I know that “Main Card” WWE is no stranger to having to follow a barn burner of a show (considering the quality of Takeovers) but Final Battle is in my book the PPV of the year! Every single match offered something different, entertained and most of all told a story. I realize if you clicked the link, you want to hear about TLC, but it will be well worth going out of your way to watch Final Battle 2018.

Now, on to the matter at hand. WWE brings us the 10th iteration of TLC, Sunday, December 16th from San Jose, California. The night is set to bring us 2 TLC matches (1 which will happen) and then 1 match each, Tables, Ladder and Chairs. This is better than some past offerings, in which there were very few appearances of the name sake stipulations. There are some key stakes to be had this night, including a key tie in for the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches!

R-Truth and Carmella vs Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox WWE Mixed Match Challenge Final

WWE has certainly got their money’s worth out of the MMC this year and why not, it has been a blast. Truth and Carmella have great chemistry together and the event has given each the opportunity to be in the limelight. Mahal and Fox have been excellent foils to the levity of their counterparts and while clearly a comedic angle, it has had its moments.

This year’s final has added some big stakes! Not only will the winners receive a vacation but they will also receive the coveted #30 spot in their respective Royal Rumbles.

All this being said, I highly doubt this match will receive enough time to really develop. I look for a couple spots, a “Dance Break” and most likely some sort of wonky finish.

Excitement level: Reclining

Prediction: Truth and Carmella

Buddy Murphy (C) vs Cedric Alexander

In a key 205 Live rematch, Cederic Alexander will get an opportunity to reclaim the Cruiserweight Title as he tangles once again with Buddy Murphy. The 205 gang make it a point to really put it all on the line when given these opportunities on a main roster show. Murphy and Alexander have put on some great matches in 2018 and have the opportunity to do it again, at least once more before the calendar rolls over.

Excitement level: Sitting up

Prediction: Murphy

Randy Orton vs Rey Mysterio (Chairs Match)

Randy Orton continues his crusade to take out anyone who has been in WWE longer than him against Mysterio in a chairs match. Orton has been especially brutal since his heel turn earlier in 2018, but Mysterio appears to be up to the challenge.

Excitement level: Reclining

Prediction: Mysterio

Natalya vs Ruby Riott (Tables Match)

In what I hope is the culmination of this program, Natalya and Riott will once again meet in the squared circle. I will say that WWE has cheaply tried to throw some coals on the simmering pile of ash that this rivalry has become with Riott taking shots at Nattie through the use of her father’s memory. However, it is just too little too late. This match up has just been beat to death, time to put a bow on it and move on.

Excitement level: Bathroom break

Prediction: Riott

Elias vs Bobby Lashley w/Lio Rush (Ladder Match)

Speaking of rivalries going stale, we have Elias vs Lashley! The guitar will be high above the ring as these two go at it once again. I’ve never been a fan of two really large guys having a ladder match. Look for this match to be slow paced but with lots of hard hits.

Excitement level: Laying down

Prediction: Elias

Finn Balor vs Drew McIntyre

In a David vs Goliath show down, two guys from across the pond will compete to see who is the better man. McIntyre has been running a gimmick as of late to remake Raw in his image and clearly does not feel Finn Balor fits the bill. Balor is such a resilient and talented performer, it is hard to call him an underdog but that is the role he’ll play on this night. If given time to develop, this could be a pretty good match, but that could be a big if!

Excitement level: Reclining

Prediction: McIntyre

The Bar (C) vs The New Day vs The Usos

The Tag Division on both shows have cooled greatly during the second half of 2018. In an attempt to revitalize things, the top three teams from Smackdown are thrown into a match. There has been a little build up for this bout but not enough to get excited about.

Excitement level: Reclining

Prediction: One of these teams, does it even matter

Braun Strowman vs Baron Corbin (TLC Match)

Best case scenario, this is a forfeit, as Strowman apparently just had elbow surgery. Worst case scenario, a limited Strowman shows up, two big men hit each other with things and Strowman takes another beatdown as Lashley and McIntyre interfere. Dream scenario, C.M. Punk returns and beats Corbin to become Raw GM.

Excitement level: Laying down

Prediction: Corbin

Seth Rollins (C) vs Dean Ambrose Intercontinental Title Match

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, yes I know it has been a while, but this does feel like a rerun. I’m liking the heel direction of Ambrose and feel like he could benefit from an IC run. This would be a good opportunity to free up Rollins for a possible Royal Rumble victory, send him on his way to de-throne The Beast and take what many think should be his, The Universal Title.

Excitement level: Reclining

Prediction: Ambrose

Ronda Rousey (C) vs Nia Jaxx Raw Women’s Title

WWE has really been building up Jaxx as of late to be a formidable foe for Rousey. This could be an entertaining match, as both have proven they can fulfill their roles in the past. I think the conclusion is foregone, as their is little chance Rousey drops the title this close to Wrestlemania.

Excitement level: Sitting up

Prediction: Rousey

Becky Lynch (C) vs Charlotte Flair vs Asuka Smackdown Women’s Title Match

The co- main event of the night, gives everyone the rematch they want plus Asuka. Lynch vs Flair has been the hottest thing going right now and if not for an unfortunate right hook, could be even hotter. While Asuka has been building a little momentum as of late, she still feels very third wheel in this match.

Excitement level: Edge of my seat

Prediction: Lynch

Daniel Bryan (C) vs AJ Styles WWE Championship Match

You would be hard pressed to find two competitors who over the last 10-15 years have been better than Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles. This is one of those matches that could headline any promotion in the world and yet, my hopes are not high. The “New” Daniel Bryan is a bit off putting and not in a heel sort of way. I feel like this enviro-activist persona is too close to CJ Parker during his NXT days and much like Parker, belongs in the lower part of the card. A Laser Focused Daniel Bryan, who will do whatever it takes to maintain his hold on the title he worked so hard to come back for, now that’s a great heel champ! A guy in a cardigan yelling at me for driving an SUV, not a very threatening force to top your card.

AJ had one of the most successful and yet quietest title runs of recent history. While I love Styles, it is probably time for him to make a move over to the red brand to freshen things up.

Excitement level: Sitting up

Prediction: Bryan

There is our look at WWE TLC. I’m hoping to be surprised tonight, as my expectations are pretty low. The road to Wrestlemania is just around the corner and the rumor mill is abuzz that Mr. McMahon will make an appearance Monday night. So ladies and gentleman, one may say, “BUSINESS IS ABOUT TO PICK UP!”