Due to an unfortunate spread of meningitis, the TLC has been completely turned upside down. Before the changes to the card, TLC was pretty much a one match show. The addition of AJ Styles and Kurt Angle has breathed new life in this PPV. I’m not happy Roman and Bray got sick but I’m very happy with their replacements. Without further ado, here are my TLC 2017 predictions.
Sasha Banks vs. Alicia Fox (Kickoff Match)
Winner: Sasha Banks
Why: This has been a very one-sided feud. I can’t think of any good reason why Alicia should win. Sasha needs to beat her for the third time in a row and move on to bigger and better things.
Cedric Alexander & Rich Swann vs. Gentleman Jack Gallagher & The Brian Kendrick
Winners: Gentlemen Jack Gallagher & The Brian Kendrick
Why: I’m happy to see multiple Cruiserweights matches/segments featured on this PPV. All four of these guys are very talented and have been putting in work every Tuesday night. I’m going with the pairing of Gallagher and Kendrick. There has been more time invested in building that team. I expect some kind of shenanigans that will get them the win and give Swann and Cedric a reason for a rematch.
Asuka vs. Emma
Winner: Asuka
Why: Asuka is a very special performer. Uncle Paul and the NXT Creative Team have done a great job building Asuka into an unstoppable ass-kicking machine. WWE has dropped the ball on so many NXT call-ups. I’m really praying hard that WWE doesn’t screw this up. Even though this match can be a classic, Asuka needs to go out and crush Emma to establish her dominance on the main roster.
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kalisto vs. Enzo Amore
Winner: Enzo Amore
Why: I was not a big fan of Enzo Amore defeating Neville for the Cruiserweight Championship. Enzo is a very good talker, but he can’t wrestle his way out of a brown paper bag. However, Enzo is over and generates heat. With Neville walking out of Raw, WWE was forced to go in a different direction with putting the title on Kalisto. I think they’ll put the title back on Enzo and he will continue to be pushed as the top antagonist of the division.
“The Demon” Finn Bálor vs. AJ Styles
Winner: Finn Balor
Why: Due to Bray Wyatt’s viral infection, we are going to be treated with a battle of former Bullet Club leaders. This a very hard match to predict. Both guys need a win here. I’m going to go with Finn since this a Raw branded PPV.
Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James
Winner: Alexa Bliss
Why: I’ve always been a big fan of Mickie James. This has been the best booking of Mickie James since she has returned to the main roster. Unfortunately, Mickie seems to just be a “challenger of the month”. I expect Bliss to win by cheating. Bliss will keep the belt until she faces off with Asuka.
Kurt Angle & Raw Tag Team Champions Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins vs. Intercontinental Champion The Miz, Cesaro, Sheamus, Braun Strowman & Kane (5-on-3 Handicap Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match)
Winners: Kurt Angle, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose
Why: Kurt Angle is my 2nd favorite wrestler of all time and I’m beyond pumped that he was chosen to replace Reigns. I would have loved some kind of story and build to lead Angle’s in-ring return. However, I’m still glad he was able to get cleared and will be doing what he does best. Even though the numbers are not in their favor, I see Angle, Rollins, and Ambrose winning. I have a hard time thinking that WWE will beat Angle in his surprise return to action.
