. Ryder hit a Neckbreaker on Viktor and then tagged in Mojo Rawley. Mojo and Konnor faced off in the ring. Mojo danced around the ring but ultimately was trapped in the wrong corner. Aiden English entered the match and was knocked out with a right hand from Rawley. American Alpha then got involved and cleaned house. Everyone just started throwing each other out of the ring until Apollo Crews was the last man standing.
A brawl then broke out between both teams. The Vaudevillians, The Ascension and Curt Hawkins were thrown out of the ring and the kickoff show went to a commercial break. When TLC returned, Hawkins hit a Suplex on Chad Gable. Hawkins then tagged in Viktor and he continued the assault on Gable. Konnor was tagged in and he applied a Chinlock to Gable. The crowd started to cheer for Gable as he battled out of the Chinlock. It didn’t work as Viktor and Konnor of The Ascension took turns beating down Gable.
Gable tried to tag out of the match but The Vaudevillians pulled everyone down from the apron. Aiden English then was tagged in and he attempted to keep Gable grounded. Simon Gotch accidentally ran into Viktor and knocked him off the apron. This allowed Gable to finally tag in Jason Jordan and he cleaned house. Apollo Crews Suplexed Hawkins to the outside of the ring onto the Hype Bros and The Ascension. Back in the ring, American Alpha hit the Grand Amplitude on Simon Gotch for the victory.
Smackdown Tag Team Championship Match: Heath Slater & Rhyno (c) vs Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt
Orton and Rhyno started out the match and Rhyno got the upper hand. Slater was then tagged in and Orton knocked him to the ring apron. Bray Wyatt then tripped up Slater and he fell to the outside of the ring. Orton then stomped on Slater and tagged in Bray Wyatt. Slater tried to tag in Rhyno but Wyatt prevented it. Wyatt threw Slater out of the ring and tagged in Orton. The beatdown continued as Orton connected with a Powerslam on Slater.
Wyatt entered the match and applied a Chinlock to Slater. Heath desperately tried to fight back and was able to make a diving tag to Rhyno. Immediately after the tag, Rhyno leveled Wyatt with a shoulder tackle off of the second turnbuckle. Rhyno went for a Spear on Orton outside the ring but Harper pushed Orton out of the way. Harper took the Spear but shortly after, Orton hit Rhyno with an RKO for the victory. Bray Wyatt did the spider walk to distract Rhyno and Orton used the distraction to hit the RKO. After the match, both Wyatt and Orton put their title belts on Harper’s shoulders. They then posed in the ring and the crowd loudly applauded them.
Winners & New Tag Team Champions: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt
Reaction: It was definitely time to take the Tag Team titles off of Slater and Rhyno and there is no better team on Smackdown to give them to than Orton and Wyatt. The match itself was shorter than I expected but was still decent. The new Wyatt family may have posed together after the match but I still feel like it is only a matter of time before they all turn on each other.
The match started off with Nikki Bella taking down Carmella and dragging her out of the ring. Carmella launched Nikki Bella into the stairs outside the ring. Nikki seemed to be favoring her leg and Carmella demanded the referee to count her out. Nikki beat the count but was immediately Suplexed into the ropes. Carmella followed it up with another Suplex into the ropes. Carmella hung Nikki upside down from the top turnbuckle and grabbed a kendo stick from under the ring. Carmella then taunted Nikki by doing the “you can’t see me” motion. Carmella then hit Nikki’s leg with the kendo stick several times.
Carmella applied the Code of Silence to Nikki in the center of the ring. Nikki grabbed the kendo stick and hit Carmella with it to break the hold. The action spilled outside of the ring and Nikki drove Carmella into the LED ring post. Nikki then hopped onto the barricade and leaped off of it and hit Carmella with a roundhouse kick. Back in the ring, Nikki hit Carmella a couple of times with the kendo stick. However, Carmella was able to stop the attack by kicking Nikki’s injured leg. Carmella went to drag Nikki Bella into the ring but Nikki sprayed her with a fire extinguisher. Nikki then sprayed Carmella with the extinguisher until it was empty. Nikki then hit the Rack Attack 2.0 for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Carmella grabbed a microphone and stated that she wasn’t the one that attacked Nikki Bella at Survivor Series. Carmella claimed that the person that attacked Nikki at Survivor Series was Natalya.
Reaction: I thought this match was solid and entertaining for what it was. If it does indeed turn out to be Natalya who attacked Nikki at Survivor Series that is kind of a bummer. I was hoping for it to be someone unexpected. Natalya was a pretty obvious choice given the fact that she wasn’t supposed to be a part of the Survivor Series match. The positive I can take from that is that hopefully the Carmella and Nikki feud is over. It had it’s entertaining moments but it is time to end it.
Daniel Bryan was interviewed backstage. Daniel admitted that he didn’t like The Miz and wouldn’t mind seeing Dolph Ziggler win the Intercontinental Championship tonight. The Miz then interrupted and stated that he wished he was facing Daniel Bryan tonight so that he could shove him off of 10 foot ladder. The Miz then sarcastically told Daniel Bryan to enjoy the match and walked away.
Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: The Miz (c) vs Dolph Ziggler
The match started out back and forth. The Miz launched Ziggler outside the ring and gained control of the match for a brief moment. Ziggler battled back but his momentum was cut short when he was hit with a boot to the face. There were dueling “let’s go Ziggler!” and “let’s go Miz” chants in the arena. Ziggler ran at The Miz but Miz dropped to the floor and tripped Ziggler up and he fell face first into a ladder. The Miz and Ziggler played tug of war with a ladder and Ziggler won. The Miz got pulled into the ring post and fell to the floor outside the ring.
Ziggler hit a Satellite DDT on The Miz onto a ladder outside the ring. Ziggler brought a ladder into the ring but The Miz leveled him with a Dropkick to the back. Miz then trapped Ziggler in the corner by placing the ladder in front of him. The Miz then connected with a Dropkick to the ladder that slammed into the ribs of Ziggler. Dolph battled back and hit a Springboard Elbow Drop off of the ladder that was propped up between the ropes. Ziggler then launced Miz into the ladder and went to the outside of the ring to get an additional ladder.
Ziggler set up the ladder and climbed to the top but The Miz dragged him back down to the mat. Dolph connected with a running Clothesline and tossed The Miz out of the ring. Dolph once again climbed to the top but The Miz pushed the ladder over and Ziggler bounced off of the top rope and fell to the mat. The Miz mocked Daniel Bryan by doing the “yes!” chant and followed it up with a couple of Dropkicks to Ziggler in the corner. The Miz went for a third Dropkick but Ziggler powered out of the corner and launched a ladder into the face of The Miz.
Dolph once again climbed to the top of the ladder. The Miz raced up the opposite side of the ladder and both men traded punches at the top as the title swung above them. Ziggler connected with a big right hand and The Miz fell to the mat. Ziggler reached for the title but The Miz grabbed his leg and slammed it into the ladder. Miz then stretched out Ziggler’s leg by tying it around the ladder. The Miz then slammed Ziggler knee first into the ladder and Dolph screamed in agony. The Miz continued to target the knee of Ziggler by slamming it into the ladder.
The Miz then trapped Ziggler’s knee in between the ladder and applied a Figure Four while Ziggler’s leg was trapped in the ladder. The Miz finally broke the hold and stomped on Ziggler’s knee one more time for good measure. The Miz then hit a Skull Crushing Finale on Ziggler who fell face first into the ladder. The Miz climbed to the top of the ladder but Ziggler pushed the ladder over. The Miz grabbed onto the hooks that suspend the title above the ring and was left hanging in the air. Ziggler then smashed the ladder into The Miz and he fell to the mat. The Miz then grabbed at his knee and rolled out of the ring in pain.
Ziggler tried to climb to the top of the ladder but it took him some time due to the attacks on his knee earlier in the match. This allowed The Miz enough time to knock Ziggler off of the ladder and Powerbomb him on top of the ladder that was propped up in between the ropes. The Miz hobbled around the ring and set up another ladder in the ring. On one leg, The Miz hopped up a couple of rungs of the ladder. Ziggler then got up and climbed the other using only his arms. Both men were at the top of the ladder and they traded punches. Ziggler connected with a headbutt on The Miz but he didn’t fall off the ladder. Ziggler connected with two more headbutts and The Miz fell to the mat. Ziggler tried to grab the title but The Miz climbed up and hit Dolph with a low blow. Ziggler then fell to the mat and The Miz grabbed the title for the win.
After the match, The Miz dedicated the win to Daniel Bryan. The Miz stated that Daniel Bryan motivated him to become the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. The Miz then called everyone in the audience a loser and said that Dolph Ziggler should get a participation trophy. The Dallas crowd booed as The Miz and Maryse kissed in the ring.
Reaction: This was an excellent match and a fitting way to end one of the better feuds of the year. There was no goofy interference from the Spirit Squad or Maryse. The Miz won the match by a low-blow but that was perfectly legal in a ladder match. I’m glad that the Intercontinental Championship remains on the shoulder of The Miz. He has been nothing short of stellar since the brand split and is one of the main reasons I enjoy watching Smackdown more than Raw. The Miz mocks Daniel Bryan in every match and even cut a promo on him following tonight’s match. I don’t know where this is all heading but I’m intrigued. It will be difficult for any other match on the card to top this one and I’m looking forward to rewatching it in the future. There was a great blend of high spots and storytelling in this match. I thought both Ziggler and The Miz did a great job of slowing down the pace of the match and highlighting that they were injured. The Miz and Ziggler have had a few great matches this year but this one was my favorite. As always, that is just my opinion and I’m interested to read your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Kalisto started off the match by launching onto Corbin outside the ring. Corbin then spent the next several minutes beating the hell out of Kalisto. Corbin took off his shirt and tied it around Kalisto’s neck and whipped into a a group of chairs outside the ring. Kalisto finally fought back and connected with a seated Senton onto six chairs in the ring. Kalisto went for a pin but Corbin somehow was able to kick out. Kalisto went for a Suicide Dive onto Corbin outside the ring but Baron caught him and planted him with a massive Deep Six.
Corbin rolled Kalisto into the ring and went for a pinfall but Kalisto kicked out. This enraged Corbin and he got frustrated and punched Kalisto in the head several times. Corbin then angrily tossed several chairs into the center of the ring. Corbin then chased Kalisto around the outside of the ring with a chair. Corbin swung and missed several times with the chair as Kalisto ran for his life. Kalisto knocked the chair out of Corbin’s hands and hit a Hurricanrana off of the barricade.
Back in the ring, Kalisto hit a Moonsault onto Corbin while a chair was placed on top of him. Corbin somehow kicked out at two and Kalisto couldn’t believe it. Kalisto hit Corbin in the back a few times with the chair and then set up a bed of chairs in the ring. Kalisto climbed to the top rope and tried to jump onto Corbin but Baron smashed a chair into the head of Kalisto. Baron Corbin then hit the End of Days onto the bed of chairs in the ring for the victory.
Winner: Baron Corbin
Reaction: I had zero interest in this match and this feud. Having said that, Corbin and Kalisto put on a very good match. Baron Corbin needed this victory but Kalisto was competitive throughout the match. I’m hoping that this marks then of this feud. I think Corbin is ready to start pursuing a title on Smackdown.
Natalya was interviewed backstage. She denied Carmella’s claim that she was the one that attacked Nikki Bella at Survivor Series. Natalya then wished Becky Lynch luck in her Women’s Championship match against Alexa Bliss. Natalya stated that their was no better Superstar on Smackdown to represent the Women’s division than Becky Lynch.
Becky and Alexa quickly brought the match outside of the ring and Becky got the upper hand. Lynch slammed Bliss into the barricade several times. Lynch went for a Powerbomb but Alexa hopped up on the ring apron and kicked Becky in the face. Back in the ring, Becky connected with a Suplex and climbed out of the ring to get a table. Lynch set up the table outside the and tried to Suplex Alexa onto it. Bliss fought back and slammed Lynch’s head into the top turnbuckle. Bliss then bit Becky’s hand and connected with a Double Knees onto the her back.
Bliss then stomped Becky’s head into the mat several times and got another table from under the ring. Becky tried to attack Alexa but Bliss blocked it and slammed Lynch’s head into the post. A bunch of people in the crowd started to chant “JBL!” for no reason. Back in the ring, Bliss and Lynch traded punches. Bliss then propped Becky up on the table and climbed to the top rope. Becky got off of the table and met Alexa on the top turnbuckle. Becky connected with a couple of punches and tried for a Superplex but Bliss blocked it.
Both Superstars got down from the turnbuckle and Alexa knocked Becky to the mat. Alexa then set up the table in the corner of the ring but this allowed time for Becky to get back up. Lynch connected with a series of Clothesline and for a Becksplex through the table but Alexa blocked it. Alexa then hit Double Knees to the ribs of Becky Lynch. Bliss continued the assault on Becky by connecting with a flurry of right hands while Becky laid on the mat. Lynch went to slam Bliss through the table but Alexa was able to flip over the table so she wouldn’t go through it. Alexa then hit a DDT on Becky onto the wood of the flipped over table.
Becky Lynch applied the Dis-Arm-Her on Alexa while her arm was caught in the legs of the table. Lynch then followed it up with a Pumphandle Slam. Lynch then set up a table between the bottom and the second rope. Becky then carried Alexa to the table and put her on top of it. Lynch then climbed to the top turnbuckle but Alexa kicked her in the face. Bliss then through Becky to the mat and followed it up with a Dropkick to the face. Lynch responded by slinging Alexa into the table propped up between the ropes. Alexa rolled to the outside of the ring and Becky followed her. Becky was on the ring apron and Alexa Bliss connected with a Powerbomb through the table outside of the ring.
After the match, Becky Lynch was interviewed on the entrance ramp. Becky Lynch stated that she was very disappointed in herself for losing the title.
Winner & New Smackdown Women’s Champion: Alexa Bliss
Reaction: This match started off very slow and was clunky at times. However, it picked up momentum and wound up being a decent match. The crowd seemed to be bored during the match and that resulted in some random chants. At no point did I find this match that boring and for the most part, I am never a fan of an audience trying to disrupt a show just for the hell of it. It wasn’t a majority of the crowd but it was enough to take away from the match and distract those that were trying to enjoy it. I’m all for voicing your opinion and booing the hell out of a performer that you do not enjoy. The days of the crowd reacting to Superstars the way the WWE wants them to are over. A lot of the crowd knows who the company is pushing and I understand the audience voicing their frustration with that. What I usually do not get is when members of an audience try to celebrate themselves by chanting irrelevant things. It is the equivalent of standing in a movie theater and shouting out other movie titles during a film you find boring. I’m one of those people that can enjoy a professional wrestling match even if I am not that interested in the feud. A perfect example of that would be the chairs match between Baron Corbin and Kalisto earlier in the show.
All of that being said, I was looking forward to this match and I thought the Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch feud was very entertaining leading up to TLC. However, this match was a bit of a disappointment. It felt clumsy and directionless at times. There were a couple of good moments but Bliss and Lynch are capable of putting on a much better match than this one. Alexa Bliss becoming Smackdown Women’s Champion was a great choice because for the most part she has been very good since she came up from NXT. I’m interested to see where Becky Lynch goes from here. I don’t know if the WWE is considering turning her heel but I wouldn’t mind seeing that happen.
WWE World Championship TLC Match: AJ Styles (c) vs Dean Ambrose
Ambrose started out the match on the offensive. The match almost immediately went to the outside of the ring and Ambrose connected with a Suplex on the entrance ramp. Ambrose propped Styles up onto a table and climbed onto an absurdly tall ladder. Styles got off of the table and scampered into the crowd area. Ambrose chased after him and placed a trash can over the head of Styles. Ambrose then punched the trash can and Styles fell to the floor.
The action eventually returned to the outside of the ring and Styles hit a Clothesline on Ambrose who was leaning against the barricade. Styles went for another Clothesline but Ambrose avoided it and he slammed Styles crotch-first into the barricade. Ambrose then grabbed a chair and charged at Styles on the barricade. The chair bounced off of the shoulder of Styles and AJ fell to the mat. Ambrose then set up a ladder in the ring and tried to grab the title. Styles sprinted back in the ring and pushed Ambrose off of the ladder.
Ambrose catapulted Styles into a ladder on the ropes and AJ went flying out of the ring. Ambrose picked up the ladder and threw it onto Styles outside of the ring. Ambrose then set up a table in the ring but Styles came up behind him and hit him in the back with a chair. Styles then hit Ambrose in the ribs and the back with the chair. Styles then set up a chair and hit Ambrose with a Sidewalk Slam on top of it. Styles once again grabbed the chair and hit Ambrose a few more times with it.
Styles grabbed three more chairs from under the ring. AJ then set up four chairs in the ring and went for a Suplex but Ambrose blocked it. Ambrose reversed it and sent AJ flipping into the chairs in an awesome sequence. The crowd started to chant “holy s***!” and “this is awesome”! Ambrose connected with a Bodyslam on Styles that landed on the chair. Dean then brought a chair up to the second turnbuckle and landed an Elbow Drop with a chair on Styles.
Ambrose and Styles traded punches but AJ got the upper hand and Suplexed Dean through a table that was propped up in the corner of the ring. Styles connected with a Dropkick but Ambrose bounced off the ropes and launched into a Lunatic Lariat. Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm but Ambrose blocked it. Ambrose then launched AJ out of the ring and Dean hung on the top rope with a sadistic grin on his face. Ambrose connected with a Suicide Dive and Styles bounced off of the announcer’s table. Ambrose then cleaned off the monitors of two of the announce tables ringside.
Ambrose set up a ladder on top of one of the announce tables and beatdown Styles on the other one. Ambrose then climbed up the ladder and hit a massive Elbow Drop onto Styles and both Superstars went smashing through the announce table. Dean was the first to his feet and he brought a ladder into the ring. Ambrose began to climb the ladder as the crowd cheered him on. AJ Styles somehow got up and hit a Phenomenal Forearm onto Ambrose who was halfway up the ladder.
Both men got back up and started to climb the ladder. They reached the top and began to trade punches. The punches lead to dueling headbutts and both Superstars fell to mat. Ambrose went for the Dirty Deeds but AJ blocked it and went for the Styles Clash. Ambrose blocked the Styles Clash and swung AJ into the ladder. Ambrose once again started to climb the ladder. Styles caught him and went to Powerbomb him into the ropes but Ambrose grabbed the rope and Styles fell out of the ring.
Styles got up onto the ring apron and Moonsaulted onto Ambrose and somehow converted it into a reverse DDT. Styles then placed Ambrose on top of a table and got back into the ring. Styles then hit an absolutely incredible Springboard 450 from the inside of the ring onto Ambrose outside of the ring. The crowd erupted into a “this is awesome!” chant. Styles got back into the ring and started to climb the ladder. James Ellsworth emerged from backstage and some of the crowd booed while the rest of the crowd chanted “Ellsworth”.
Styles attacked Ellsworth outside the ring. AJ went for the Styles Clash on Ellsworth on top of the stairs but Ambrose hit a Clothesline to stop it. Ambrose then hit the Dirty Deeds onto Styles on the steel steps. Ambrose then climbed the ladder but AJ somehow got back up and joined him at the top of the ladder. Ambrose punched Styles off of the ladder and he fell out of the ring. James Ellsworth then got into the ring and shoved the ladder and Ambrose went slamming through two tables outside the ring. Ellsworth then cheered AJ Styles on as he climbed the ladder and grabbed the title.
Reaction: The ending of the match was a bit predictable but that doesn’t take away from how awesome this match was. This entire show was very good and there really wasn’t a bad match throughout the night. The Intercontinental Championship match was the match of the night in my opinion. However, the WWE World Championship match was outstanding as well. WWE TLC 2016 was one of the better shows of the year and it also featured two terrific matches. I will posting some more of my thoughts on my website here and you can check that out if you’d like.
What did you think of WWE TLC 2016? What was your favorite match of the night? Let us know in the comments below.
Posted December 5th, 2016 in News. Tagged: TLC, WWE TLC.
Join us later tonight for live WWE TLC coverage as the SmackDown brand presents their final pay-per-view of 2016. We will have match-by-match coverage beginning with the Pre-show on the WWE Network.
Tonight’s card looks like this:
– AJ Styles defends the WWE World Championship against Dean Ambrose in a TLC Match
– The Miz defends the WWE IC Championship against Dolph Ziggler in a Ladder Match
– Becky Lynch defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss in a Tables Match
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions Rhyno and Heath Slater defend against Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt
– Carmella and Nikki Bella battle in a No DQ Match
– Kalisto faces Baron Corbin in a Chairs Match
Posted December 4th, 2016 in News, WWE. Tagged: WWE TLC.
This week’s episode of Smackdown kicked off with Renee Young in the ring. Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch joined her in the ring for a contract signing for their Smackdown Women’s Championship match this Sunday at WWE TLC. Alexa Bliss told Renee Young to get out of the ring. Bliss also scolded Renee for her fashion choices. Becky Lynch then compared Alexa to her four year old cousin. Bliss continued to insult Becky Lynch and they both signed the contract. After they both signed it, they brawled in the ring. Lynch hit the Becksplex on Alexa Bliss. Alexa then fought back and shoved Becky through a table off of the turnbuckle.
Reaction: I thought this promo was really good. Becky Lynch can be a bit of adventure on the microphone but tonight she did a good job. Alexa Bliss is excellent on the microphone and her facial expressions are hilarious. I find this feud to be much more interesting than the one between Charlotte and Sasha Banks on Raw.
Corbin dominated the match early and threw Ziggler out of the ring. The Miz was then tagged in and he immediately grabbed a ladder from under the ring. Ziggler got up and connected with a DDT on The Miz outside the ring. Ziggler then hit Corbin with a Superkick. Back in the ring, Ziggler tagged in Kalisto. The Miz hit Kalisto with a boot to the face and dove outside the ring onto Ziggler. Miz then launched Ziggler into the barricade surroinding the ring.
Kalisto then dove onto Corbin outside the ring. Ziggler hit a Superkick on The Miz as he was lying on the ring apron. Maryse shoved the ladder into Ziggler’s face. Kalisto landed the Salida del Sol on The Miz in the ring. Before the referee could count to three, Baron Corbin nailed Kalisto in the back with a chair. The referee then disqualified The Miz and Baron Corbin.
Winners via DQ: Dolph Ziggler & Kalisto
Reaction: This was a quick match but it served a purpose. Ziggler will be facing The Miz in a ladder match for the IC Title on Sunday. Corbin will be squaring off with Kalisto in a chairs match at TLC. Both the ladder and a chair came into play during this match. I like it when things make sense, don’t you?
American Alpha were interviewed backstage about their match tonight versus Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton. Gable and Jordan stated that they will prove again tonight why they are the best team in the WWE.
Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Luke Harper were then shown backstage. Orton interrupted Wyatt and questioned Luke Harper. Orton asked Harper if he was going to do what needs to be done tonight against Kane. Harper looked aggravated and Wyatt instructed Harper to go send Kane back to hell. There is obviously some friction between Harper and Orton. I do not believe that Harper is completely sold on Orton joining the Wyatt Family.
Carmella came down to the ring for a match but that never happened. Carmella gave a special message to John Cena. Carmella apologized for what she will do to his girlfriend, Nikki Bella at TLC. Carmella claimed that she was going to rearranged Nikki’s “Bella twins” and her face as well. Nikki Bella came sprinting from backstage and attacked Carmella. The referee seperated them and that allowed Carmella to haul off and slap Nikki in the face. Nikki then got up and continued the assault on Carmella.
Dean Ambrose introduced James Ellsworth as his first guest on the Ambrose Asylum. An “Ellsworth!” chant broke out amongst the crowd. Ambrose poked fun at Ellsworth’s old wrestling boots. Ellsworth thanked Ambrose for helping him become an official WWE Superstar. Ellsworth stated that if Ambrose ever needed anything he would do it. Ambrose asked Ellsworth to wash his car, do his laundry and pick him up a six-pack and some candy for later.
Ambrose asked Ellsworth who he will be rooting for this Sunday at TLC. Ellsworth stated that it would be an honor to wrestle Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Championship. AJ Styles interrupted the party and stood on the announce table. Styles poked fun at Ellsworth and called him a dummy. Ambrose stated that Styles had then lost to a dummy three times.
Styles got in the ring and claimed that he was tired of Ambrose making him out to be a joke. Styles demanded respect and claimed that he was going to beat the hell out of Ambrose at TLC. Styles dared Ellsworth to show up during his match againt Ambrose at TLC. Ambrose claimed that Styles was weak mentally. Ambrose stated that this Sunday the fun and games were over. Ambrose went on to state that he will recapture the WWE World Championship at TLC.
Styles pushed Ellsworth into Ambrose who fell into a ladder. AJ then whipped Ellsworth into a table and smashed Dean Ambrose with the steel steps. Styles returned to the ring and beatdown Ellsworth. Styles hit Ellsworth with a ladder and then tossed him out of the ring. Ellsworth’s feet got caught up in the bottom rope and Styles hit him with a steel chair. AJ then hit the Styles Clash on Ellsworth off of the steps onto the floor outside the ring.
Reaction: Finally, Styles got the upper hand on Ellsworth and Ambrose. I find Ellsworth to be very entertaining but I’m not really interested in seeing him in the WWE World Championship picture. Having said that, this was a very good promo. There has only been one match in the first hour and fifteen minutes of tonight’s Smackdown. Usually that would annoy me but tonight’s promos have all ended in brawls.
Kane and Harper tied up to begin the match. Kane shoved Harper down and Harper got back up and they locked up again. Harper bounced off of the ropes and hit a couple of shoulder blocks but Kane was not phased. Kane then leveled Harper. Luke Harper got back up and hit Kane with a series of uppercuts. Kane once again shrugged them off and came right back at Harper. Smackdown went to a commercial break with Luke Harper outside the ring with a shocked look on his face.
When Smackdown returned, Harper was in control of the match and had a Chinlock applied to Kane in the center of the ring. Kane battled out of the Chinlock and hit a Jawbreaker. Kane went for a Chokeslam but Harper blocked it and kicked Kane in the head. Harper went for a pinfall but Kane kicked out at two. Kane fought back and connected with a DDT on Harper. Kane followed it up with a Sidewalk Slam and went for a pin but Harper kicked out. Harper battled back and hit Kane with a Dropkick to the ribs. Kane was affected and hunched over in the corner. Harper leaped on him twice and connected with a couple of shots to the ribs. Harper then then climbed to the second turnbuckle and hit Kane with a couple of punches.
Kane fought out of the corner by hitting a Powerbomb on Harper. Kane once again went for the Chokeslam but Harper grabbed the rope. Harper connected with a Sidewalk Slam of his own but Kane kicked out once again. Kane slammed Harper to the mat and climbed to the top rope. Kane went for a Clothesline off of the top rope but Harper ducked it and drilled Kane with a Superkick. Kane once again powered out of the pinfall at two. Harper then climbed to the top rope but Kane got up and punched him in the face. Kane then joined Harper on the turnbuckle and connected with a massive Superplex to Harper.
Both men slowly got back to their feet and began to trade punches. Kane blocked a punch by Harper and grabbed his throat. Kane then connected with a Chokeslam and picked up the victory.
Winner: Kane
Reaction: When you think of Kane versus Luke Harper it doesn’t sound like it would be a good match. This match was actually quite good. The announcers made a comment after the match that Bray Wyatt will not be happy with Luke Harper following this loss to Kane. I’m intrigued with the Wyatt Family storyline right now. It appears that Harper may be on his way out and Orton will be replacing him. I’m curious if this will wind up with Orton turning his back on Bray after he has already destroyed the Wyatt Family from the inside. I do not really know where they are going with this and that is a good thing. Luke Harper has always been one of the more underrated Superstars on the roster. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in the Intercontinental Championship picture and having a single’s run of his own. Harper can work well with almost any male Superstar on the Smackdown roster. I think if you put him up against someone like Baron Corbin they would put on some very physical and entertaining matches.
Smackdown Tag Team #1 Contenders Match: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt vs American Alpha
Randy Orton and Jason Jordan started out the match. Jordan went on the offensive to start things off. The WWE cut to Slater and Rhyno watching the match from backstage. This was humorous because the television screen they were watching was black for a second and essentially Slater and Rhyno were staring at nothing.
Bray Wyatt entered the match and Jordan went to jump onto him but Wyatt ducked and Jordan went flying into the ropes. Bray tagged in Orton and he continued the assault on Jordan. Gable tagged himself in and immediately connected with a Crossbody off the top rope on Orton. Gable climbed to the top rope again but Wyatt knocked him to the outside of the ring and Smackdown went to a commercial break.
When Smackdown returned, Wyatt and Gable were in the ring. Wyatt hit Gable with a DDT on the ring apron. Wyatt then went for a pin but Gable kicked out at two. Orton then entered the match and applied a Chinlock to Gable. Orton hit a Powerslam on Gable and once again went for a pinfall but it was unsuccessful. Orton tagged in Wyatt and Gable connected with a Dropkick then sent Bray to the mat. Gable tried to tag in Jordan but Bray got up and punched Jordan off of the ring apron.
Bray mounted Gable on the mat and punched him in the face several times. Orton was tagged back in and propped Gable up on the top rope. Orton connected with a Superplex on Gable. Jason Jordan and Bray Wyatt were then tagged in. Jordan leveled Wyatt with an overhead Belly to Belly Suplex. Chad Gable hit Orton with a Cannonball off of the ring apron. Back in the ring, Jordan hit a German Suplex on Bray Wyatt.
The lights then went out and Luke Harper was ringside. Bray went for the Sister Abigail but Gable prevented it. American Alpha then went for the Grand Amplitude but Orton hit Gable with an RKO out of nowhere. Jordan went to hit Bray with a Spear but Harper pulled Bray out of the way. Wyatt then hit the Sister Abigail on Jordan for the victory. Wyatt and Orton will now face Slater and Rhyno at TLC this Sunday. Slater and Rhyno were interviewed backstage but AJ Styles interrupted. Styles stated that nobody cared about the Tag Team titles. Ambrose then appeared out of nowhere and attacked Styles and Smackdown went off the air.
Reaction: This was a very solid match to close out a good episode of Smackdown. It appears that Harper and Orton are back to getting along for now. Tonight’s episode was promo-heavy but they all were effective. TLC is shaping up to be an exciting show and I cannot wait to watch it on Sunday.
Winners & #1 Contenders For The Smackdown Tag Team Championships: Randy Orton & Bray Wyatt
Austin Aries and Corey Graves joined Mauro Ranallo on commentary. All of the Superstars on 205 Live were on the entrance ramp and they were introduced to the WWE Universe. A vignette for the Bollywood Boyz was then shown.
Harv and Gurv Sihra started out the match on the offensive. Tony Nese was laid out by both of them but was able battle back and tag in Gulak. For the next few minutes, Gulak dominated the match. Nese was tagged back in and he continued the assault on the Bollywood Boyz. Gulak got back into the match and maintained control of the match.
Nese got back in the match and he applied a Chinlock to one of the Bollywood Boyz. Harv battled out of the Chinlock and connected with a Neckbreaker. Harv tagged in Gurv and he hut Gulak with several chops and a kick to the face. The Bollywood Boyz hit a double Superkick on Drew Gulak for the pinfall victory.
Winners: The Bollywood Boyz
Reaction: Not the best way to start off the debut episode of 205 Live. There were some cool spots in this match but overall it was very clunky.
TJ Perkins and Brian Kendrick had a confrontation. Perkins stated that he is still owed a rematch and that he wants Kendrick to retain the Cruiserweight Championship tonight. Perkins wants Kendrick to keep the belt so he can get his rematch and take the title away from him.
Gallagher started out this match extremely cocky and applied a few submission holds to Daivari while posing for the crowd. Daivari battled back and but Gallagher escaped his Headlock. Gallagher did a handstand on the top turnbuckle and then took Daivari down. Gallagher then tied Daivari up in a knot in the center of the ring and taunted him from the corner. Gallagher then hit him with a running kick and Daivari escaped the knot.
Daivari connected with a Neckbreaker on Gallagher and slapped him in the face a couple of times. Daivari applied a Chinlock but Gallagher fought out of it and connected with a couple of Dropkicks. Gallagher then headbutted Daivari and hit him with a Dropkick in the corner for the victory.
Winner: Jack Gallagher
Reaction: This match was bizarre and entertaining. Jack Gallagher may look ridiculous but he is fun to watch. The main positive to take from this match is that Gallagher was able to get the crowd into it. That is something that has escaped the Cruiserweight division when it is featured on Monday Night Raw.
Cruiserweight Championship Match: Brian Kendrick (c) vs Rich Swann
Kendrick started off the match in control. Swann battled back and hit a Dropkick. Kendrick kicked out of a pinfall and Swann applied a Chinlock. Kendrick reversed the Chinlock into a German Suplex. Kendrick attacked Swann in the corner but Swann fought back and connected with several chops to the chest of Kendrick.
Swann landed a Tiger Bomb on Kendrick and Kendrick rolled out of the ring. Swann followed him out of the ring and hit a Summersault Clothesline off of the barricade. The action returned to the ring and Kendrick connected with another German Suplex. Kendrick then hit a Neckbreaker and Swann’s head hit the top turnbuckle. Swann then fell out of the ring and to the floor.
Swann was able to get back in the ring before the referee counted him out. Kendrick immediately hit him with a Suplex. Kendrick went for the Captain’s Hook but Swann blocked it. Swann then connected with a Michinoku Driver on Kendrick. Swann followed it up with a kick to the face of Kendrick. Swann went for the Standing 450 but Kendrick got his knees up and then locked in the Captain’s Hook.
Swann was able to reach the bottom rope and the crowd cheered him on. Both men were on the top turnbuckle and Kendrick bit Swann’s wrist and hit Sliced Bread. Swann kicked out and the crowd started to chant “this is awesome!”. Swannt connected with three spinning heel kicks in a row and pinned Kendrick for the victory.
After the match, Swann thanked his mother that has passed away and dedicated the match to her. Kendrick was also interviewed on the entrance ramp. Kendrick blamed the loss on TJ Perkins for playing mind games with him earlier in the night. Kendrick also stated that the WWE Universe should not get used to Swann as the Cruiserweight Champion. Kendrick vowed to get his title back and walked away.
Reaction: 205 Live started off slow but picked up momentum and wound up being a pretty decent show. I thought the match between Kendrick and Swann was very good. I hope that the Cruiserweight division gets some more time on Monday Night Raw as a result of this show but I doubt that will be the case. Overall, both Smackdown and 205 Live were good shows tonight.
What did you think of this week’s episodes of Smackdown and 205 Live? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
American Alpha won a Tag Team Turmoil Match on Tuesay’s SmackDown Live to become #1 contenders to SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heath Slater and Rhyno. That match will take place at WWE TLC in December.
It was also announced on SmackDown that Alexa Bliss will get her rematch against SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch at TLC, and Nikki Bella vs. Carmella in a No DQ Match will take place.
Finally, SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan said The Miz and Dolph Ziggler will meet for the last time at TLC as Miz will defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship in a Ladder Match.
Here’s the updated card for the 12/4 TLC PPV from Dallas:
– AJ Styles defends the WWE World Championship against Dean Ambrose in a TLC Match
– Becky Lynch defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss
– Rhyno & Heath Slater defend the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Chad Gable & Jason Jordan
– The Miz defends the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler in a Ladder Match
– Carmella and Nikki Bella do battle in a No DQ Match
Posted November 23rd, 2016 in News, WWE. Tagged: WWE TLC.
The WWE TLC Kickoff Show pre-show starts off with the panel, led by Renee Young, welcoming us inside the TD Garden in Boston, Mass.
They kick it to Tom Phillips for our social media lounge preview for tonight.
From there we go back to the panel where Renee Young starts running down some of the matches scheduled for tonight, as well as introducing some video packages.
After some more of the usual pre-show time-killing junk, we finally head to the ring for our first match.
WWE TLC Kickoff Show Match: – Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch
Our Kickoff Show match this evening features two former NXT Divas. It’s Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch in one-on-one action.
Team B.A.D. comes out and they sing the 12 days of Christmas with custom lyrics. They should have done an edited version, the second one of them stalled for just a split second, the crowd — which is Sasha Banks’ hometown crowd that gave her an enormous pop coming out — completely turned on them. On second thought, they shouldn’t have done it at all.
With Becky Lynch out there, it doesn’t take long for JBL to reference Conor McGregor being the undisputed UFC Featherweight Champion, Finn Balor the NXT Champion and Sheamus the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
The action gets underway and within a minute or two, Sasha establishes offensive control and we head to a mid-match commercial. When we return, Banks almost gets Lynch in the Bank Statement, but doesn’t finish the job.
Lynch is now making her comeback, getting in an extended series of offense before it was cut short by “The Boss.” Lynch regains control of the match and nearly finishes the job with her finisher, but the Team B.A.D. members saw it coming and interfered, causing a distraction which set things up for Banks to get her in the Bank Statement. Lynch taps out. The crowd popped huge again when Banks got the submission and the pin.
Winner: Sasha Banks
Social Media Lounge: Alberto Del Rio
Backstage, Alberto Del Rio is with Tom Phillips in the social media lounge. Del Rio talks about the international talent in WWE being some of the best wrestlers in their respective countries. Phillips outright says Del Rio and Zeb Colter aren’t working together anymore. Del Rio talks about it being a mistake to trust Colter because he’s an American.
Backstage: League Of Nations
The Leaue Of Nations are shown backstage. Sheamus references his fellow Irishman Conor McGregor winning the UFC Featherweight Championship in just 13 seconds. The guys promise to make an impact tonight that will spread all over the world.
WWE TLC 2015 Pay-Per-View
The WWE TLC pay-per-view kicks off with the usual elaborate, slick video package to tell the story and hype some of the top matches scheduled for tonight.
From there, the pyro explodes at the top of the stage and Michael Cole welcomes us inside the TD Garden in Boston, Mass. for the final WWE pay-per-view event of 2015..
WWE World Tag-Team Champions Triple-Threat Ladder Match – The New Day (c) vs. The Lucha Dragons vs. The Usos
The TLC PPV kicks off in the ring with the triple-threat ladder match. The New Day make their way out to the ring to a rock star reception until they start dogging on Boston. They cut a promo in the ring mocking The Usos and just being themselves. The Lucha Dragons make their way out next, followed by The Usos.
Xavier Woods joins the pay-per-view commentary team for this one, as Big E. and Kofi Kingston will be representing The New Day in this one. The bell rings and the action in the ring begins as fast as Woods’ attempt to steal the scene on commentary. The Lucha Dragons hit a double moonsault off the top rope onto The New Day.
This leaves The Usos alone in the ring. They start to climb but are stopped. They knock their opposition out of the ring, throw ladders at them and hit their trademark splashes on the floor.
Woods asks to b excused on commentary as The New Day have one of The Usos seated and trapped behind a ladder with his back stuck in the corner. Woods yells out, “This is what happens to somebody when I’m on commentary” and does a big “baaahhhh-waaaahh” on the trombone. Gotta love it.
The Usos start to go crazy with the ladders on everyone in sight, and brutalizing their own bodies in the process. Woods is back on commentary. Sin Cara hits a big dive out to the floor. Woods corrects Jerry Lawler for accidetally calling him Kalisto instead of Sin Cara when recapping the dive spot.
The Lucha Dragons climb the ladders but Big E. grabs them like he’s bench pressing and shucks them off. The crowd dug the funny/impressive visual. The Usos hit the ring and start getting their comeback.
Woods quips that he’s a very intelligent man after pointing out that Kingston is a “veteran ladder match-haver.” He’s kinda killing it on commentary, folks. The Usos yell, “Let’s go!” to the crowd. Woods on commentary: “Let’s go? You’re not going anywhere. You’re go-ing to lose.” Killing it, folks.
Uso does a crazy splash off the top rope onto Big E. on the floor while Big E. had a ladder laying on top of him. Crazy. Kalisto goes to climb the ladder alone in the ring. Lawler calls him Sin Cara by mistake again. Woods catches it, and without mercy rips into Lawler for being wrong again. He remembers this match is no disqualification, so he drops his headset and breaks his trombone over Kalisto’s back. This allows Kingston to climb the ladder and pull down the titles. The New Day wins. Crazy match.
Winners and STILL WWE Tag-Team Champions: The New Day
WWE has confirmed two more title matches for TLC. Dean Ambrose will challenge Kevin Owens for the Intercontinental title and The New Day will put the tag titles on the line against The Usos and Lucha Dragons. With those matches set, here’s the updated card:
TLC Match for the WWE Championship
– Sheamus (c) vs. Roman Reigns
Intercontinental Championship Match: – Kevin Owens (c) vs. Dean Ambrose
Tag Team Championship Match:
– The New Day (c) vs. The Usos vs. The Lucha Dragons
WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs takes place on Sunday, December 13th from Boston, MA.
Posted December 1st, 2015 in News, WWE. Tagged: WWE TLC.
