Kickoff Show: Sasha Banks Vs Becky Lynch
My excitement about the arrival of “The Boss” was nearly soured by a painful WWE rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Even Tamina looked puzzled by the writing as the she “murdered” the holiday classic with singing that was somehow worse than her wrestling skills. Thankfully, this was brief and not nearly as dreadful as one from a few years ago. The match was easily the best divas match on the main roster in a while, in my opinion. Considering there has been zero story telling between the two, the fans were very supportive of this match. A great back and forth encounter ended with some interference from Team Bad and a Bank Statement for the victory. WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The New Day Vs The Usos Vs Lucha Dragons (Ladder Match)
Wow! I had great expectations for this match and these seven guys somehow exceeded them. We’ve seen so many ladder matches over the years and sometimes I feel that “everything has been done”, but tonight disproved that. It’s hard to pick a favorite spot, but I might just have to go with the Salina Del Sol through the ladder. Everyone had numerous memorable spots and the fans responded in kind. Splashes with the ladder, flips onto them, and even brutal catapaults, this match truly was awesome. The New Day finally wins this war thanks to the expected interference from Xavier Woods and his trusty trombone, which was heaved into the ring. My words really can’t do this match justice so I just strongly suggest that you watch it for yourself. |
Ryback Vs Rusev
GIVE RUSEV A NON SUBMISSION FINISH NOW! How many times are they going to book a “knockout” submission finish for this guy in lieu of a legitimate tap out. Cena, Henry, Swagger, Sheamus, Show, and now Ryback have all been victim of this booking. I agree that Ryback should not tap out or else it would only further retard his momentum even worse than it already has been. I just can’t fathom how neither of these guys have been placed in WWE World Heavyweight Championship picture at all this year. I mean I can totally understand how important it was to put all of those other youngsters (Kane, Big Show, Sting, and Cena) in that position. The match was typical Smackdown fair. Ryback’s momentum was stalled when it looked like he hurt Lana, leading to a kick to the head and an accolade for the win. I expect Ryback to pin him tomorrow night on Raw. |
WWE United States Championship: Alberto Del Rio Vs Jack Swagger (Chairs Match)
For a guy from a legendary wrestling family, Alberto Del Rio seems to know as much about putting together a good match as Vince McMahon knows about being humble. Isn’t Del Rio supposed to be a heel? If so, why does he continue to lead the crowd in a chant of “Si! Si! Si!” before going for many of his moves? Also, can’t he see that his new double stomp finish is as convoluted and phony looking as the damn Worm? Excuse me sir, but can you please just hold yourself up for a moment while I climb the top rope? Finally, the man was in a chair assisted Patriot Lock for over a minute and then just walked around ringside and easily climbed up the ropes. There was more selling going on at KB Toys this year, and they went out of business nearly a decade ago. Regardless of the lack of psychology on ADR’s part, the match was pretty good even though the real outcome was never in doubt. Thankfully Swagger looked good and hopefully creative will have an idea or two for him going forward. A double foot stomp on a pile of chairs gave Alberto the pinfall victory. |
Team ECW (Dudley Boyz, Rhyno, & Tommy Dreamer) Vs The Wyatt Family (Tables Match)
Fun Fact: As a good friend of mine pointed out, the WWE has been doing ECW reunion matches for longer than the actual company existed. ECW was open for eight years and the WWE has been dragging out these guys for ten. With that being said, if the older veterans can still go and put on entertaining matches that is really all that matters. I feel bad for Erick Rowan. Not only was somehow defeated by original ECW super jobber, Tommy Dreamer on Raw, but he was also technically put through a table via a phantom slam. There was moment when he completely missed a table when coming off the top rope, yet it somehow snapped in two. You know karma has it out for you when things like this happen. Meanwhile Braun Strowman was missing more spots than a Dalmatian soaked in bleach. This guy was sloppy. Luke Harper had a much better night as he eliminated both D-Vonn and Tommy Dreamer with a big boot and over the ropes dive respectively. The finish came as Bubba was trying to light a table on fire only to be thwarted and sent through the furniture by The Green Giant himself. At least the Wyatt family won a match on pay per view. It’s been far too long. |
WWE Diva’s Championship Match: Charlotte Vs Paige
Fun Fact: Paige’s ring name has officially been changed to Challenger Paige. So why exactly is Charlotte turning heel? She is undefeated on the main roster as far as I know (care). She has the championship and is constantly put over by the announcers. Charlotte needs to cut some sort of promo blaming the fans for not supporting her, instead cheering for Sasha Banks and Paige. This would explain her sudden change of heart and adoption of a rule breaking style. Then of course she could call on the help of the Dirtiest Player in the Game. WWE; What’s logic? This match was the first time that Paige did not have the home field advantage, as she did not once explain to the fans that it was indeed her house. The match was solid and had a much better finish than last month. Ric Flair predictably got involved by saving his daughter from a loss and then Charlotte ran Paige’s head into an exposed turnbuckle. All kidding aside, I enjoyed this match and like the new direction for Charlotte as a heel. I just wish that they spent a few weeks building to it and explaining it. That’s apparently too much to ask for. |
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match: Sheamus Vs Roman Reigns (TLC Match)
I absolutely love and can’t help laughing at the ridiculous bright white entrance light that shines on Sheamus during his entrance. I saw that effect for the first time while at October’s special Madison Square Garden show and reveled in its ridiculous. We get it, he’s very white. Does that mean Strauman should get a green light? The match begins with a fist fight and the fans respond with the dueling Cena chants. Feel free to double check the heading of this paragraph. Cena is not in this match. Apparrently the booking of Roman Reigns is just a little too familiar for some fans. I like both of these guys and honestly have no problem with either of them being champion. Reigns has just been forced way too hard and Sheamus has been booked like an idiot. It’s hard to see them as equals at this point. Regardless, these guys came out of the gate swinging with Sheamus putting the challenger through many tables. Reigns continues to try hard, but still falls into a predictable routine of moves which now includes a “surprising” arm lock dead lift into a powerbomb. This match hit the skids after a brutal samoan drop over the top rope through a propped up ladder. How does that not hurt? As Roman Reigns recovered and began his ascent, I once again questioned why the League of Nations did not interfere. Even the 3MB and Job Squad did what stables are supposed to do and helped each other out. My answer came soon enough as they finally made the save. The frantic ending did in fairness lead to a fever pitch frenzy among the WWE Universe. As Sheamus grabbed his championship, Reigns still attempted to stay competitive. Post match, Roman beat the ever loving tar out of The League of Nations. I hope to God that this means that his character will have some edge and stop smiling after getting screwed, making lame jokes, and generally being lame. Triple H came out to chastise after the match only to get destroyed as well. Fantastic. |
For a show that had very little momentum going into it, TLC 2015 fired on all cylinders. The Tag Team divison put on a true classic that should be remembered for years to come. Stagnant characters like Charlotte and Roman Reigns finally showed some true fire and development. That final spear on the floor to HHH was amazing. Dean Ambrose finally won an important match and the Intercontinental Championship, though Owens’ next step is questionable. I am actually looking forward to Raw and the next steps on the Road to Wrestlemania. Please WWE, carefully plan your next steps. Don’t rush anything. And, please do not do any TLC rematches tomorrow. Is that too much to ask? We’ll see.