John Canton: Welcome to the WWE TLC PPV preview written by the staff of TheJohnReport.net. As always, there will be 14 of us guiding you through Sunday’s PPV. This will be the last time that all 14 of us write a preview. It was a fun idea when I came up with it in the summer, but based on the feedback and the amount of editing that I have to do for it I’ve decided to wish the staff preview the best in its future endeavors. In the new year it will most likely be myself and one or two others. We’ll figure it out by the time the Royal Rumble gets here.
Here are the standings since we started doing the staff previews in July. The way the points work is you get 1 point for each correct match and 2 points for each correct WWE or World Title match.
29 pts: Cody “Wednesday” Dodson, Laurence “Tuesday” Salford, Matt “ROH” Seagull, Thomas “Sunday” Briggs
28 pts: Mike “Friday” Aires
27 pts: Matty J. “Monday” Douglas
26 pts: Kenny “Superstars” Latham, John “Raw Deal” Canton
25 pts: Christian “Smackdown” Michael
24 pts: Andrew “Headlines” Johnson
22 pts: Lonestar “NXT”, Jacob “Thursday” Lindsey, Eric “Tough Enough” Keith, Marc “TNA” B
I kicked ass last month and jumped a few of the others. In all likelihood there will be a tie at the time, but no guarantee of that either. Here’s the six match card, which features no John Cena. At least he’s not advertised. I’d be shocked if he’s not part of the PPV in some way.
US Title: Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder
Cody Dodson: It’s finally time for the Woo Woo Woo revolution to make a major stride. Zack picks up the title. Winner: Zack Ryder
Laurence Salford: Surely, this can only end in the victory for Ryder? I don’t know how the finish will play out, and assume it won’t be clean (maybe Cena in Ryder’s corner?), but if this unusually long storyline doesn’t end in the victory for Ryder, I will be incredibly surprised. Winner – Zack Ryder (WWWYKI)
Matt Seagull: Guess who’s back on top, ladies and germs? On top of everything: the TJR Fantasy Football League, and on top of being able to pick who the WWE creative team thinks should win over the other guy. Personally I think it’s a crying shame that Dolph’s only wrestling once on this show. I DEMAND YOUR SWEAT AND TEARS, MR. ZIGGLER! Anyway, he’s been featured more, so it looks like he might be moving on to bigger and better things. Plus, Ryder’s long overdue for winning the belt. Isn’t it awful though that the build on his Youtube show for this match is light years better than the build on WWE television? Winner: Zack Ryder
Thomas Briggs: It’s time for both of these guys to move up. I’m slightly disappointed in HOW Ryder got this match, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t win the title here. It’s the right move for both men. Winner: Zack Ryder
Mike Aires: IT’S TIME! IT’S TIME! ITS….RYDER…TIME! Time for Ziggler to move up the card, and time for Ryder to sink or swim. The Long Island Loud Mouth’s hard work over the past year will pay off and he’ll walk into 2012 as Champion. Winner Zack Ryder
Matty J. Douglas: This is match is a PPV late in my opinion. I still don’t get why this didn’t happen at Survivor Series, or why JoMo got the shot on one of the big 4 PPVs of the year in Ryder’s home state. Better late than never I guess. Get the belt off Ziggler and let him rise up the card, and reward Ryder for a great 2011. Winner: Zack Ryder
Kenny Latham: WOO WOO WOO! Well for well over a year now, I’ve been tooting my horn on getting a push for Zack Ryder. And Finally, that day has arrived. He finally wins his first singles title in the WWE (remember he held the Tag Titles back when he was in Edge’s group in 2008). I predict he does it cleanly despite Vicky trying to help Dolph out. The pop that he gets should be MONSTEROUS. Winner: Zack Ryder
John Canton: It’s time for the Woo Woo Woo kid to win the US Title. Last month at Survivor Series was actually the right time, but for whatever reason they felt it was better to give the title shot to a guy that was leaving like John Morrison. Ziggler beat Ryder in October when he got his first US Title match. Now it’s time for Ryder to win? Why? He deserves it, but more importantly because it’s time for Ziggler to move up to a higher slot on the card. Why? Because he deserves it. It’s a feud of two deserving talents. That’s why I’ve liked it so much. Winner: Zack Ryder
Christian Michael: Give WWE credit for doing something right. They’ve made the casual fan care about Ryder and care about Ryder winning the United States Championship. It’s time to switch the title and have Dolph move on to bigger things. 2012 will be the year of the Zig Zag Man.
Prediction – Zack Ryder wins the United States Championship.
Andrew Johnson: Dolph doesn’t need it, Zack does. I like Zack a lot, but without his catchphrases and web show he’s just a jumping dick to the face away from being Ken Kennedy. Winner: Zack Ryder
Lonestar: I really think this is Zack Ryder’s time and seeing as how it looks like the WWE machine has gotten behind him I fully expect Ryder to win the US title this Sunday. Winner: Zack Ryder
Jacob Lindsey: I’m sure this will be a good match, and the internet will set a world record for the most heterosexual men with boners from watching two heterosexual men fake fighting at one time, but I’m not super excited about it. I’m hoping shenanigans lead to a Ziggler loss, and he gets elevated. Could be a good Rumble opponent for the WWE Champ. Ryder gets the US title until Brodus Clay debuts and eats his face. Or something. Winner: Zack Ryder
Eric Keith: I’m buying into the rumors that Cena will be involved in this match, possibly as the guest referee. WWE has a minor conundrum here because Zack HAS to win the title or else his whole push has been for nothing, but they need to protect Ziggler because he’s been latched to a skyrocket headed straight for the glass ceiling. So, presto-chango, Cena will assist his new little buddy and probably be Broski of the week. Lucky ducky, quack quack. Winner: Zack Ryder
Marc B: The time is now for Ryder. He has definitely risen to meet the expectations that arose when he started this whole thing. Also, his desire to become the US champ has elevated the title itself. Ziggler is ready to move up the card as well. I say it’s time both happened. Winner Zack Ryder
Intercontinental Title: Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T.
Cody Dodson: The match should be good but there should only be one man who deserves to win. Still Intercontinental Champion…Winner: Cody Rhodes
Laurence Salford: Cody has had the IC belt for the longest time, but really shouldn’t be losing it to an announcer who hasn’t had a match in years, even if he is the five time five time etc. Winner – Cody Rhodes
Matt Seagull: No Booker T-isms here, I’ll let John beat you over the head with those. Admittedly I mark out when a former wrestler who’s relegated to a non-wrestling role (such as an announcer or commissioner/GM) comes back because an active wrestler pushed him over the limit. It’s the nostalgic in me. Book can still go, and he’s still in great shape, so I expect this to be a really fun match with the crowd firmly behind Mr. T. But he has absolutely no shot of winning this match. He’ll give Cody a fight, but the former Dashing/former Grotesque one will pull out the win. WHOA-OH!
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Thomas Briggs: This one is obvious. I’m a big fan of Booker T, both in the ring and on commentary (call me crazy) but I just can’t see him scoring a win here unless it’s by disqualification. Rhodes, like Ziggler, is on his way to the top, but unlike Ziggler, now is not the right time to drop his title. Winner: Cody Rhodes
Mike Aires: This should be a fairly good match overall, but we all know that this is just filler so Rhodes can show off his skill. However I don’t see him beating the Book Man clean. I think Booker gives him everything he can, which will have Rhodes get DQ’d in order to keep the title. Winner: Booker T
Matty J. Douglas: I’m a Booker T fan, but I don’t really think they’d put the IC title on him. I’m not opposed to the title switching off Cody, but Booker isn’t really the guy. I anticipate a cheap Cody victory leading to another match between the two. Cody could drop the title before their second match, possibly with Booker costing him the title on Smackdown, to add fuel to their personal issues with one another. Winner: Cody Rhodes
Kenny Latham: The promos in the build to this have been pretty good. Booker T has been announcing all year and has been hilarious in his work. But his job here is to put Cody over. Giving Cody a clean win over a six-time champion will really work towards building his future, which is only going to get brighter. Winner: Cody Rhodes
John Canton: OH MY GOODNESS! This has been a fun feud. Cody’s got the type of gimmick where you want to see him get his ass beat while Booker’s the kind of legend that has respect and that can still go, or at least he looks like he can. It should be very solid in terms of generating a reaction from the crowd. Booker’s been on the road a bit the last few weeks working with Cody on house shows, so their chemistry should be alright. Booking wise, there’s no reason for Booker to win. Cody has benefitted from the IC Title and I expect his reign to continue into the new year. Winner: Cody Rhodes
Christian Michael: It’ll be interesting to see what Booker has left. It should be a fun match with a fairly predictable outcome. Prediction- Cody Rhodes retains the Intercontinental Championship.
Andrew Johnson: What is it about Booker T helping get the Rhodes boys over? Did he lose a bet to Dusty in the early 2000’s or something? Winner: Cody Rhodes
Lonestar: I have reservations about this match. Cody seems to be breaking on through to the other side as of late and now he’s paired up with Booker T, a man who squawked a lot about helping out the younger guys in TNA without actually helping out the younger guys in TNA. A jaded blogger might wonder if the Book-man isn’t just out for one more run under the bright lights, but then again that was a different company. As for this match I expect it to be pretty solid and I expect Cody to keep his IC championship. Winner: Cody Rhodes
Jacob Lindsey: I’ve never been a big Booker T guy, but I kinda like this, and it will help Cody in the long run. Cody Rhodes is currently one of my favorite guys on the roster. I hope he Beautiful Disasters the bajeezus out of Booker after he does his 50-year-old breakdancer moves. Winner: Cody Rhodes
Eric Keith: I’m pretty excited for this match because let’s be honest: it’s gonna be good. I’m actually pretty excited that both the U.S. and IC titles are on the line at this PPV too. This is probably the beginning of a feud that will carry through the Rumble, so I see some kind of screwy finish. By no means do I see the Bookerman leaving as the IC Champ though. Cody will get himself intentionally DQ’d and give Booker a beatdown Harlem Style! Then Stevie Ray will show up out of nowhere seemingly to help his fallen brother, but then shockingly he will aid in the Booker beatdown. The carnage will only come to an end with another one of Book’s former comrades, General Hugh G. Rection makes the save. Winner: Booker T
Marc B: This has been a fun feud for the most part. Is there anyone who believes Booker is going to be IC champ? Same here. It’s good to see Booker giving the rub to someone who deserves it, though. Winner Cody Rhodes
Tables Match: Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett
Cody Dodson: The Barrett Barrage is out in full force. Orton has been great about putting people over and that continues Sunday. Winner: Wade Barrett
Laurence Salford: I think this is the toughest match to predict. Orton has been very generous recently, dishing out wins to the young heels like there’s no tomorrow, but I think he will win here, probably from out of nowhere, just like the good old days. Winner – Randy Orton
Matt Seagull: I see Tables Match and immediately I think UPSET! A tables match is so easy for one of the main guys like Cena or Orton to lose because they could be pushed through the table on a fluke, as we saw back in 2009 when Cena dropped the belt to Sheamus. Or the heel could get a clean victory without actually having to pin the superhero babyface. They’re rebooting the Barrett push, possibly to take Daniel Bryan’s briefcase (my worst nightmare) and be a future World Champion. I think it starts here. Winner: Wade Barrett
Thomas Briggs: I think this feud has been really well booked. So much so, that the finish at TLC isn’t all that predictable. A year ago, I would’ve chosen Orton in a heartbeat, but now I’m not so sure. He’s been booked to be vulnerable recently, and I think that will benefit him in the long run when he overcomes insurmountable odds to regain his World Heavyweight title. In the meantime, I see this feud continuing on to Royal Rumble. Winner: Wade Barrett
Mike Aires: This match is tough to call. Both men should and can win this match. However I think Barrett has been a thorn in Orton’s side for too many weeks, and Orton will take out his aggression on Barrett and drive him, and his Barrage, through a table. Winner: Randy Orton
Matty J. Douglas: I anticipate an Orton win here since he’s lost quite a bit of late, but the WWE seems high on Wade so this could go either way. This feud has been rather paint by numbers and has had very few truly exciting moments so whoever wins, I hope this is the last time they face off (likely not though). I also wish this was the Ladder match, maybe with a #1 Contender contract on the line. Winner: Randy Orton
Kenny Latham: They had this feud last year over the WWE Title before Miz won the belt. Of course, Barrett was the leader of Nexus at the time. Now, Barrett is proving that he is the real deal. And he’ll prove it again here. Barrett’s push continues. Orton is going to have to be on the lower part of the Main Event scene for a while; Sheamus is going to be the top dog on Smackdown for a while. Winner: Wade Barrett
John Canton: This should be a decent match although I’m not a huge fan of a Tables Match. I think the concept is silly. At least in the traditional ladder match you have to grab something to win. In a Chairs Match you use them as weapons to beat somebody down before a pinfall or submission. In a Tables Match, all you’re doing is putting them through a table to win, which isn’t that exciting in terms of a match finish. Orton’s been on the losing end a fair bit lately. He’s my pick to win the Royal Rumble in his hometown of St. Louis, so I’ll pick him to win here so that he gets some momentum. I don’t think it would hurt Barrett too much to lose here. Winner: Randy Orton
Christian Michael: This match is a Tables Match for a simple reason. It gives Barrett the win without Orton having to take a pin. Wade Barrett is on his way to the top of WWE’s food chain. Prediction- Wade Barrett
Andrew Johnson: I like both of these guys, so I’m going to go with the one whose entrance music I don’t hate. Winner: Randy Orton
Lonestar: Does anyone else think an iron man tables match would be a cool idea? Multiple table spots for the price of one. Anyway, I have difficulty believing that Orton will lose on PPV, especially since Rhodes didn’t win their match at Vengeance, but there’s that pesky tables stipulation….. I’m going to reluctantly predict that Barrett will win this one. The whole situation just reminds me of John Cena losing a tables match to Sheamus. Winner: Wade Barrett
Jacob Lindsey: Meh. The bright side of this one is that it could go either way, and the table stip is a good way to keep anyone from really losing. Winner: Wade Barrett
Eric Keith: This match intrigues me because the rise of Wade Barrett intrigues me. I think he is an immense talent and I’m happy to see that the WWE brass haven’t given up on him. What can I say? He had me at “winds of change”. Normally, I would pick Orton to win any 1st PPV match of a feud because that’s what happens 9/10 times. But, this time I see it being different because I consulted my magic 8-ball. In all seriousness, I’m pulling up the rear in this clearly rigged competition anyway, so I need to take some chances to try and get out of the gutter. Plus, it’s not like anyone is really reading this right now. Not even me and I’m writing it. In fact, if you actually read this just type the number 6 at the end of your comment if you make one. Why the number 6 you may ask? Why not the number 6? Winner: Wade Barrett
Marc B: I’ll be honest. I find Barrett boring, but I do understand what his appeal is. He is another one of those guys who needs a big win, and having a Tables match against Orton protects Orton and elevates Barrett. He wins here. Winner: Wade Barrett
Sledgehammer Ladder Match: Triple H vs. Kevin Nash
Cody Dodson: Screw this match. I hope they put each other out of their misery. Who really cares but the winner is… Winner: Triple H
Laurence Salford: Can Nash climb a ladder? Can Big Sexy actually thread a match together? Will this match be the driest? Will Brodus Clay ever debut? Shhhheeeeeeeeeee!?! Winner – Kevin Nash
Matt Seagull: Each TLC Pay Per View gets one ladder match (not including the TLC main event). You usually put the best two workers in the ladder match, but not this year. Good god almighty, we’re really going to have to watch Kevin Nash attempt to climb a ladder? Probably not. My guess is Hunter retrieves the sledge, but Nash takes it from him and uses it on him. But still, Hun-Tor will find a way to overcome. Personally I’m in the minority who thinks that Kevin Nash still brings something to the table, but he’s really wasted (lol) here in this match with Trips. Two part-timers going at it? Yeesh. Winner: Triple H
Thomas Briggs: This is a match I have no interest in seeing, so I’ll avoid bogging down this preview with a redundant paragraph. Winner: Triple H
Mike Aires: Hard to believe that Kevin Nash would come back and lose to Triple H. Obviously neither man needs a win here, but I feel Kevin Nash winning this would make him seem more like a threat, and not really hurt Triple H’s already huge reputation. Winner: Big Daddy Cool
Matty J. Douglas: I’m hoping these guys can walk out of the arena after this match, as both aren’t exactly Ironmen in the WWE. I expect the least exciting Ladder match in recent memory. I guess I’m only hoping for Big Show’s structurally reinforced ladder to make an appearance. This could go both ways but I’ll choose the finish that will end this feud. Winner: Triple H
Kenny Latham: From the category ‘we ran out of ideas’, we have a Sledgehammer Ladder Match. You climb a ladder to grab a sledgehammer which you can use. Um, isn’t the LADDER a good enough weapon? Oh wait, WWE doesn’t think logically like I do. Oh well. Obviously, Nash will grab the sledgehammer first, HHH will steal it and use it and get the win. Winner: HHH
John Canton: Kevin Nash is wrestling on a PPV in 2011? What da hayell! I’m not sure what the plan is here. Either Hunter wins here to end the feud or Nash wins and then they have a rematch at the Royal Rumble. It would make sense that they have an undercard match at the Rumble, so I’ll lean towards Nash winning. I think in terms of match quality we’ll get a decent brawl that’s well booked, but it will be very slow paced too. One last thing: If Kevin Nash does a moonsault off the ladder and connects I will change my name to Joanna. Winner: Kevin Nash
Christian Michael: Whatever heat this feud may have had completely died with Triple H being out almost two months. Nobody wants to see Nash in a Ladder Match. If this was built better it could have been a fun nostalgia match but it hasn’t been so it won’t be. Nash wins if they want to continue the feud but since I don’t want it to I’m going with HHH. Prediction- Triple H
Andrew Johnson: Ugh. All we need is Steve Austin to drive an ATV to the ring while intoxicated and it’ll be 2003 all over again. Winner: Triple H
Lonestar: Let me get this straight WWE, we had to steal Punk’s thunder…..for this? They may as well make it a Shotgun on a Ladder Match because a wrestling match with a sledgehammer is about as realistic. Seriously, have you ever used a sledgehammer? There’s a reason Trips holds his hand over the metal before hitting someone with the back of his hand; actually using the tool as intended would kill a person three times over. As silly as it is, it’s almost perfect for this feud. How anyone thought Triple H vs Kevin Nash fit smoothly into 2011’s WWE is beyond me. Triple H will win because this is a Triple H match. Winner: Triple H
Jacob Lindsey: I hope no one gets injured. Winner: Triple H, Dr. Andrews
Eric Keith: Ah, a classic DX vs. NWO matchup where we can all party like it’s 1997. I wonder what the over/under is on how many knees Nash will blow out if he falls off the second rung of the ladder. (to clarify-2nd from the bottom). I say 3. Since this match centers on a sledgehammer, I would assume that Triple H will be the one to retrieve it, win the match, and beat up his former butt-buddy. BUT, since this is WWE I am forced to throw logic out the window and pick the man in his 50’s who desperately wants to endorse Rogaine (It’s true!) to be victorious. Ok, really I’m just leaning this way because I’m picking the good guy to win the other ladder match. Winner: Kevin Nash
Marc B: Is this mot the most ridiculous of all ladder matches ever? Seriously, I have no interest seeing either one of these lethargic carcasses try and climb a ladder that ultimately does nothing. Yawn. Wake me when a quad is blown. Winner: Triple H
Chairs Match for the World Title: Mark Henry vs. Big Show
Cody Dodson: It’s weird to see a feud where Big Show gets dominated, but that’s what has happened. It’s going to finish that way too so Henry can move on to his next opponent. Winner: Mark Henry
Laurence Salford: Ah man, not this match again. I’m presuming everyone will make the same prediction though here, so I will sum it up in a few words – Bish, Bash, Thud, Thump, End. Winner – Mark Henry
Matt Seagull: This is Show’s third opportunity for the belt. Like I said here many times past, WWE creative *loves* title changes on Pay Per View. So you have to weigh the success of Henry’s monster push against this tendency, and try to come out with a prediction for who will take this match. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Show gets the strap (and promptly drops to Barrett early in the new year), but I’ll play it safe and say Henry keeps the gold. But I don’t feel confident about this pick at all. Winner: Mark Henry
Thomas Briggs: I’ve predicted Mark Henry would defeat the Big Show in each of the last two PPVs, and nothing has changed here. Although this feud has been booked surprisingly well, Mark Henry needs to continue on his path of destruction, or hall of pain, or whatever the heck he’s calling it. I love the fact that he’s getting such a long title reign. I hope to see it last until Mania. Winner: Mark Henry
Mike Aires: Third time is the charm? Noooope. I’m sure there will be some punching chair moves though. So they have that going for them, which is nice. Winner: Mark Henry
Matty J. Douglas: I don’t want the title to come off Henry. I want this feud to be over. If Mark Henry wins, I get everything I wanted. I’m gonna go with that one. Winner: Mark Henry
Kenny Latham: Chairs are legal. I’m expecting this to be a very slow match, but it should be entertaining (Big Show acting like a cruiserweight again? Maybe …) I think Mark Henry’s run continues here, and he goes into a feud with Sheamus to start the new year. Winner: Mark Henry
John Canton: Three PPVs in a row for these two. The first one ended with that memorable spot where the ring collapse, the second one was very forgettable and now we get round three where I’d expect Mark Henry to end the feud with a decisive win. In a chairs match apparently the only weapon you can use is a chair, so expect some shots to the back or the legs. Nothing too crazy, though. Let the match go for about ten minutes, have Henry win in a decisive manner and make him look like the dominant champ before he moves onto his next challenger, whoever that may be. I think Sheamus is the most likely candidate for that role. Winner: Mark Henry
Christian Michael: This feud has gone on two PPVs too many. It’s time for Henry to beat him and move on. Prediction- Mark Henry retains the World Heavyweight Championship.
Andrew Johnson: I think the world will be a sadder place if Mark Henry’s title reign ended because a guy that dresses like a giant penis punched him with a chair taped to his fist. Winner: Mark Henry
Lonestar: A recent scene from Community inspired me to name this “The Feud of Diminishing Returns”. Based off the opinions of the people I read online, Henry and Big Show’s Vengeance match was a pleasant surprise, their Survivor Series match was weak sauce and I can’t imagine chairs adding much to their match at TLC. Seriously, chairs. That’s it. They broke the freakin’ ring in their first go around, how do you get any zanier in the PG WWE with these two!? As for my prediction, since I’m pretty sure I haven’t gotten a single match in their feud right so far so I might as well go with my gut and say that the Big Show wins the title, rebelling against all laws of common sense. Winner: Big Show
Jacob Lindsey: The whole “chairs match” idea is ridiculous to me. Maybe Daniel Bryan will interfere, dressed in a chair costume, and Big Show can hit Mark Henry with him. If that happens, I get 5 bonus points. And I will cry. Winner: Mark Henry
Eric Keith: Well, this match sucks. I don’t want to sugarcoat it. I appreciate Mark Henry and Big Show for what they have accomplished, but I’m just sick of this lumbering feud. My hope is that Mizzark wins and mercifully end this nonsense, but unfortunately I’m afraid that Big Show is going to actually win the title here and this feud won’t end. The only thing that would satisfy me is if Mark drives down to the ring in a truck, dragging a casket behind it while screaming at Show that he’s a Nasty Bastard. I want to see “Big Show’s a Nasty Bastard” trending WORLDWIDE!! Winner: Big Show
Marc B: ANOTHER match between them? They know their matches havent been that great, right? This feud needs to end, now. Winner: Mark Henry
TLC Match for the WWE Title: CM Punk vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio
Cody Dodson: I am so looking forward to this. You can make a case for any of them winning but I have a feeling the title won’t be changing hands before Mania. Winner: CM Punk
Laurence Salford: This will probably be a good match, the best on the card I predict, mostly due to the personnel involved. T here has been OK build up to it, but I assume that Punk isn’t losing here, due to him having had the belt for no time, and needing some time at least to have some credibility as a champion and top babyface. Winner – CM Punk
Matt Seagull: CM Punk told us the night after Survivor Series that the game of hot potato being played with the WWE Title is over. I guess I’ll have to take him at his word. Del Rio’s goose is cooked already, which is a shame, and Miz is seeing a resurgence, but not enough to carry the gold again. I say the only way Punk loses is if John Cena manages to finagle his way into the match, which wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest. Anyway, go Punker! Winner: CM Punk
Thomas Briggs: Maybe I’m going overboard here, but I really love this main event. I think it’s something worth paying for. You have the best wrestler in the WWE today taking on two very good, yet very different stylistically, heels. And no John Cena! (yet). Still, I think the outcome is fairly predictable: CM Punk walking out with the title. It seems way too early to take the belt from him. That doesn’t mean the match won’t be awesome though. Both Miz and Del Rio have proven in the past that they’re willing to sacrifice their bodies in extreme matches, and I expect something along those lines here. It should be a lot of fun, and a great way to end the show, assuming they go on last. Winner: CM Punk
Mike Aires: This could be an extremely fun match. None of these three are high flyers, but they all have different skillsets, and contrasting styles, which can lead to a fun match. In the end, I see Miz and Punk coming out of this looking good, but only one of them is called the Best in the World for a reason. Winner – CM Punk
Matty J. Douglas: Alberto Del Rio gets less relevant every week, and it’s honestly becoming sad to watch. I hate the new crazy-evil-dangerous Miz character because it just doesn’t suit him. It just feels incredibly phony. Not to mention he’s going to be feuding with R-Truth any sooner than later (mistake if you ask me). Honestly putting the title on either one of these dudes would be a bad move. Alberto needs time to find whatever it is he’s missing and become relevant again, and Miz needs to drop the new shtick. I’m fairly certain Punk retains. Winner: CM Punk
Kenny Latham: This is going to be the best match of the night. They should get 30 minutes. Hopefully some memories of Edge and Jeff Hardy show in this match, as all 3 have the capabilities to do crazy things and take impressive bumps. In the end, CM Punk retains his WWE Title. Winner: CM Punk (Interesting that there’s absolutely NO JOHN CENA on this card. He’s going to make an appearance and probably get destroyed by Kane, but that’s fine.)
John Canton: Punk should win. Any other booking is wrong. I think there’s a long title reign in store for him, likely going past WrestleMania even. This is likely the match of the night considering the stipulations of the match, the talent in the ring (Punk is great, the other two can be really good with the right opponent) and because they will likely get a lot of time considering the limitations on some of the other matches. In other words, twenty minutes of intense wrestling action. Or sports entertainia if that’s a term you want to roll with. Up to you, freaks. Punk wins, Miz wrestles him at the Royal Rumble in a singles match and Del Rio drops down the card into Midcardville. Winner: CM Punk
Christian Michael: I fully expect this match to deliver in terms of quality but I don’t see a way in which Punk drops the belt this early. Prediction – CM Punk retains the WWE Championship.
Andrew Johnson: CM Punk because why not. It’s not like there’s a science to this. Winner: CM Punk
Lonestar: In Punk we trust. In Punk we can depend. I have pretty high expectations with these three in this kind of match, considering Punk is Punk and Del Rio was no slouch in his previous ladder matches either. The Miz is more of an unknown factor but I’m sure he’ll use his faux-hawk to his advantage. Punk should leave with the title and a reason to fight the Miz again in the future. Winner: CM Punk
Jacob Lindsey: This is the antithesis of the other title match. Will John Cena weasel himself in? Doesn’t matter. Winner: CM Punk
Eric Keith: This is a no-brainer main event. First, Punk gets beatdown by the heels on the “go-home” show. Plus, there have been indications that Punk is going to have a lengthy title reign. I think this will probably be a very entertaining match and quite possibly a candidate for match of the year. Well, it would be if December matches ever counted for anything. Winner: CM Punk
Marc B: This seems weird, not seeing Cena’s name here. It’s fun to see where they are going with that. As for the match, I see Punk retaining and moving on to a singles feud with the Miz, or even more hopefully, Dolph Ziggler. Winner: CM Punk
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John Canton: Thanks for reading the last staff preview. Like I said in the open next month it will be myself and one or two others. We’ll figure it out.
I’ll be back on Sunday night for live TLC coverage at thejohnreport.net as always. Then on Monday I’ll be posting the year end 2011 WWE Johnny Awards. It will be a fun read, I promise. Any questions or comments? Send them to [email protected].
Thanks for reading. Enjoy WWE TLC.
