WWE TLC 2018 Match Card And Predictions

If we’re making the best of a bad situation, TLC 2018 actually has an OK card. There are a fair few clunkers and there are far too many matches, but there are some potential show stealers on the horizon. The build’s certainly been much better (and I do mean much better) on SmackDown. Raw just flat out hasn’t been good. WWE’s supposed “A-show” has been an embarrassment to watch, more so than usual. Meanwhile, SmackDown’s been great – either that, or Raw’s been so dismal that is just seems great by comparison.

Bearing all of that in mind, there is a big show this weekend, which means one thing: predictions. It’s the last PPV of the year and could have some major implications as we head towards the Royal Rumble. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the card for TLC 2018.

 

Mixed Match Challenge Final

Mahalicia (Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox) Vs. The Fabulous Truth (R-Truth & Carmella)

Does anyone else feel like this match is some sort of elaborate meme? For the humour alone, it’s funny to see. However, the stakes are a little concerning; the winning team gets the coveted #30 spot in the Royal Rumble.

Prediction: Seems like a safe bet on Truth and Mella. They’re incredibly over and we all know they want to do the spot where Truth comes out for the women’s Rumble because he’s insane.

 

Tables Match

Natalya Vs. Ruby Riott

It feels like this feud’s been going on forever. Natalya should be challenging Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women’s Title, not defending the honour of her late father in a tasteless angle. We’ve seen glasses snapped, tables adorned with Jim Neidhart’s likeness, and the crowd’s apathy increase exponentially.

Prediction: After everything Ruby has done to get under Nattie’s skin, it wouldn’t feel right for her to have a fate that doesn’t involve going through a table. For that reason, I’m backing Natalya.

 

Ladder Match

Elias Vs. Bobby Lashley

Speaking of feuds that go on forever, these two have been going at it on-and-off since the night after WrestleMania. There’s a twist here though: there’s a guitar hanging above the ring! It’s a Russo special. I hope Jeff Jarrett does a run-in.

Prediction: This is one of those “clunkers” I talked about in the intro. Does anybody really care? Let’s just say Elias because he’s fun and the guitar grants him his powers.

 

Cruiserweight Championship Match

Buddy Murphy (C) Vs. Cedric Alexander

I really hope that this match isn’t too short to accommodate for the bloated card. Cedric has his rematch from Super Show-down and Buddy has a point to prove. These men are two of the best pure in-ring talents in the entire company. Give them time, and they’ll give you magic.

Prediction: It’s a tough call, but I feel Buddy Murphy isn’t done yet. I also feel that Mustafa Ali’s recent appearance on SmackDown to take on Daniel Bryan is potentially building towards something greater. If anyone’s going to dethrone Buddy, it’s going to be him.

 

Chairs Match

Rey Mysterio Vs. Randy Orton

On paper, this match just works. Orton’s had somewhat of a career renaissance as a man obsessed with erasing the identities of his peers. Mysterio has played the sympathetic babyface really well, as per usual. The chairs stipulation only makes for exciting spots to imagine between two guys who have carved out a legacy with exciting spots.

Prediction: I’m saying Rey Mysterio, but it could go either way. I don’t think this rivalry is quite over and might even continue towards Mania. The dreaded RKO outta nowhere is always waiting in the wings, but the brutal stipulation favours Orton – this, I believe, is another obstacle for the babyface Mysterio to overcome.

 

Triple Threat Tag Team Match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship

The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) Vs. The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston, and/or Xavier Woods) Vs. The Usos

You’ve essentially got the entire SmackDown tag division in one match here, Sanity notwithstanding. We know how this goes, these teams have mixed it up plenty over the last few months. There will be strong in-ring action and cool spots. What more is there to say?

Prediction: This show will surely have at least some title changes. This match allows for that. The Usos have been booked strong recently and could realistically walk away with gold. I love The Bar, but I believe they’re dropping the belts to the men from the penitentiary.

 

Finn Bálor Vs. Drew McIntyre

It’s the battle of the British Isles. It’s also the sole match on the card that isn’t gimmicked or for a title. In other words, it’s a breather. I can see both men working well together on the big stage, though they should probably be in a more prominent position on the show.

Prediction: Drew recently took his first pinfall loss on the main roster since returning, does he take another so soon? He’s being heavily protected and possibly groomed for a world title shot. Then again, Finn’s made a habit of stealing wins from big dudes. It’s a coin toss, but I’m saying Drew McIntyre.

 

Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match

Baron Corbin Vs. Braun Strowman

There’s a lot at stake here for a match that might not even happen. If Braun wins, he gets a shot at the Universal Title at the Rumble and Corbin loses his authoritative power. If Corbin wins, he becomes the full-time GM of Raw.

Prediction: Braun is still out with injury, which throws this match into doubt. It could be possible that he shows up and wins in a quick squash to avoid any bumps. Given that he’s still being advertised, we must assume the match is still on. I’m going with Braun Strowman.

 

Raw Women’s Championship Match

Ronda Rousey (C) Vs. Nia Jax

The rematch that absolutely no one wanted. Nia Jax broke Becky Lynch’s face and is now in a title match, what a world (granted she earned the title shot before that incident). There’s little heat here, but the entire crowd will pop for every move Ronda lands. In a way, this is a clever way to garner crowd support for Rousey, nobody’s going to be cheering Nia.

Prediction: It’s by far the easiest match to call, as are most Ronda Rousey matches. The champ will retain and march on with her dominant run. Hopefully, Ronda ends it quickly.

 

Triple Threat Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship

Becky Lynch (C) Vs. Charlotte Flair Vs. Asuka

There is an incredibly strong chance that this will be match of the night. Asuka is finally being booked as a badass again, Becky is still the man, and Charlotte’s been refreshed as well. The three best women in the company in one chaotic triple threat. There will be huge spots, weapon shots, and the winner could very well be our champion come WrestleMania.

Prediction: This is genuinely very difficult. Could Becky’s run of dominance continue? Could Asuka finally claim the gold? Could Charlotte get that unprecedented 8th title reign? So many possibilities at play here. Nobody has to take a pin or submission, so everyone can be protected. Even with that in mind, I’m still picking Becky Lynch to retain. She’s at home in this kind of environment and could do with another signature win to add to her impressive resume.

 

WWE Championship Match

Daniel Bryan (C) Vs. AJ Styles

Arguably the greatest pay-per-view match in WWE that’s never happened. We finally get to see these two all-time greats lock horns on a big show. This ought to be great, which isn’t a bold claim. Bryan’s work as a heel has been stellar, with the best promos of his career coming as a result. Seeing AJ without the belt is a strange sight, but his path beyond this remains unclear.

Prediction: It’s Daniel Bryan’s first defence, so it’s safe to say he’s going to win. Where AJ goes from here is a real mystery. Dream match with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania? Who knows? What I do know is that we’ll be seeing Daniel Bryan carry on with this fantastic run.

 

Intercontinental Championship Match

Seth Rollins (C) Vs. Dean Ambrose

It started out hot, and it quickly fizzled out. Dean Ambrose has become a germaphobe and Seth Rollins is honestly dragged down just by being involved. This feels like it should be a bigger deal. Hell, it’s likely going to close the show. The neutering of Dean’s character and Seth seemingly waiting to move on to better things makes it hard to care. Here’s hoping the action is at least decent.

Prediction: Rollins has hit his ceiling as IC Champion, it’s time for something greater. Maybe a Royal Rumble win, maybe even the Universal Title. Whatever it is, it requires a Dean Ambrose victory to happen. If Dean has the title, they might actually book him semi-seriously. Probably not.