Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
Daniel Bryan, Otis, Chad Gable and Big E beat King Corbin, Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn in an eight-man tag team match on the kick-off after Big E has Sami Zayn alone in the ring.
Drew McIntyre beats "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles in a TLC Match to retain the WWE Championship, even after The Miz cashes in the Money In The Bank briefcase to make the match a Triple Threat Match.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Paul Heyman. Heyman says his favorite sport other than WWE is NASCAR due to the crashes, and says that wrestling is a dangerous enough profession as it is due to people getting hurt. He then says that someone will get hurt badly tonight, and that someone is Kevin Owens at the hands of Roman Reigns.
Sasha Banks retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Carmella with the Banks Statement despite interference by Carmella's assistant and sommelier Reginald Thomas.
Backstage, Billie Kay meets with Asuka and offers her headshot and resume, and offers to become Asuka's tag team partner. Asuka then tells her the position has been filled and that she is not ready for Asuka.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods). Kofi Kingston says this match with The Hurt Business (Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander) won't be any different from the rest, and Xavier Woods says that they are about to face the "big match New Day" tonight.
The Hurt Business (Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) to become the WWE Raw Tag Team Champions after Cedric Alexander tags himself in to hit the Lumbar Check on Xavier Woods, this time with success.
Royal Rumble is live on WWE Network on January 31st!
Leaked audio of Sami Zayn yelling at somebody for ruining the Sami Awards is re-played after originally being played during the kick-off. Sami Zayn confronts Kayla Braxton, who refuses to reveal her sources. Sami is furious, saying he is the only person with ethics around here. (The leaked audio is a direct reference to Tom Cruise's recent chewing out of two crew members on the set of Mission Impossible 7 for violating on-set COVID-19 regulations.)
Before the next match, it is announced that Lana has injured her elbow and knee and is currently being evaluated. Asuka's partner is then revealed to be Charlotte Flair, who has not been seen on WWE programming in months.
Asuka and Charlotte Flair beat Nia Jax and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler to become the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions!
Backstage, R-Truth and Big E laugh at Sami Zayn for his audio leak, and Big E says he has nothing to do with it. Sami Zayn calls Big E "a joke who has been trading water ever since he went solo," and Big E tells Sami he will see him soon if he keeps playing.
Roman Reigns retains the WWE Universal Championship against Kevin Owens with a low blow on the ladder in a destructive TLC Match that also saw constant interference from Jey Uso.
This Friday on SmackDown: Big E vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Intercontinental Championship!
Randy Orton beats "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt in a Firefly Inferno Match. After the match, Orton pours gasoline on The Fiend's body and lights it on fire with a match.
Humberto Carrillo beats Andrade on the kick-off. After the match, Andrade blames Zelina Vega for losing again.
We hear from Aleister Black, who says that in one's career, there is always that one person that challenge's one skill set. Aleister says that Buddy Murphy is that person, and that he feels they are destined to do this repeatedly unless he amputates Murphy from his career.
The show starts with a TLC edition of Firefly Fun House. Bray Wyatt decorates a metal ladder and says it is time to reflect on the actions of the year as part of the show's opening sequence. He then says that in the end, we are all the same: we are all human and we all make mistakes. He says that everyone needs a little TLC.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) retain the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships against The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) in a ladder match.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews King Corbin. Corbin says concern is only for "nerds on Twitter" and that he has Roman Reigns where he wants him. He has beaten him mentally, and now he will beat him physically with tables, ladders and chairs and make him bend the knee to his king.
Aleister Black beats Buddy Murphy.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Rusev. Rusev says he is elated that Lana is proposing to Bobby Lashley, as it means he does not have to pay alimony. As for his match, Lana's plans will have to wait, as she will have to pull splinters out of Lashley's back after tonight.
Royal Rumble is live on WWE Network on January 26th!
The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up. Four fans are seen watching from a table at ringside while eating Kentucky Fried Chicken. Erik says that last week, they went through the gauntlet and dared anyone to take the Raw tag titles from them. Ivar says that they dominated last week, and now they are here to destroy. The Viking Raiders' open challenge is answered by The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson). The O.C. call The Viking Raiders' open challenge "lame," as there is only one tag team in the world that has beaten The Viking Raiders, and it is them. After bragging about their "best tag team in the world" trophy, Anderson says it is about The Viking Raiders avenging their only loss and The O.C. proving they are the best tag team in the world.
The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) vs. The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) for the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships ends in a double count-out. The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) retain the WWE Raw After the match, both teams brawl, and The Viking Raiders put Karl Anderson through the table that four fans are eating Kentucky Fried Chicken at.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The Miz, who says that his daughter Monroe is fine and that his family is at an undisclosed location for the time being. He says that Bray Wyatt is a monster, maybe even more so than The Fiend, and that Wyatt violated the sanctity of his home. He says that tonight is the most important and personal match of his life, as he is fighting as a family man. Miz then says he is willing to face anyone or anything, then leaves.
Before the next match, King Corbin is displeased with how he has been welcomed, and demands some respect, as his opponent has no respect and he will be forced to bend the knee to the king.
King Corbin beats Roman Reigns in a TLC Match following interference from multiple security guards, Dolph Ziggler and The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder).
Bray Wyatt beast The Miz in his first match not in "The Fiend" form. After the match, Wyatt apologizes to Miz and says he forgives him, then The Fiend shows up on the TitanTron. Wyatt says to The Fiend "Okay, I'll do it!" then pulls out his mallet from the Firefly Fun House from underneath the ring. As he drags the mallet towards The Miz, the lights start to go out, and Wyatt screams "He's here!" Suddenly, a man in a burgundy hoodie is in the ring, and he hits Wyatt with a running knee. The man is none other than Daniel Bryan, now with a shorter beard and hair. Daniel attacks Wyatt with multiple running drop kicks into the corner, and when Wyatt tries to fight back, Daniel hits another running knee. Wyatt reaches for his mallet, but Daniel Bryan grabs both of his wrists and proceeds to stomp Wyatt's head in before grabbing Wyatt's mallet. Before he can swing the mallet, the lights go out. When they come back on, Bray Wyatt has disappeared.
Bobby Lashley beats Rusev in a Tables Match after Lana goes for Rusev's eyes.
Backstage, Angelo Dawkins tells Bobby Lashley to get a vasectomy, then everyone from tonight's show is seen brawling with one another and Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) are forced to join in.
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) retain the WWE Women's Tag Tea Championships against Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair in a TLC Match. After the match, the backstage brawl from earlier spills into the arena to end the show.
Backstage, General Manager-Elect asks Jojo to announce his name with more enthusiasm when he wins tonight. Charly Caruso shows up and mentions that Braun Strowman may be showing up tonight. Corbin says that even if he were here, he would still shatter his good elbow, and that Strowman will not show. He also says he will not listen to rumors, as it is beneath him.
Buddy Murphy retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Cedric Alexander.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Becky Lynch, who says that she has no problem with Asuka bringing the fight to her and that she will rip both her and Charlotte Flair's heads off. She says that the odds are against her, but she is fighting on anyway. She says that neither Woman's title has never headlined a dual-branded PPV, and with both brands backstage, she is going to walk around backstage and collect receipts, as there are debts to be repaid when The Man comes around.
Elias is in the ring. He says that guitars may as well be added to the tables, ladders and chairs for tonight, and having climbed the ladder to stardom once already, he is now climbing the ladder to one of his prized guitars tonight. Once he does, he will play a tune on Bobby Lashley that he will never forget. He then decided to play "Do You Know The Way To San Jose?" for the San Jose, California crowd. Before he can get started, however, Lashley and Lio Rush show up. Lio Rush says that Elias is once again sadly mistaken, saying nobody came to see him; instead, everyone came to see Lashley. This starts the Ladder Match.
Elias beats Bobby Lashley in a Ladder Match despite interference attempts by Lio Rush. After the match, Elias prepares to swing his guitar at Lashley, but Lio Rush gets on top of him. Elias gets Rush off him, but Lashley takes him down and commands Lio to hit the frog splash. Lashley then smacks the guitar into Elias' back.
The Fabulous Truth (R-Truth and Carmella) beat Mahalicia (Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox) with a Code of Silence to Alicia Fox. R-Truth and Carmella will now be #30 in their respective Royal Rumble matches and will win a free all expenses paid trips to anywhere in the world. Kayla Braxton interviews The Fabulous Truth after the match, and upon the announcement that destinations have to be sent in ahead of time before the match, R-Truth announces they are going to WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut for their vacation. Carmella is less than enthused.
The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) retain the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships against The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) in a Triple Threat Tag Team Match.
It is announced that WWF Chairman Vince McMahon will return to Raw tomorrow night.
Before the next match, Baron Corbin says he understands there have been complains about his performance at General Manager-Elect and that he takes them seriously and that he listens to the fans. He then tells the fans that's too bad about the complaints, and after referee Heath Slater counts to ten, he will beat Braun Strowman by forfeit. Heath counts, and Corbin counts with him, but at the count of six, Strowman shows up with his right arm in a sling. Strowman takes the microphone and tells Corbin that he forgot to mention something very important: there are no disqualifications in a TLC Match. If someone sick and tired of Corbin wants to help him, it is perfectly legal. All of a sudden, Apollo Crews shows up with a steel chair, as does Bobby Roode, Chad Gable and Finn Balor, who also have steel chairs. Referee Heath Slater also takes his referee's shirt off and throws it at him, and all five men gang up on Corbin. Corbin retreats, and when he makes his way to the stage, Kurt Angle shows up. Angle picks up a steel chair and attacks Corbin as soon as Corbin charges at him, and drives him back into the ring. Everyone then begins to get their offense in on Baron Corbin one by one, then Slater puts his shirt on so that Strowman can cover Corbin for the win. Braun Strowman beats Baron Corbin and earns a shot at the WWE Universal Championship at Royal Rumble, and Baron Corbin is no longer Raw General Manager. (Had Corbin won, he would have become permanent Raw General Manager.)
Natalya beats Ruby Riott in a Tables Match after pulling out a table with Ruby Riott's image pasted on it and powerbombing her through it from the middle rope. During the match, Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan are also put through tables by Natalya.
Finn Balor beats Drew McIntyre. During the match, Dolph Ziggler superkicks Drew McIntyre at ringside behind referee John Cone's back, and comes at him with a steel chair only to get it booted into his face. McIntyre enters the ring with the chair to hurt Ziggler some more, but Finn Balor runs up to McIntyre, drop kicks the chair into his chest and hits the Coup De Grace for the win.
Rey Mysterio beats Randy Orton in a Chairs Match with a victory roll off a chair.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Finn Balor when Dolph Ziggler shows up and tells Finn he should be grateful. Finn teels Ziggler he should stay out of his business, and this leads to Ziggler tossing Finn into a bunch of crates.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Nia Jax with an arm bar despite the distraction from Tamina.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Nia Jax, but Nia refuses the interview. Suddenly, she is met by Becky Lynch. Becky attacks her for breaking her face, and tells Nia to keep her name out of her mouth.
Dasha Fuentes interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, who says that "The New" Daniel Bryan may do whatever takes to win, but there is no difference between the new and the old and that they are both beatable. He has a Phenomenal Forearm with Bryan's name on it, and after playing his game and letting him push his buttons for so long, it's time that Bryan plays his.
"The New" Daniel Bryan retains the WWE Championship against "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles with an inside cradle to counter one from Styles.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, who - on the subject of Becky Lynch - says that payback is a bitch and that she is the baddest bitch on the planet.
Royal Rumble is live January 27th!
Tomorrow night on Raw: Finn Balor vs. Dolph Ziggler!
Earl Mitchell and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers are seen in the front row with Connor's Cure cleats, which are currently up for auction on the Connor's Cure website.
Dean Ambrose beats Seth Rollins to become the WWE Intercontinental Champion after toying with Seth Rollins' emotions during the match by trying to make up with him only to make Rollins lose control of himself.
Asuka beats Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat TLC Match to become the WWE SmackDown Women's Champion after "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey shows up and tips over the ladder that Charlotte and Becky are fighting each other on.
It is announced that Raw General Manager Kurt Angle will be replacing Roman Reigns in The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman) vs. The Miz, Sheamus, Cesaro, Braun Strowman and Kane due to medical issues. It will be Kurt Angle's first WWE match in 11 years. In an interview with The Miz, who says it is just like General Managers to steal his spotlight, and says the real news is that his and Maryse's baby will be a daughter. He says Angle cannot steal his spotlight, as they are in a 5-on-3 handicap match. He says that Angle is not to be reckoned with, and wants him to shake his hand tomorrow night on Raw to show there are no hard feelings. When told he is making it personal, he says he has not made it personal until now, and that he will give Kurt Angle another broken neck.
NXT TakeOver: War Games - which brings back WCW's War Games match - and Survivor Series are November 18th and 19th respectively.
It is announced that Mickie James will be in the Social Media Lounge later tonight.
Kayla Braxton interviews Emma. Emma asks how many vignette Asuka gets, and is irritated with all the attention Asuka is getting. Emma reminds everyone this is her first pay-per-view match in the main roster, and while Asuka is outshining everybody, her spotlight is still bright. She plans to beat Asuka tonight, and trend on social media to get the attention she feels she deserves.
Raw General Manager Kurt Angle meets Jason Jordan backstage. He says that when Roman Reigns could not compete tonight, he felt he had to do something big to fill the void. Suddenly, Elias shows up, wanting to perform a musical number in his honor. Angle lets him have it, then Jason Jordan sarcastically thanks him for saving the pay-per-view. Elias counters "At least I'm on the pay-per-view."
Drew Gulak complains about being silenced and having his PowerPoint presentation cut for time. Gulak then talks about his platform for a better 205 Live. He then gets cut off again, this time by the short commercial break in the pre-show.
Charly Caruso interviews Mickie James in the Social Media Lounge. Mickie says it is incredible knowing she is going for her seventh Women's title. As for whether or not age is getting to her, she says no, and says that there are men and women on the roster around her age. She also mentions The Fabulous Moolah's WWE Women's Championship win from 1999. The first thing she will do when she wins the title is take Alexa's name off of it, have a photoshoot and FaceTime her son Donovan first thing in the morning.
It is announced that Bray Wyatt will not be able to perform tonight due to medical issues and that "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles will take his place in the match against Finn Balor. In an interview with the kick-off show panel, AJ Styles says he is looking forward to this match, as is the world, and he plans to show the world what it's all about. He says he is always prepared for any wrestler, including Finn, and he expects anything and everything as he expect Finn to bring out Demon Finn tonight.
Sasha Banks beats Alicia Fox with the Banks Statement after referee Darrick Moore - the same referee Alicia Fox pushed backstage and got fined for - warns Alicia Fox not to put her hands on him again.
Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins are interviewed. Dean says he doesn't know what Kurt Angle's intentions are given he has not been in a WWE ring in years, but he says this is war and that he had better be prepared. Seth says he cannot believe he is tag teaming with Angle, either. Dean says they plan on going in and burning everything in, and Seth says they are smarter than to divulge their strategy on the pre-show, but they are far from unprepared. Seth says that TLC is where they thrive, as they debuted there five years ago and now they are better than ever.
Asuka beats Emma with the Asuka Lock in her main roster debut.
Backstage, The Miz asks Sheamus and Cesaro to concentrate on what the match is now. Sheamus says Mick Foley would never have done this as Raw General Manager, but he can't wait to Brogue Kick Kurt Angle. The Miz then says Kurt Angle stepped into their match for himself, not for the fans. Miz says that if Angle fancies himself a hero, he will meet a monster among men in Braun Strowman. Strowman says he will destroy Angle as long as everyone stays out of the way. Kane shows up and says if anyone is wrapping a chair around Angle, it will be him. Miz says there is enough to go around, and they will eat off the table of tomorrow. Braun says that for Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, there will be no tomorrow. Kane says he will turn TLC into Hell on earth, and he doesn't care what Miz, Cesaro and Sheamus do with the ashes. Miz, Cesaro and Sheamus then do the Shield fist bump while Miz says "Oh, it's true. It's damn true."
Elias plays guitar and sings for the crowd. It is not long before celery is thrown at him. When the lights come on, it is revealed that Jason Jordan is throwing foods and vegetables at Elias on the stage. The screen fades to black before Elias can continue to perform.
Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann beat The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher.
Charly Caruso interviews Alexa Bliss. Alexa Bliss continues to make fun of Mickie James' age as she calls her first WWE run "the good old days," and says after tonight, her days won't be good; they'll just be old.
Alexa Bliss retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Mickie James. After the match, Charly Caruso interviews Mickie, who is proud she gave her all. She says this won't be her last title shot. Mickie James also thanks the fans for their support.
In the locker room, Kurt Angle meets Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Angle promises he will give 100% tonight. Seth says they are not here to talk strategy, and gives Angle a Roman Reigns-like black vest. Dean says when you're in, you're in. Angle says he's all the way in.
Elias is on the stage to perform again, and he says nothing will stop him from giving the performance that the fans need, as what it needs is what he is. After a lot of booing, Elias starts over. All of a sudden, Jason Jordan shows up and throws vegetables at Elias again. Elias runs away.
Before the next match, Enzo tells everyone he lost his voice and that he celebrated too hard last night. He also says that his voice is all that he is losing.
Enzo Amore beats Kalisto by poking him in the eye prior to the JawdanZo to become a two-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion. Charly Caruso interviews Enzo Amore after the match, and thanks only himself for his title victory. Enzo then says he owes the fans a big "no thank you."
Brad Coleman and Shaun Castle, spokesmen for Paralyzed Veterans of America, are in the crowd.
Finn Balor beats "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles in a very well-received dream cross-brand match. After the match, both men show respect by giving each other the "Too Sweet" hand signal.
Elias performs for a third time. He announces that he will have a match with Jason Jordan, and plays a song for him on his way down to the ring. Not surprisingly, Jason Jordan interrupts Elias in record time with his ring entrance.
Jason Jordan beats Elias with an inside cradle, but the pinfall is too close to call.
Backstage, The Miz tells his team that after this match, they will treat their opponents like garbage and take them to the dump.
The Shield (Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins) and Kurt Angle beat The Miz, Kane, Braun Strowman, Sheamus and Cesaro in a 5-on-3 Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match. The match is Kurt Angle's first match in 11 years and takes place 17 years to the day that Angle beat The Rock for his first WWE Championship. Before the match, Angle does The Shield's entrance with Dean and Seth. During the match, Angle is put through a table with a running powerslam. Angle has to be helped to the back by trainers and referees. Afterwards, Braun Strowman turns on Kane after Kane hits him with a steel chair as their team continue to decimate Dean and Seth. Eventually, a garbage truck is brought in, but Dean and Seth fight out of it after being placed in it. Braun Strowman ends up being placed in it when Kane turns on Braun Strowman by hitting him from behind, choke slamming him through the stage, and yanking the bottom chair in a set of chairs held on a string, causing them all to fall on Strowman. As Miz's team tries to place Dean and Seth in the garbage truck, Strowman gets back up, turns on his entire time and tries to fight Kane only for the rest of the team to turn on him and place him in the garbage truck, which scoops Braun further inside before driving off. Angle eventually shows back up and fights everybody, and after a fight with The Miz, he, Dean and Seth hit Miz with the three man powerbomb for the win.
Here is a video recap of tonight's show!
On Raw Talk, Kurt Angle mentions what it's like to be a member of The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns) for one night.
This match happened because it happened on the Raw before TLC...so now it has to happen again.
My prediction: Sasha will probably win this one, too, just like she did at Raw.
Mickie James vs. Alexa Bliss (c)
for the WWE Raw Women's Championship
It used to be fat jokes and "Piggie James" for Mickie the first time around; now it's ageist jokes and gifted Depends boxes this time around. Can Mickie James prove Alexa Bliss wrong, or does Alexa have the physical and the psychological victory?
My prediction: Alexa Bliss will probably retain.
The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins) vs. Braun Strowman, The Miz, Cesaro, Sheamus and Kane
in a 5-on-3 handicap Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match
The Shield is back! Ambrose says The Shield will take on multiple men at once if they have to...and The Miz decides "open mouth, insert money" is the best counter to this. He's taken Roman's archenemy of the moment - Braun Strowman - as well as Seth and Dean's current adversaries in Sheamus and Cesaro and made him part of his team. Even better, The Miz wanted to add a fifth man less than a week before TLC, and this led to a steel cage match between Roman and Strowman, where if Strowman won, Miz got his fifth man. That fifth man emerged in the form of Kane, who has not been seen in WWE in months, and he helped Strowman walk away with the victory and Miz with the two-man advantage. How is The Shield going to get through this one?
My prediction: The Shield is going all the way. Somehow.
Asuka vs. Emma
Asuka's gonna kill you. On the main roster.
My prediction: Asuka City, clap clap clapclapclap.
Enzo Amore vs. Kalisto (c)
for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Because Enzo Amore just has to use his rematch clause against the one man who wasn't in the Cruiserweight Division when Enzo's clauses effect and was able to take his title, we have this match again.
My prediction: Enzo will probably take the title back, and it won't be pretty...or as legal as a headlock, either.
Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann vs. The Brian Kendrick and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher
Not to be outdone by Enzo and Kalisto, 205 Live brings another hot feud from its programming to TLC. Interestingly, this one has seen Gallagher turn heel as of late.
My prediction: Kendrick and Gallagher are winning this one.
Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt
Yep, this match again. And Sister Abigail is involved in some way this time.
My prediction: Finn Balor is winning again, this time as The Demon.
American radio DJ Peter Rosenberg replaces Jerry "The King" Lawler on the kick-off panel.
Alexa Bliss is in the social media lounge. She says that Trish Stratus is her inspiration as a wrestler, but she has also implemented bits and pieces of other people into her style. She has no doubts after her loss to Becky Lynch at Glasgow, and she plans to prove tonight that she deserves to be champion more than Becky. When asked what she can do as champion that Becky can't, Alexa Bliss says that she is what a future champion is supposed to look like.
American Alpha (Jason Jordan and Chad Gable), The Hype Bros (Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley) and Apollo Crews beat The Vaudevillians (Aiden English and Simon Gotch), The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) and Curt Hawkins during the kick-off.
The Wyatt Family (Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt) beat Heath Slater and Rhyno to become the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions after Luke Harper pushes Randy Orton out of the way of a Gore from Rhyno, allowing Randy Orton to hit an RKO on Rhyno shortly afterwards.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Dean Ambrose. He says that James Ellsworth is safe at home and recuperating tonight, then sings AJ Styles' praises before saying that Styles is an "easy way out kinda guy" and that he will make the easy way out anything but. He says the only way to win is through horrible pain and suffering, and that it will be "hard times."
Renee Young interviews AJ Styles, who has been in a match like the one he will have with Dean Ambrose before. He says that Ambrose will keep getting back up in time to see him hold the WWE World title.
Nikki Bella beast Carmella in a no-disqualification match. After the match, Carmella tells Nikki that she hopes she is proud of herself, and says she didn't attack Nikki at Survivor Series. Instead, it was Natalya.
Natalya helps WWE fan Anthony pick an engagement ring for his girlfriend Eva at a local Kay Jewelers.
Dasha Fuentes interviews SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan admits he would rather Ziggler be the Intercontinental Champion, as Ziggler made it to that level under his own power, but admits The Miz brings a star quality to the title. The Miz shows up, convinced that Daniel Bryan does not like him. Daniel Bryan tells The Miz that he has never liked him. The Miz tells him he will retain the Intercontinental Championship, and tells Daniel Bryan to enjoy.
The Miz retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler with a low blow. After the match, Miz dedicates the win to SmackDown Live General Manager, saying D-Bry's hatred for him was a motivation factor and that Ziggler - and the rest of the crowd - is only deserving of a participation award.
Baron Corbin beats Kalisto in a Chairs Match.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Natalya, who denies that she attacked Nikki Bella at Survivor Series, and wishes Becky Lynch the best of luck tonight in her title defense against Alexa Bliss. As for Carmella, she says she's a liar.
Alexa Bliss powerbombs Becky Lynch from the apron to a table outside of the ring to beat Becky Lynch in a Tables Match and win the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship! Dasha Fuentes interviews Becky, who is upset with herself for setting herself up for the loss and declines an interview.
Anthony proposes to Eva in the ring before TLC. Eva says yes.
John Cena hosts Saturday Night Live next Saturday on NBC at 11:30 PM Eastern, 10:30 PM Central.
AJ Styles retains the WWE World Championship against Dean Ambrose when James Ellsworth shows up to distract Styles and help Ambrose, only for Ellsworth to push the ladder down as Ambrose climbs to the title, sending Ambrose into two tables outside of the ring. Ellsworth then cheers on Styles and wills him to the title, allowing Styles to retain.
On Talking Smack, Alexa Bliss calls her championship win one of overwhelming feelings, especially when her parents were there to see it live where it happened. She says that Becky Lynch didn't try hard enough to keep the title, and that she should be trying harder to take the title from here, which she says will never happen.
On Talking Smack, Baron Corbin says he enjoyed every moment of giving Kalisto a beating tonight, and thanks Daniel Bryan for it. Daniel Bryan admits that Baron Corbin deserves an opportunity in the main event spot, and Corbin says he will do everything he has to do to become World Champion.
On Talking Smack, James Ellsworth reveals he turned on Dean Ambrose to get his shot at the World title against AJ Styles and not Dean Ambrose. He believes that he has AJ Styles' number, and when he wins the World title, he will give Dean Ambrose the first shot. Daniel Bryan tells Ellsworth that Styles will hurt him, and then Ambrose will hurt him worse after Daniel Bryan and Renee Young tell him that he may have made a bigger enemy in Ambrose. Ambrose says he isn't focused on what he did tonight, and is focused on his World title match this Tuesday. He then takes off his neck brace and leaves. The Miz then shows up and bashes Daniel Bryan for all the things happening on SmackDown Live, but Daniel Bryan says that without him, Miz wouldn't be at the place he is now, and that his treating him like a lazy hack forced him to step his game up. Maryse tells Daniel Bryan to apologize for his comments. Miz and Daniel Bryan argue as Talking Smack ends.
in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match for the WWE World Championship
Now that Dean Ambrose is back in the front of the line, he now has a chance to take back the World title that was once his...and in a destructive, chaotic match at that. Can Ambrose take back the World Championship, or will "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles continue to be "the champ that runs the camp?"
My prediction: Styles is probably going to retain.
Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch (c)
in a Tables Match for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship
Alexa Bliss gets one more chance at the blue brand's Women's title after the controversial finish the first time around. Can she be Becky Lynch's nightmare come true this time, especially now that tables are involved?
My prediction: Alexa Bliss is taking the title.
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton) vs. Heath Slater and Rhyno (c)
for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships
After holding the SmackDown tag titles for a few months, Heath Slater and Rhyno have their first real challenge: The Wyatt Family, which is nothing like any of the other tag teams that they have faced on SmackDown. Can Slater and Rhyno somehow pull it off?
My prediction: The Wyatt Family will probably take the titles with the help of Luke Harper.
Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz (c)
in a Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Well, it's happening again. And according to SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan, once this is over, Ziggler and Miz are going their separate ways. We'll see...
My prediction: The Miz will retain with help. Again.
Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
in a No-Disqualification Match
Daniel Bryan said this happen. Now it has. Nikki Bella and Carmella settle the score (we hope!) in a no-DQ match which will end 2016 with a bang for SmackDown.
My prediction: Nikki Bella will probably win this one.
Baron Corbin vs. Kalisto
in a Chairs Match
Baron Corbin put Kalist out of action once more, and he almost did it again with a steel chair. But Kalisto turned the tables on him with one two, and it was pretty obvious that this match was going to happen.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) argue over who will be taking the WWE Tag Team Championships tonight when they get "consolation prizes" from The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods). Both team agree on one thing, though: The New Day aren't leaving with the titles.
Ric Flair runs into Paige backstage. Nothing about her surprises Flair anymore, and when Paige says she's taking the Divas title, she tries to slap Ric Flair, but Ric Flair has her scouted and stops the slap.
Sasha Banks beats Becky Lynch with the Banks Statement after interference by Naomi.
Tom Phillips interviews Alberto Del Rio in the Social Media Lounge. Del Rio returned because he wanted to get back into the big leagues, and the US title is just the first step. He's not afraid that Jack Swagger will beat him tonight, and that the match is like a "grown man fighting a child." He joined The League of Nations (Sheamus, Del Rio, Rusev, King Barrett) because it has the best of the best, and he plans to help take all of the titles. When asked about Zeb Colter, he says he's learned not to trust an American, then takes off the mic and walks off.
The League of Nations (Sheamus, Rusev, Alberto Del Rio, King Barrett) meat in The Hall of The League of Nations. They plan to leave their mark on the WWE tonight.
Before the next match, The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) say they don't just plan to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships, they plan to cement themselves as the face of the tag team division. They then make fun of The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto).
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) after Xavier Woods throws his trombone into Kalisto's back, allowing Kofi and Big E to get the belts.
Rusev beats Ryback with the Accolade.
Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns talk backstage before the next match. Roman can't wait to get his hands on Sheamus, and Ambrose can't wait to stand side-by-side with Roman as champions.
Alberto Del Rio retains the WWE United States Championship against Jack Swagger in a Chairs Match.
Jojo interviews The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley), Tommy Dreamer and Rhyno. The Dudleys have been through a lot through their careers, and they can't think of better allies than Dreamer and Rhyno. They're ready for war.
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman) beat Team ECW Originals (Bubba Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley, Tommy Dreamer, Rhyno) in an eight-man elimination tag team Tables Match. Wyatt, Harper and Strowman are the survivors.
Before the next match, Kevin Owens makes fun of the Boston, Massachusetts crowd's love for sports team, calling everyone "delusional."
Dean Ambrose beats Kevin Owens to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship!
Charlotte retains the WWE Divas Championship against Paige when Ric Flair puts Charlotte's foot on the second rope and Charlotte removes the covering from a middle turnbuckle to ram Paige's head into it.
Jimmy Uso and Naomi help Coleco from San Diego, California make the ultimate proposal to his girlfriend, Lily.
Sheamus retains the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns with the help of Rusev and Alberto Del Rio. After the match, Roman Reigns takes his anger out on all three men. Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and several officials try to talk him out of it, but Roman Reigns hits Sheamus with a chair once more. Triple H gets up on the apron, tells Roman to calm down, then gets in the ring to check on Sheamus. After a minute or two, Roman Reigns hits a Superman Punch on Triple H before repeatedly attacking him with a steel chair. He then puts him through a commentary table, then slowly walks to the back only to run back and hit Triple H with a Spear after officials help Triple H up. Roman then walks back up the ramp.
in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Poor Roman. No sooner does he finally win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the title tournament does Sheamus cash in and Brogue Kick all of efforts away after five minutes of celebration. Now Roman is at square one...again...and now he has a face to put to the obstacle in front of his end goal. Can Roman Reigns survive the onslaught of wood and heavy metal, or will Sheamus somehow slither by with his world title reign intact?
My prediction: Sheamus is retaining.
Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens (c)
for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Dean Ambrose may not have won the World Heavyweight Championship, but thanks to a victory in a three-way dance, he has earned a shot at the Intercontinental title. But Owens won't give up the title that easily. With two guys this crazy and determined, will the history of the Intercontinental Championship become the Ambrose Asylum...or The Kevin Owens Show?
My prediction: Ambrose is taking the title.
The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) vs. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) (c)
for the WWE Tag Team Championships
The New Day thought it was a bright idea to issue an open challenge for the tag titles...and then cancel it when it was answered by more than one team, both of whom were open for a triple threat match. Now the power of positivity is about to meet its biggest test...
My prediction: This is probably the wildest prediction I'm going to make...but the Lucha Dragons are taking the titles.
Paige vs. Charlotte (c)
for the WWE Divas Championship
To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Paige gets a rematch against Charlotte for the Divas title, and bashes Paige even more as she does.
My prediction: Charlotte will retain.
The ECW Originals (Bubba Ray, D-Von Dudley, Tommy Dreamer, Rhyno) vs. The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman)
in an 8-Man Tag Team Elimination Tables Match
Now done with their war against Kane and The Undertaker, The Wyatt Family have re-focused their efforts on The Dudley Boyz. But the Dudleys have just gotten some back-up in the form of fellow ECW alumni Tommy Dreamer and Rhyno...and some tables with the Wyatt's names on them... My prediction: Dudleys and Co. will win.
Jack Swagger vs. Alberto Del Rio (c)
in a Chairs Match for the WWE United States Championship
Jack Swagger is finally sick of Zeb Colter for betraying America and his values for creating the short-lived Mexamerica and teaming with Alberto Del Rio to take the United States Championship. But it's all going out the window and it's all gonna be personal, as Del Rio has finally kicked Zeb and his scooter to the curb.
My prediction: Alberto Del Rio will somehow retain.
Ryback vs. Rusev
Here's a match, because things happened. Yeah, I got nothin'.
Naomi tells The Miz and Damien Mizdow that, despite what happens tonight, she's making it on her own, whether it be a music career or her real #1 focus, the WWE Divas Championship. She also tells Miz that she's tired of wasting time with him.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) beat Gold & Stardust (Goldust and Stardust).
Dolph Ziggler beats Luke Harper in a Ladder Match to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship!
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat The Miz and Damien Mizdow by disqualification when The Miz hits Jimmy Uso with his Slammy Award after he and Mizdow try to escape from the match. Miz and Mizdow retain the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Byron Saxton interviews Seth Rollins. Since Sting is nowhere to be found, Rollins plans to make John Cena pay for the downfall of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon starting with tonight, and plans to beat him up so badly he'll have no choice but to bring HHH and Stephanie back.
Big Show beats Erick Rowan in a Stairs Match.
John Cena beats Seth Rollins in a Tables Match after a match restart after both men go through a table at the same time and despite interference from Big Show, which is stopped by a returning Roman Reigns. All the while, Paul Heyman watches the match from ringside. As a result, John Cena is still #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Byron Saxton interviews Nikki Bella, who doesn't have a lot to say about AJ Lee...and neither does her sister Brie Bella.
Nikki Bella retains the WWE Divas Championship against AJ Lee after a distraction from Brie Bella allows Nikki to spray a mystery object into AJ's eyes for the victory.
Tom Phillips interviews Roman Reigns. Reigns is back, locked and loaded...and he's planning to do even more at the Royal Rumble next year.
Ryback beats Kane in a Chairs Match.
Rusev retains the WWE United States Championship against Jack Swagger with the Accolade, after Swagger loses consciousness.
Bray Wyatt beats Dean Ambrose in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match after the (plugged-in) monitor Ambrose tries to use as a weapon against Bray Wyatt shorts out, with the sparks blinding him and allowing Wyatt to hit a surprise Sister Abigail for the victory.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E Langston, Xavier Woods) vs. Gold & Stardust (Goldust and Stardust) in a Tag Team Match
The New Day get their pay-per-view debut against Gold & Stardust in the kickoff for TLC. Who will win this one?
My prediction: Expecting The New Day to take this one.
Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match
The fight hasn't stopped between these two yet. A regular match wasn't enough. Dean Ambrose had to pull out the chairs. Then he destroyed Bray Wyatt's rocking chair...and Wyatt responded by giving Ambrose the beating of his life. This time, there will be a decisive victor...and tables, ladders and chairs will be involved...
My prediction: Dean Ambrose will win this one.
John Cena vs. Seth Rollins
If John Cena loses, he is no longer the #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Thanks to the Anonymous Raw General Manager, Cena has a match with Rollins...and if he can't win, he can kiss his #1 contendership to Brock Lesnar's WWE World Heavyweight Championship good-bye.
My prediction: Cena will win.
Erick Rowan vs. Big Show in a Stairs Match
Big Show loves bullying people a lot....especially with the steel steps. But Erick Rowan doesn't like him doing that...and he's made it well known by overpowering Big Show every time they meet. Now these two square off...and the steel steps are legal weapons.
My prediction: Big Show will probably win this one somehow; I can just feel it.
The Miz and Damien Mizdow (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) for the WWE Tag Team Championships
The Usos have become #1 contenders for the tag titles again, and Miz and his stunt double have taken this personally. By trying to hook Jimmy's wife Naomi up with a Hollywood producer, Jimmy took the prerogative and slapped Miz in the moneymaker. Jimmy's already got revenge in the form of a singles win against Miz at Main Event. Can he and his brother take the titles from Miz and Mizdow?
My prediction: The Miz and Mizdow will probably retain.
Ryback vs. Kane in a Chairs Match
Before Daniel Bryan relinquished his temporary General Manager role that he had after Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were forced out of power after Survivor Series, he placed Kane in a chairs match against Ryback after Kane took a penchant for interfering in matches and hitting people with steel chairs. Who will come out of this one in one piece?
My prediction: Ryback will probably win this one.
Luke Harper (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler in a Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
After the December 5th SmackDown, where Luke Harper retained the Intercontinental title with a low blow to Ziggler, then tried to power bomb Ziggler into a ladder only to fall victim to a facebuster reversal, Santino Marella used his temporary General Manager powers to make another match for the title between these two at TLC...and made it a ladder match! Who knows how far this match will go?
My prediction: Luke Harper will probably retain.
Rusev (c) vs. Jack Swagger for the WWE United States Championship
Zeb Colter's leg has been snapped by Rusev...and the rivalry between Rusev and Swagger begins anew!
My prediction: Rusev will probably retain.
Nikki Bella (c) vs. AJ Lee for the WWE Divas Championship
After the assist from Brie Bella, who has now sided with sister Nikki and has now turned heel, Nikki Bella is now Divas champ...but AJ Lee wants her title back...
The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns) appear on the TitanTron to tell CM Punk he's in over his head.
Kofi Kingston and The Miz fight at the kick-off panel.
Fandango bashes the Texas line dance before his match.
Fandango beats Dolph Ziggler thanks to the distraction by Summer Rae.
A limousine shows up. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon come out...and so does Vince McMahon!
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon show. They briefly mention the history of the WWE and World title before stating that history will be made tonight.
CM Punk beats The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns) when a blinded Roman Reigns accidentally hits Dean Ambrose with a Spear.
Renee Young interviews AJ Lee and Tamina Snuka. AJ says Total Divas is a joke before saying she'll have the last laugh.
AJ Lee retains the WWE Divas Championship against Natalya by rolling her up and grabbing her by the hair as she does so.
Big E Langston retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Damien Sandow.
Vince McMahon shakes hands with Randy Orton, wishing him luck.
The Miz vs Kofi Kingston is made official for tonight...and it's no-disqualification!
Cody Rhodes and Goldust retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against RybAxel (Curtis Axel and Ryback), The Real Americans (Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro) and the team of Big Show and Rey Mysterio. Big Show, Rey Mysterio and the Rhodes brothers show respect after the match.
The Prime Time Players (Darren Young and Titus O'Neil), The Great Khali, Los Matadores (Fernando, Diego and El Torito), Vickie Guerrero, Brad Maddox and Kane shill the WWE Brawlin' Buddies.
R-Truth beats Brodus Clay after Clay argues with Tensai, saying that he's better than Tensai. Tensai, Cameron and Naomi walk away from Clay, and Tons of Funk is no more.
Vince McMahon shakes John Cena's hand to wish him luck.
The Wyatt Family beats Daniel Bryan in a 3-on-1 handicap match.
Randy Orton handcuffs John Cena to the bottom ring rope. Cena frees himself, but in the end, Orton beats Cena in a TLC match to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion! Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H show up and congratulate Orton after the match.
Well, we have a kick-off. Guess what? We have Dolph Ziggler fighting for free against Fandango.
My prediction: Ziggler will win this one.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton
for the WWE Championship and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
After the debacle that was Randy Orton retaining the WWE Championship against Big Show at Survivor Series, John Cena instantly confronted Orton. The next night on Raw, John Cena challenges Randy Orton to a Title vs. Title match where the winner takes all! Triple H says that there can only be one champion...who will it be?
My prediction: LOLCENAWINS
CM Punk
vs.
The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns)
in a 3-on-1 handicap match
After Daniel Bryan was kidnapped by the Wyatts, CM Punk was attacked by The Shield. The next week, CM Punk comes to the conclusion that he was attacked for openly criticizing Triple H and The Authority. Stephanie McMahon and Kane deny this, but they humiliate CM Punk anyway by putting him in a handicap match against all three members of The Shield.
My prediction: The Shield will probably win this one somehow. I've got my eyes on Roman Reigns.
Big E Langston (c) vs. Damien Sandow
for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Two weeks before TLC, Damien Sandow and Dolph Ziggler competed for the #1 contendership for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Sandow reigns supreme...and now Big E has his first title defense since the rematch against Curtis Axel? Will Big E pull through?
My prediction: Big E Langston will retain.
Daniel Bryan
vs.
The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan)
in a 3-on-1 handicap match
On the same night that CM Punk was placed in a 3-on-1 handicap match against The Shield, Kane placed Daniel Bryan in such a match against The Wyatt Family. D-Bry's been in pretty big pickles, but this is his biggest one yet...
My prediction: The Wyatt Family will probably win this one.
AJ Lee (c) vs. Natalya
for the WWE Divas Championship
After a string of non-title wins, Natalya has been announced as the #1 contender for the WWE Divas title. Can the title come to the Total Divas?
My prediction: Natalya will take the title
Cody Rhodes and Goldust (c)
vs. RybAxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel)
vs. Big Show and Rey Mysterio
vs. The Real Americans (Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro)
in a Fatal Four-Way match for the WWE Tag Team Championships
Well, it had to happen, didn't it? Now that The Shield are behind them, Cody Rhodes and Goldust's tag team title reign is about to be put to the ultimate test. Anybody can pin anybody and get the titles!
My prediction: Cody Rhodes and Goldust will probably retain.
