WWE
WWE TLC Preview
The final World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) pay-per-view event of 2018 arrives in San Jose, with Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC). The ‘demolition derby’ of the WWE features a loaded match card, with many of the matches involving a stipulation of some kind. There’s a lot to get into, so let’s not waste time! Check out our video preview and staff picks below!
The Fabulous Truth (R-Truth & Carmella) vs. Mahalicia (Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox) – Mixed Match Challenge Final
Fredrick – Mahalicia
Jordan – Fabulous Truth
Greg – Fabulous Truth
Kayla – Fabulous Truth
Ashley – Fabulous Truth
Thom – Mahalicia
Match Note: This match determines the 30th entry for both the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble. This match is particularly interesting, as neither of these two teams was expected to reach the finals when the event began. Somewhat of a toss up, each team possesses a superstar who has won the top WWE championship in their respected division. It’s safe to say that both of these Mixed Match Challenge (MMC) teams feature some of the best chemistry in the entire tournament, so expect a fun match despite the outcome. For a match that has huge implications on the line, the energy entering seems much more laid back.
Finn Balor vs. Drew McIntyre
Fredrick – McIntyre
Jordan – McIntyre
Greg – McIntyre
Kayla – Balor
Ashley – McIntyre
Thom – McIntyre
Match Note: There is a chance Finn Balor wins this match, but the evolution Drew McIntyre has made since his return hasn’t gone unnoticed. McIntyre’s warpath has not slowed down since making his immediate impact, taking out Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler and Kurt Angle. Balor, however, poses a threat due to his usage within the WWE. Finn’s lack of growth lately can definitely cause doubt for a Balor victory, along with what McIntyre has done recently. However, Balor has been in some of the biggest matches this year which shows the trust level WWE has with his in-ring productivity.
The Bar (C) vs. The New Day vs. The Usos – WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship
Frederick – The Bar
Jordan – The Usos
Greg – The New Day
Kayla – The Bar
Ashley – The Usos
Thom – The New Day
Match Note: Our staff is completely split on this match, as it is one of the more difficult ones to predict. The Bar has been on a slump since Big Show walked out on them. Their victory could come at the hands of a Big Show return, although that does seem highly unlikely. The New Day has been in more championship matches in 2018 than any tag team on the roster, so the WWE may elect to have their most trusted team hoist the belts entering ‘Wrestlemania season.’ Finally, The Usos’ usage in WWE this year has been underwhelming, to say the least. However, the Usos recent winning streak has put them in this match. That may foreshadow the result but the truth is that WWE can’t go wrong picking a winner between these three teams, heading into their most important season of the year.
Natalya vs. Ruby Riott – Tables Match
Frederick – Riott
Jordan – Riott
Greg – Natalya
Kayla – Natalya
Ashley – Riott
Thom -Natalya
Match Note: Despite the fact WWE may want to push Ruby Riott forward, it’s tough to see her win this match. This is mainly because of the Jim Neidhart angle, and if Ruby won this match it would produce a very dark and almost sinister story. WWE is never afraid to go down that route, however, and so a Ruby Riott victory should be taken seriously. The fact that Ruby also has the numbers advantage doesn’t bold well for Natty.
Braun Strowman vs. Baron Corbin – TLC Match
Frederick – Strowman
Jordan – Strowman
Greg – Strowman
Kayla – Strowman
Ashley – Strowman
Thom – Strowman
Match Note: The way this story has gone, it’s almost a lock that Braun Strowman wins. The tease of his absence has his ‘return’ written all over it. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see this match late in the evening, allowing Braun’s character ‘time’ to reach the arena and make his epic return. Corbin winning is a good way to see the ratings drop lower for Raw and Smackdown Live, which are currently very low. That is a number WWE wants to see rise during ‘Wrestlemania season,’ so Braun returning for the win is one of the safest bets of the night. This match may actually come down to Heath Slater being a referee, as his role at TLC is being vastly overlooked entering the event. The fact that Corbin’s job as GM is on the line, Slater may actually play the most important role all evening long.
Buddy Murphy (C) vs. Cedric Alexander – WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Frederick – Murphy
Jordan – Murphy
Greg – Murphy
Kayla – Murphy
Ashley – Murphy
Thom – Murphy
Match Note: Another unanimous decision, the 205 Live division is in the safe hands of Buddy Murphy. In the short amount of time Murphy has been champion, he hasn’t disappointed. His two championship matches against Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali have been classics, and arguably the best 205 matches this year. Not taking anything away from Cedric Alexander, but Murphy has already elevated the Cruiserweight Championship in his currently short reign. Give credit to Alexander though, as his 2018 hasn’t been anything short of remarkable.
Elias vs. Boby Lashley – Ladder Match
Frederick – Lashley
Jordan – Elias
Greg – Elias
Kayla – Elias
Ashley – Lashley
Thom – Lashley
Match Note: The rules for this match are a bit murky, as many typical ladder matches see the winner grab an item suspended above the ring. In this case, a guitar will be hung from above the ring. Whoever retrieves the guitar may use it as a weapon, as it does seem the winner will have to pin or submit his opponent regardless of the guitar grab. Either way, a Lio Rush appearance should be expected. Rush’s impact may see the Almighty Bobby Lashley win, while at the same time not hurting Elias. Lashley winning by cheating helps both characters, but a clean win by either will hurt the loser.
Rey Mysterio vs Randy Orton – Chairs Match
Frederick – RKO
Jordan – RKO
Greg – RKO
Kayla – Mysterio
Ashley – Mysterio
Thom – RKO
Match Note: The brutality Randy Orton’s character has presented in 2018 is nothing short of superb. This match adds a final chapter to the menacing and quite disturbing year the RKO master had. The result of this match will not dictate plans for either superstar moving into ‘Wrestlemania season.’ This rivalry exists for two reasons. The first, it lays a consistent groundwork for the pattern Orton’s character has gone through for a majority of the year. The second, it allows the fans to enjoy two future Hall of Famers to perform in an intense and intimate setting. Kick your feet up and enjoy the moment.
Ronda Rousey (C) vs. Nia Jax – WWE Raw Women’s Championship
Frederick – Rousey
Jordan – Jax
Greg – Rousey
Kayla – Rousey
Ashley – Rousey
Thom – Rousey
Match Note: The star power behind Ronda Rousey is very bright, as it’ll be difficult for the Irresistible Force to put that light out. Despite the roll Becky Lynch is on, Ronda Rousey is the top promotion in the women’s division as of today. Many non-wrestling fans recognize the name Ronda Rousey compared to Becky Lynch, so it would be a surprise to see WWE take the belt of their most popular female superstar (to fans outside of the WWE) on the roster. With ‘Wrestlemania season’ approaching, it only makes sense that WWE would want their top female (from a promotional side) to hoist the WWE Women’s Championship. The opportunity to turn Nia Jax into a top villain is there, however, so WWE may elect to go down that route. However, the name Ronda Rousey seems too big to ignore in WWE’s most important time of the year. Ronda Rousey’s potential to get non-wrestling fans to subscribe to the WWE Network or even attend an event live is greater when compared to Nia Jax.
Daniel Bryan (C) vs. A.J. Styles – WWE Championship
Frederick – Bryan
Jordan – Bryan
Greg – Bryan
Kayla – Bryan
Ashley – Bryan
Thom – Bryan
Match Note: The heel turn Daniel Bryan has made since winning the WWE Championship has been excellent, ending one of the greatest recent reigns in A.J. Styles. The contract situation with Styles and WWE will need to be cleared up before there’s any conviction in A.J. retrieving his belt. The fact so many people expect Bryan to win leaves a shred of possibility Styles wins. However, Bryan is one of the top superstars in all of WWE and with an uncertain contract for Styles, it seems like a safe bet Bryan walks out the champion. His star status, much like Ronda Rousey, is vastly important during ‘Wrestlemania season.’ Styles is equal to Daniel Bryan when discussing promotional star status, but the ‘contract cloud’ looming over the Phenomenal One’s head is hard to ignore. We also predicted a Styles vs. Orton rivalry a few months ago, with rumors of the two fighting in April now beginning to surface.
Becky Lynch (C) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka – TLC Match | WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship
Frederick – Asuka
Jordan – Asuka
Greg – Becky
Kayla – Becky
Ashley – Asuka
Thom – Becky
Match Note: This is an extremely difficult match to predict, as the outcome is solely dependant on what story WWE wants to tell with its top star Becky Lynch. If Becky wins the match, expect her to walk into Wrestlemania as Smackdown Women’s Champion. If Becky loses the match, it’s transparent she will more than likely win the Royal Rumble and then main event Wrestlemania. Regardless of the outcome, expect Becky to have a safe ticket to Wrestlemania. The same can’t be said for the other two, as both Asuka and Charlotte’s role in April could be one of many. This match’s intrigue comes from the story of Becky’s character moving forward, more so than who actually wins. With Becky losing this match then winning the Royal Rumble, it’s very possible The Man faces the Baddest Woman on the Planet in early-April.
Seth Rollins (C) vs. Dean Ambrose – WWE Intercontinental Championship
Frederick – Ambrose
Jordan – Ambrose
Greg – Ambrose
Kayla – Ambrose
Ashley – Rollins
Thom – Rollins
Match Note: Many complain about the rivalry Seth and Dean have presented thus far, which is somewhat fair. The chemistry is a bit off, to say the least, but this is a brand new rivalry. Stories need time to build. However, this story may be short-lived if Seth Rollins goes after the Universal Championship in April. Four months is a long time to play with if WWE wanted to move Rollins off of Ambrose and onto Lesnar. Ambrose winning would support those claims, however, Rollins is the most popular superstar on the male roster today. Seeing a huge promotional name like Seth Rollins drop the belt is hard to see, but perhaps it would be a blessing in disguise. It’s safe to say that Seth Rollins is too big for the Intercontinental Championship, and probably needs to be in the Universal Championship picture. A loss to Ambrose would open that door, although a loss to Ambrose would only catapult this rivalry moving forward. Again, four months is a long time to play with. It’s very possible WWE closes this story in four months before having both superstars move in different directions, so pulling the trigger on Ambrose seems likely.
Follow TSJ101Sports on Twitter: @T101Sports and @T101SportsWWE
Photo Credit: WWE via Twitter
