This Sunday is Smackdown's TLC show. Nice to see the blue brand get one of the big gimmick PPVs since RAW got Hell in a Cell. Once again this show looks to be succinct and to the point, likely running under three hours. It's quite sad when that's a good thing. But let's get to the predictions.
***I'm up by three now, leading Dan 55/88 to 52/88, both of us having a terrible accuracy rate with Survivor Series. Thanks a lot, Goldberg!***
Chairs Match: Kalisto vs. Baron Corbin
This match came about because Corbin got pretend-injured a few weeks ago in a match against Kalisto, losing him his spot at Survivor Series. He then returned AT Survivor Series, ruining a perfectly good Cruiserweight Title match. Dick. Also, despite clearly being recovered from his fake injury he was NOT reinserted into the Surivor Series match, and instead Shane McMahon nearly got killed. Ace move, gang. This match is likely gonna be messy. I like Kalisto but unless they're gonna make him an Intercontinental contender or put him back in the tag division he should really be on RAW with the Cruisers. I still don't care much at all about Corbin. He's a generic big man with two moves. I'm guessing the chairs stip will help Kalisto level the playing field and allow him to win.
Justin's pick: Kalisto
Dan's pick: I guess Corbin wins here? I dunno, maybe Vince's love for the BIG MAN gets him the W. But Corbin stinks. Also, he's bald, but won't let it go.
No DQ Match: Nikki Bella vs. Carmella
This feud is still going on? I think it's time for Nikki to move on to Natalya, with whom she can have some pretty killer matches. I was hoping that was where the injury angle from Survivor Series was going, but it looks like they pinned that one on Charlotte. Anyway, it's still good to see multiple women's feuds happening on the same brand.
Justin's pick: Nikki
Dan's pick: Yeah
Smackdown Tag Team Championship: Rhyno & Heath Slater vs. Bray Wyatt & Randy Orton
Umm, lemme get this straight. American Alpha wins a gauntlet match to earn a title shot, and then immediately Orton & Wyatt challenge them to put up their shot the following week, and Alpha loses? Super. So where does this leave the best team on the main roster? Out on their asses. How the fuck has Smackdown Creative not figured out what to do with this team yet? They were way over when they debuted and they've been hobbled from day one when Creative booked a Chad Gable injury to take them out of the initial Tag Title tournament. Just pull the trigger on some kinda push, will ya?
Justin's pick: Orton & Wyatt win the belts and Alpha eventually chases them
Dan's pick: Are O & W heels here? What is this mess? But I guess they get the win.
Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler
This should be another fine showing from these two, though they're stretching the boundaries of how long they can take this feud. Ziggler is always game for a memorable Ladder Match so we should see some pretty dangerous-looking stuff here. The I-C Title is in the midst of a pretty successful rehab, so let's keep it up. This'll be the best or second-best match of the night.
Justin's pick: Miz retains
Dan's pick: This is only the thousandth time in the last month that they've fought. Good times. Miz should win here.
Smackdown Women's Championship Tables Match: Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss
I hate Tables matches. Such a stupid gimmick that was only ever relevant when The Dudleyz came up with it. Time to retire this concept, stat. How is slamming someone through a table any measure of who's a better wrestler? I'd be okay if I never saw another table spot as long as I live really. There's no shock value after the first seven thousand times. This match would have a much better chance of being good if it were just a straight-up singles match. Anyway, Becky's only had this belt for like two months, so keep it on her.
Justin's pick: Becky
Dan's pick: Yes
WWE Championship TLC Match: AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose
Should be a helluva match. Styles is easily the Wrestler of the Year 2016, putting up more career performances this year than anyone in the world. If this isn't the best match on the card I'll be shocked. Also this has to be the big blowoff to this feud, right? AJ and Dean have been around the block for three months and with John Cena coming back it's time for him to chase AJ while Ambrose finds someone else to feud with (I'm just not sure who's left on this thin roster). Anyway, this'll be a lotta fun.
Justin's pick: AJ retains
Dan's pick: I concur
There's your TLC lineup. The Smackdown PPVs have been an understated treat to watch for the most part, so I expect a solid show. Comment below with your thoughts and stay tuned for a recap on Monday!
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