The annual demolition derby that is Tables Ladders and Chairs (or TLC) emanated from San Jose, California. And just as one would expect there were some crazy spots and some awesome matches. But let’s not delay anymore we recap TLC.
Kickoff Show
Cruiserweight Championship: Cedric Alexander vs. Buddy Murphy
Let me start off by saying that I was very much looking forward to this matchup and it delivered. However, the disrespect the decision makers at WWE showed by putting this match on the Kickoff show is unbelievable to me. This match had two of the best competitors under the WWE banner. If anyone reading this hasn’t been watching 205 Live you have been missing out. This matchup has just a brilliant example of the incredible kinds of storytelling and focuses on the in-ring work that 205 Live has become. The near fall and high impact moves in the contest were beautifully presented, Cedric and Murphy. The storytelling in this match is something that must be seen. Again, I would have liked to have seen this match on the main card but they delivered.
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
Grab the Guitar, Ladder: Elias vs. Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley would dominate the first few minutes of the matchup. Elias would quickly turn the table and use the ladder that Lashley would grab. Lio Rush would quickly get involved when Elias would attempt to climb the ladder. This match would a test of the power of Lashley and the cunning of Elias. This match would involve the ladders more than I initially
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟🌟
Main Card
Mixed Match Challenge Finals: Fabolous Truth (Carmella, R-Truth) vs. Mahalicia (Jinder Mahal, Alicia Fox)
Again I must reiterate the fact that this match pushed the WWE Cruiserweight Championship match to the Kickoff Show is absolutely dreadful booking in my opinion. With that being said, I do like the team of Carmella and R-Truth. Both members of the Fabolous Truth are capable of doing a lot with a little when it comes to gimmicks and opportunities. The match was kinda clunky but thankfully it was quick. The post-match interview was just as clunky as the match was.
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟
Smackdown Live Tag Team Championship Triple Threat: New Day vs. The Usos vs. The Bar
These teams have competed so often and yet it each time these men deliver. The Bar would use quick tags and cutting off the ring to focus on Xavier Woods. As the Usos would be stuck on the sidelines. Then once the Usos got involved they would channel their inner “Young Bucks” and deliver a Superkick Party. This match would have many chaotic looking moments in the match but it would be a controlled chaos. The chemistry between these three teams is unparalleled in the WWE. And that’s why these three are constantly in the Tag Team Title picture.
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
TLC: Baron Corbin vs. Braun Strowman
Baron Corbin would come out and speak about becoming the “permanent General Manager of Monday Night RAW.” And as referee Heath Slater began to count, Braun Strowman would come out with his arm in a sling. Then Strowman would grab the mic and say in a TLC match there no disqualifications and that he could have assistance. Apollo Crews, Bobby Roode, Chad Gable, Finn Balor and also referee Heath Slater would begin attacking Baron Corbin. And as Baron Corbin was attempting to leave the match Kurt Angle would come out. Each man would hit their respective finishers on Baron Corbin and Braun Strowman would pick up the victory. Removing Corbin as the RAW GM. Strowman will now compete against Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble.
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟 1/2
Tables: Natalya vs Ruby Riott
As I discussed on yesterday’s Bonus Episode of The Laracuente Ledger Podcast that we previewed WWE TLC, this match has been built up in an uncomfortable and disrespectful way. The Riott Squad would bring out the table with Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart out with them. This match started off with an incredible spot by Liv Morgan going through a table at ringside. Natalya would be in control for much of the matchup. And Natalya would also deliver a scoop slam to Sarah Logan through a table. This match was absolutely as brutal as I expected. What I didn’t expect was Nattie having a table with Ruby’s imagine on it. Nattie would also put on her father’s jacket. to help set up the finish. Natalya would powerbomb Ruby through the Ruby table.
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟🌟 1/2
Drew McIntyre vs. Finn Balor
Although Vince McMahon may not see it, Finn Balor is a main event caliber superstar. And in this matchup, you could see the chemistry between Balor and McIntyre. McIntyre was always going to be presented in a dominant light in this matchup. And it is because of the impressive credibility and believability of Finn Balor’s selling ability that Drew looked so dominant. And it would be the outstanding ability of both men that would give credence to the entire matchup. The psychology displayed in this matchup for both men from start to finish would show exactly why they are main event talent. Despite a “questionable no call” this was a very good match.
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Chairs: Rey Mysterio Jr vs. Randy Orton
This matchup quickly went by way of the gimmicks. The use of the chairs came fast and furious. Rey Mysterio would have much of the early success in this matchup. Rey would also use a chair with his sliding body splash to the outside. These two veterans put together a truly awesome great contest. This version of Randy Orton is arguably the best version of his career. The aggressive, cold and calculated nature of this version has allowed Randy to revitalize his career.
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 1/2
RAW Women’s Championship: Nia Jax vs. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey has had a phenomenal rookie year. Ronda’s transition from the octagon to the squared circle and the sports entertainment aspect has been remarkable. Ronda was able to sell for Nia in such a way to make Nia seem like the devastating heel she is intended to be in WWE. This match was a good test for both women. For me, Ronda has come such a long way in such a short amount of time. The notoriety of Rousey has helped elevate the Women’s division and will lead to the first ever Women’s Main Event in Wrestlemania.
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟🌟
WWE Championship: AJ Styles vs. “The NEW” Daniel Bryan
The NEW Daniel Bryan has become one of the most interesting things in the world of pro wrestling and sports entertainment. AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan are two of the greatest pro wrestlers in the history of the business. The turn by Daniel Bryan has been accentuated by the change in style. The NEW Daniel Bryan is aggressive and has none of the flash that the old Daniel Bryan once possessed. AJ Styles would also bring out an aggressive side in this match as well. These two men would put on a match of the caliber that only two “phenomenal” competitors can.
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Intercontinental Championship: Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins
The brother of the Shield
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 1/2
Smackdown Live Women’s Championship Triple Threat TLC: Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch
The crowd was so hot for this match, as The MAN herself, Becky Lynch is the most OVER wrestler in the business. And I am very glad this match was rightfully given the main event slot. Asuka would take hold of the early part of the triple threat. But that wouldn’t last long. In a sign of the fact that The MAN Becky Lynch is at the pinnacle of the WWE, she was the first to take a big-time shot. As Asuka would deliver a big biel to Becky from the middle turnbuckle onto a ladder. Charlotte would then follow up and be driven through a table by Asuka.
The chaos that a TLC match brings was beautifully constructed in this contest. And in a spot reminiscent of Evolution, Becky would leap off the ladder and drive herself through Charlotte Flair and the German announce table. Asuka would move out of the way at the last moment. Charlotte would recover and bring in her faithful friend the kendo stick. And Charlotte would start delivering home run swings on both Becky Lynch and Asuka. This match would ABSOLUTELY DELIVER on every level. Ronda Rousey would come out and push both Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch off the ladder. Asuka is your winner and NEW Smackdown Live Women’s Champion.
Laracuente Ledger Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2
Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 1/2
TLC was a solid ppv to end the calendar year on. Most years this ppt seems almost like a throwaway but not this year. And that was mostly due to the contributions of the main event. The first ever Women’s Triple Threat TLC match delivered even with astronomically high expectations. So it was a solid ending to the ppv calendar and now we look forward to the “Road to Wrestlemania”, starting with the Royal Rumble.
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