It’s that time of the year again when the so-called ‘foreign’ objects are taken out of their comfort zone from under the ring and utilized in all its glory. With a buffet of stipulation matches for the fans to treat themselves on, this year’s edition of controlled mayhem has been assigned to the SmackDown brand
Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles face each other for the umpteenth time (hopefully, the blow-off) in a classic TLC match. The same goes for The Miz and Dolph Ziggler, who would be vying for the hot potato in a ladders match. Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss would be on a mission to outshine the Charlotte-Banks dynamic when they go head to head in a tables match for the Women’s title.
And how can we forget the ‘NEW’ Wyatt Family! Bray Wyatt could FINALLY win his first WWE title (if he doesn’t, we riot) with Buzzard Orton at the PPV. That is if WWE does the right thing and ends Heath Slater and Rhyno’s long-drawn fairytale run for good.
The remaining two grudge matches on the card round off another compact, yet potentially explosive PPV offering from SmackDown Live. So before WWE rolls out its annual showcase of weaponry in a couple of hours, here are our final picks and predictions that include returns, shockers, debuts and what not!
#1 The Miz retains and is confronted by his next challenge
The A-Lister vs. The Show-off in a Ladders match for the IC title! Will this be any different from their previous encounters? A resounding no, as the men who are responsible for the resurgence of the IC title’s prestige are set to put together another classic to remember.
I personally have no qualms about seeing the two go at it time and again, but at the same time, I’m grateful that the feud will finally come to an end as both deserve to move on to greener pastures. So will WWE pull off another title change? I don’t think so.
The Miz’s exemplary work warrants a successful title defense, and that is exactly what could happen. Expect all the predictable underhand tactics to be deployed in the match; Spirit Squad and Maryse’s interference and Miz pulling out the classic tricks from the hell book.
But what happens after he holds on to the title is most intriguing. Imagine this. Sami Zayn’s music hits and out comes the Underdog from the Underground to announce himself as a SmackDown star and the next possible Intercontinental Champion. Sounds good? You’re damn right it does! He could even interrupt during the match to exact some revenge for his loss at Survivor Series.
You know what could be even more insane, Samoa Joe making his main roster debut to take out The Miz. Just one word; goosebumps!
#2 Baron Corbin decimates Kalisto
Baron Corbin is to SmackDown what Big Cass is to RAW; a future main event talent in the making. Thus, it’s only obvious that The Lone Wolf makes a statement by putting Kalisto away. And it needs to happen in a convincing fashion.
A few ariel spots with the chair courtesy of Kalisto’s acrobatic brilliance coupled with Corbin’s merciless brutality could make this a fun match to watch. Corbin deserves the win here as he’s ready to move up the ranks. But what if WWE sees Kalisto as a necessary commodity in pushing their Hispanic agenda and hand him a shocking win? Corbin and Apollo Crews would be best mates after TLC ends without a doubt.
But that won’t happen as Vince McMahon likes the big guys with long locks more than the masked daredevils. Thus Corbin should pick up the win here and move up a notch in the ladder of relevance.
#3 Nikki Bella puts Carmella over with a twist
Nikki Bella’s time has come to put over upcoming talents from the SmackDown just like her beau John Cena and Carmella is more than ready for the rub. The Princess of Staten Island lost to the longest reigning Divas Champion at Backlash, and it’s high time she gets the much-needed win to level the scores.
The no disqualification stipulation could spring up a few pop worthy spots, but that would be all there is to this. This is expected to be a filler match at most with a swerve to make Nikki Bella look strong in defeat. Remember the 'unknown attacker' that prevented Nikki Bella from competing at Survivor Series? What if the mystery attacker is revealed to be Natalya? The seeds of a Natalya-Bella feud could be planted easily with a convenient interference.
But will Carmell’s jibes on John Cena come back to haunt her at TLC? Hopefully not!
#4 Bray Wyatt finally gets a taste of gold
WWE needs to hit it when the iron is steaming hot and TLC is the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the momentum of the Wyatts after their heroic performance at Survivor Series. Heath Slater and Rhyno have outrun their stay as the Tag Team Champions, and a shake-up in the division is the best move going forward.
They said Bray Wyatt never needed a title to stay relevant, but it is now, after WWE’s chalk and cheese booking led to the Eater of World’s stock dwindle drastically over the past few months. By the looks of it, Orton and Wyatt will capture the titles and get into a feud with The American Alpha shortly.
A Brother of Destructions vs. Wyatt Family is another mouth-watering prospect. Best for freaking business!
#5 A blissful TLC
WWE SmackDown’s Women’s title for all its earnest intents hasn’t been able to topple the competition from Sasha Banks, Charlotte, and co. Becky Lynch may be the babyface champion that leads the charge on SmackDown, but it needs to be done the right way and that is to have the babyface go after the title.
The perfect booking decision would be for Alexa Bliss to win the title here and begin a solid run as a heel champion. She’s the best woman on the mic in the WWE right now; that is if you forget the Kevin Dunn inspired vomit comment from last week Becky look weak in defeat.
#6 A Phenomenal end to the feud
First up, I pray to all the wrestling gods that James Ellsworth doesn’t show up at the PPV to ruin what could be a five-star match. Hopefully, the cringeworthy Styles Clash keeps out for the time to come as the goofy underdog shtick is not meant to be anywhere near the main event scene.
AJ Styles losing the title now would be a classic WWE misstep and it is something WWE would surely avoid doing as Royal Rumble approaches. Let’s address the Elephant in the room, The Undertaker.
While a return and confrontation would be a ratings booster, WWE might save it for the fallout SmackDown. AJ Styles can gloat about retaining the title and issue a challenge to anyone from the roster to step up and take the title away from him. Gong! Lights out! The Undertakaaa comes out! The Phenom vs. Phenomenal one set for the Rumble!
You may be wondering what happens to Dean Ambrose after all of this? A heel turn on James Ellsworth after reaching boiling point stemming from all the recent frustrations would revitalize Ambrose ahead of Royal Rumble.
What are your predictions for the PPV? Let us know in the comments below.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
