“The Demon” Finn Bálor vs. AJ Styles
WWE.com
UPDATE: I went from “why is this still going on?” with Finn vs. Bray to “OMG! DREAM MATCH REQUEST FULFILLED!” for Finn vs. AJ. It’s crazy to think that we never got to see these two men go toe to toe back in NJPW or any other fed. This one could go either way, really. But due to the last minute change and the fact that this is Raw-branded PPV, I think Finn’s walking away with the win after delivering greatness with the “Phenomenal One.”
WWE.com
Predictions & Winner: *sniffsniffsniff* What’s that smell? Ah, I recognize it now. This match is giving off the scent of pure WrestleCrap. This feud’s been dead in the water ever since it started. While I kind of enjoyed their match at the last Raw PPV, the storyline surrounding it has been nothing but dull. After taking the pinfall on two occasions from “The Demon” and regular Finn, Bray’s finally gone off the deep end. Instead of devising a more sinister plan to defeat Finn, Bray has chosen to wrestle him…in drag. So one of the marquee matches we’re being “treated” to at TLC 2017 is face painted Bálor vs. Bray with makeup on. This one’s gonna be more of a spectacle than an awesome match. I get the feeling that WWE wants to keep this dead feud going for just one more month, so it makes sense for Finn to finally succumb to Bray’s mind games.
Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Mickie James (WWE Raw Women’s Championship)
WWE.com
Predictions & Winner: Why is WWE so dead set on embarrassing Mickie James? First there was the whole “Piggy James” angle that reeked of stupidity and body shaming. Then she finally gets to compete against the Raw Women’s Champion and what angle is being used to promote it? Mickie James’ old age. How creative. Anyways, it’s just cool to see Mickie get something worthwhile to do on Raw. Ever since she got traded from the Blue Brand, she’s pretty much been relegated to undercard matches that don’t mean much. Miss Bliss still has a good thing going as the main lady wrestler on Raw, which lets me know that WWE won’t take the title from her right now. It would be awesome to see Mickie win the title here, but I just can’t see WWE passing up another chance to embarrass her. Bliss wins, Mickie goes down in defeat and this one month feud will be done and over with.
The Brian Kendrick and Jack Gallagher vs. Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann
WWE.com
Predictions & Winners: One of the more underrated members of the Cruiserweight Division is “Gentleman” Jack Gallagher. His face run may have come to a close, but he’s still worth paying attention to now that he’s morphed into a complete badass. And that’s all thanks to the constant prodding by The Brian Kendrick. Their newfound alliance will be tested by a duo I hope sticks together for a little while – Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann. This matchup should be fun since all four men know how to put on a fun contest. The newly formed heel duo has more potential than their rivals, so I’m guessing they’ll be the ones sneaking away with the dirty win.
Kurt Angle, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins vs. Braun Strowman, The Miz, Cesaro, Sheamus and Kane (5-on-3 Handicap Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match)
WWE.com
UPDATE: WHAT? Angle’s return match is going to be held during a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match? Now I know for sure that the Raw Tag Team Champions and their new partner are going over in this match. This is complete madness, people. It seems like a lot of Raw’s talent (Bray Wyatt, Bo Dallas, JoJo and Reigns himself) have come down with some type of sickness. So that’s why two of the top matches have got changed around (for the better, actually). So yeah, I’m obviously going with the good guys for the win here.
WWE.com
Predictions & Winners: Back in 2012, The Shield made their PPV debut to take on the trio of Daniel Bryan, Kane and Ryback. It was filled with all the car crash-like action and crowd popping highlights fans look forward to seeing. I’m expecting to see a repeat of all the entertaining craziness that took place a few years back. Now this one’s going to be three men contending with five (well, six really cause Strowman is damn near two men encased in one massive body).
While this TLC match is underway, I get the feeling that The Miztourage will try and give their boy Miz another advantage. The Shield will quickly wipe them out and get back to business, though. At one point, it’ll look like The Shield is completely down and out. Strowman, Kane, Cesaro and Sheamus will try the whole “divide and conquer” routine as they torture The Shield while The Miz looks on. But later on, The Shield will find a way to get rid of Strowman, Kane and “The Bar” (possible via crashing them all through tables). Once The Miz realizes he’s all alone with nowhere to run, it’ll be too late. He’ll be on the receiving end of a Triple Powerbomb through a table, which will lead to Reigns, Rollins and Ambrose walking away as the winners. That final fist bump is going to be so sweet!
