WWE TLC 2018 Predictions

WWE TLC 2018 Predictions

Jacob Chaimovitch, Editor

Yet another WWE Pay-Per-View is upon us. The last one of the calendar year, WWE TLC will happen on December 16th, 2018. TLC stands for Tables, Ladders, and Chairs. Any and all of these can be used in the respective stipulation matches. The card itself looks very promising and hopefully, it lives up to its expectations. Now then, let’s predict some matches. Here we go.

R-Truth and Carmella def. Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox (Mixed Match Challenge Final)

The only match on the card without a built feud, this match concludes a month-long tournament that has been happening on Facebook Watch. The winner of this match gets an all-expenses-paid vacation anywhere they want AND the number 30 slot in the Royal Rumble they participate in. I am picking R-Truth and Carmella because they have been liked by the fans for their comedic mic skills and random dance breaks. Other than that, it is hard to pick a side with no feud to base it off.

Finn Bálor def. Drew McIntyre

It really is a shame that these two talented wrestlers haven’t really been used to their full potential as of late. Nevertheless, this feud has been pretty good and there is definitely some bad blood between the two. For this match, I’m going to go with Bálor. Normally I’d explain myself right away but I’ll explain later when everything comes together with this feud.

Natalya def. Ruby Riott (Tables Match)

This feud has really been Ruby Riott and the Riott Squad ticking Natalya off in more ways than one on Raw. On the December 3rd episode of Raw, the Riott Squad put Natalya through a table at ringside. That moment pretty much gave this match the stipulation it has. In order to win, you must put your opponent through a table; no pinfall or submission necessary. With Riott tormenting Natalya’s life as of late, its only right if Natalya wins this match.

Elias def. Bobby Lashley (Guitar/Ladder Match)

The Elias/Lashley feud hasn’t developed as well as the Bálor/McIntyre feud that is coincided in a way. It’s been more of Elias being interrupted by Lashley and his manager, Lio Rush. As of late, the use of Elias’ guitar in attacks has led to a Ladder Match stipulation with the guitar hanging from the rafters for anyone to grab and use. Similar to the Bálor/McIntyre match, I will pick Elias and explain why later on.

Rey Mysterio def. Randy Orton (Chairs Match)

Legitimately, one of the better mid-card feuds on this card. Randy Orton has been out on a quest recently to destroy legacies of older superstars. He started this with Jeff Hardy and beat him inside Hell in a Cell on the PPV. He has now moved to Rey Mysterio. The use of the chair in this feud has turned this match into a Chairs Match, making the use of chairs legal. Orton has been gaining momentum on Smackdown, including removing Mysterio’s mask and catching his head in a chair and slamming it into a ring post. In theory, the good guy overcomes but this match is a toss-up. Either way, I think Rey prevails.

The Bar (c) def. The Usos, The New Day (Triple Threat Tag Team Match)

These three teams are on the top of the tag team division in Smackdown, so its only fitting that all three are in a championship match. Triple Threat matches are no count out, no DQ matches which means that all three members of The New Day are bound to get involved. Despite this and the strength and versatility of the Usos, the Bar is too hot right now and they hold onto the titles. These teams have all held WWE tag titles numerous times. Who knows, perhaps its time for someone else to hold the belts *cough cough SAniTy please cough cough*.

Buddy Murphy (c) def. Cedric Alexander

When it was revealed that Cedric would be next in line for the title on 205 Live, I was a little bummed. When the Cruiserweight Championship was revealed in 2016, I was excited for what it would bring with the title and the wrestlers as well. However, the title has really only been revolving around two people at a time for long periods of time. With not much substance and not much reason for the title to change hands, Buddy Murphy retains the belt.

Charlotte Flair def. Becky Lynch (c) , Asuka (Triple Threat TLC Match)

Match of the night. I mean it. All three of these women are so talented both in matches and on the mic. All three have a reason to be champion. The fact that this is a TLC match is even better. It allows tables, ladders, and chairs to be used throughout the match with the Smackdown Women’s Championship hanging above the ring. For matches like these, I either go with my heart or my gut. My heart says Becky Lynch. My gut says Charlotte Flair. The moral of the story: go with your gut.

Dean Ambrose def. Seth Rollins (c)

Finally. Dear lord finally. Seth Rollins against Dean Ambrose. I know I just said the triple threat TLC match was going to be the match of the night but this one has the potential to be the real match of the night. This feud has been built phenomenally and a heel Dean Ambrose is the best thing on Raw right now. Rollins has been a very strong Intercontinental Champion since he got the belt at Wrestlemania 34, but I think it’s time for a change in scenery. Nothing makes me happier than saying that Dean Ambrose will win the IC Title from Seth Rollins.

Baron Corbin def. Braun Strowman (TLC Match)

Remember when I said I’d explain why I picked Bálor over McIntyre and Elias over Lashley? Well, you’ve been patient. This match is the reason why. In this TLC match, there is an added stipulation. If Braun Strowman wins, he faces Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble. If Baron Corbin wins, he becomes permanent GM of Raw. When I first saw this match, it reminded me of John Cena vs John Laurinaitis from Over the Limit 2012. Cena kicks poor Johnny around for a while before someone came in, punched Cena in the face, and Laurinaitis won. I think this match will be similar. Strowman just slaughters Corbin, then McIntyre and Lashley help Corbin as they have been on Raw, and Corbin wins. The TLC Match rules make this interference totally legal and possible. In order for this to happen, McIntyre and Lashley both have to lose so Corbin can win the big one.

Nia Jax def. Ronda Rousey (c)

Never bet against Ronda Rousey…unless there are shenanigans. Earning the right to face Rousey in a battle royal, Nia Jax has been on a torment and is going right for the title alongside her buddy Tamina. Rousey will be alone while Jax will have Tamina run distractions and have it be a 2-on-1. Rousey is very talented and seemingly unbeatable. However, everyone is human. Jax becomes a 2-time champ.

Daniel Bryan (c) def. AJ Styles

Just like heel Dean Ambrose is the best thing on Raw, heel Daniel Bryan is the best thing on Smackdown. Even better with the belt. His mic skills are better, his wrestling is better, his fan heat is better. I mean, everyone hates him now. A contractual rematch between Bryan and AJ Styles is bound to be a good one. The buildup has been terrific all around, with Styles taking the side of the fans against Bryan, who has called the WWE Universe ‘fickle’ and ‘sheep’ among other things. Bryan cannot be stopped. Not here, not now.