The annual TLC PPV takes place tomorrow and I am looking forward to it a lot. Despite CM Punk not being able to compete, the unpredictable nature of the types of matches involved with the PPV means that we could be in for the best event this year. This post will look at each match and who I think will win and why.
Well, let’s get underway!!!
‘Santa’s Helper” Number 1 contender battle royal:
The YouTube pre-show will feature a battle royal to determine the number 1 contender for Eve’s Divas Championship. Initially the favourite for me would have been AJ but she was quickly removed from the battle royal. So, the most obvious choices would be the two former challengers Kaitlyn and Layla. Kaitlyn had a few chances, as did Layla but I think that Kaitlyn will come out victorious by eliminating Tamina last.
Winner and number 1 contender: Kaitlyn
Number 1 Contender table match: Mysterio & Cara vs Rhodes Scholars
After Rhodes Scholars won a fatal four-way tag team match, they will now face the team of Mysterio and Sin Cara in a tables match. While the whole build-up will be on Rhodes moustache (sarcasm), this match will be a great opener if given the chance. Damien Sandow has the ability to be a top star for years to come and the high-flying offence of Mysterio & Cara will make sure this match will keep people on the edge of their seats. However, when the final rings Rhodes Scholars will be victorious and go on to face Team Hell No in the very near future.
Winners and number 1 contenders: Team Rhodes Scholars
United States Championship match: Antonio Cesaro vs R-Truth
Antonio Cesaro will put his United States title up against Little Jimmy’s buddy R-Truth.
This match will be short and sweet with the focus being on other matches. The fact that there is no stipulation for this match also detracts from its excitement factor. If it had been added as a tables match then it could have been more exciting and get people pumped to see it. Antonio Cesaro has said that no American will beat him for the title and that will be true for now as Cesaro will defeat R-Truth with the Neutraliser.
Winner and still United States Champion: Antonio Cesaro
Intercontinental Championship match: Kofi Kingston vs Wade Barrett
Wade Barrett will attempt to re-create history by winning the Intercontinental from Kofi Kingston. Barrett’s one and only title run began last year when he defeated Kofi Kingston. Barrett has slowly regained the momentum he had with his ‘Barrett Barrage’ before he was injured. However, he could be well and truly back on track if can defeat Kingston and win his second Intercontinental championship.
Despite Barrett needing the win and the title, I think Kofi will get the win here as he has been shown to have more intensity and has acted less fun-loving in recent weeks. This is why I believe that Kofi won’t lose his title just yet.
Winner and still Intercontinental Champion: Kofi Kingston
World Heavyweight Championship match (Chairs match): Big Show vs Sheamus
This match is where the biggest upset will come from. Everyone expects Big Show to win since he has been booked as a monster heel, Sheamus needs to win the title otherwise it will take away from his booking similar to Super Cena in previous months.
Sheamus has slowly added more intensity to his character since beginning his feud with Big Show and I like the change. His happy, not caring attitude was boring and borderline annoying. However, with talks of the Wrestlemania World Title match being between Sheamus and Randy Orton, it would make sense for Sheamus to win the title at TLC with a barrage (sorry Wade) of chair shots.
Winner and new World Heavyweight Champion: Sheamus
Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Championship MITB briefcase: John Cena vs Dolph Ziggler
This match scares me, a lot! As a massive Dolph Ziggler fan, the thought of John Cena standing on top of the ladder with the briefcase almost brings me to tears. This match is basically to push the feud between AJ and Vickie Guerrero but there is a small part of me that thinks John Cena might win this match. However, when I get that thought I realise that it would make no sense for Cena to win if he is going to be involved with the Rock and CM Punk around Wrestlemania season. I don’t think the winner will cash in at TLC so Dolph Ziggler will hold onto the briefcase for another night.
Winner and still Mr Money in the Bank: Dolph Ziggler
Tables, Ladders and Chairs match (TLC): Team Hell No & Ryback vs The Shield
This is the match which I believe will go on last. It seems unheard of that a superstars first match is in the main event of a PPV, but that is what is in store for The Shield. The three NXT upstarts, as Michael Cole calls them, have a lot to live up to from the beginning. Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose are internet darlings and Roman Reigns has plenty of potential according to the higher powers. On the other side of the ring, Team Hell No have been gradually getting along and Ryback has been the biggest thing in 2012. Something has to give and I think I have the answer.
The Shield cannot lose this match and neither can Ryback so Daniel Bryan has to take the pinfall. This would then allow Ryback to look good and lead to the demise of Team Hell No which Team Rhodes Scholars would capitalise on in their tag title match down the line. So the PPV will end with The Shield standing tall, possibly with a new member who may help them tomorrow night.
Winners: The Shield
Well that is my predictions for the TLC PPV. Check back later in the week for a Raw review and a special opinion piece where I pick my winners for the Slammys.
Peace out!
Jake
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