WWE TLC 2014: Biggest X-Factors to Watch at Massive PPV

WWE's TLC event is coming up on Sunday, December 14.  Coming hot off the heels of Sting's debut at Survivor Series, TLC is shaping up to be a good one thus far.  The company's top feuds have already been booked in prime spots, and the rest of the night is wide open.

Indeed, the card is likely still being decided, and the fact is that the pieces are falling into place for WWE to deliver a top-notch night for fans.  But the question is who are the Superstars that could really surprise fans at TLC?  Who could make an impact on the night that leads up to the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season?  Who are the biggest X-factors to watch at TLC?

Erick Rowan

credit: wwe.com

Erick Rowan is set to face The Big Show at TLC in what is being called a stairs match. While this bout seems like nothing more than just a gimmick match, the fact is that it could surprise fans in more ways than one.

The reason for that is thanks to Rowan, who has been getting fairly hot lately in the company.  Bray Wyatt's former disciple has left his family's roots behind and chosen to become a fan favorite. The change was very unexpected, and many fans surely did not see it coming when it happened.

And while there is only so much a guy can do against The World's Largest Athlete and heavy metal stairs, the truth is that TLC is Rowan's time.  He's still trying to establish himself as a singles star, and that means that the onus is on him to produce as much high-quality work as possible.

That work needs to be done against Big Show, who will surely provide the helping hand that only a veteran talent can.  

Big Show is fresh from his heel turn at Survivor Series, and he is using that twist to redefine himself once again.  This has opened the door for Rowan—who not only left his heel persona behind, but he also aligned himself with John Cena.  Suddenly, fans found that two men who had feuded before had now switched spots.

Big Show versus Rowan may not be the marquee matchup of the night, but it's one that could very well end up surprising many fans.  Rowan has a chance to shine against Show, and the two big men should bring all they have to entertain the crowd in a hard-hitting collision.  

Dolph Ziggler

WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD

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Since losing the Intercontinental Championship, Dolph Ziggler's star has actually been on the rise.  For many fans, this is a stark contrast to what has been seen from him in the past, namely with the World Heavyweight Championship.

Ziggler was believed to be the uncrowned champion by many of the WWE faithful long before he actually won the belt.  When he finally did become the champ, it seemed as though he lost it just as quickly. Fans were not only disappointed, they were outraged. Ziggler kept working hard, but he was definitely a shell of his former self.

But the moment he loses the IC title, he's suddenly more over than before.

Much of the reason for that is due to his performance at Survivor Series.  Ziggler was the last man on Team Cena, and he was the man that got the win over Seth Rollins to ensure the end of The Authority. Even though Sting was the catalyst that brought on the end of the match, it was Ziggler who stood tall after the bell rang.

Now his feud with the man that took his belt will continue at TLC as he will face Luke Harper in a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship.  While fans surely want a good showing from Harper, the fact is that they expect a great showing from Ziggler.  And he almost always delivers.

Despite what the event is or what matches are booked, the fans know they can count on Ziggler to steal the show.  He's done it so many times, and TLC will almost certainly be no different.  Every time he's on the card, Ziggler is the X-factor.  His performance in the ring can turn a mediocre event into a very memorable one very quickly.

Randy Orton

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Randy Orton's association with The Authority ended back on November 3 when Triple H's faction turned on The Viper during Monday Night Raw.  It was an attack that ended an alliance that lasted for over a year and saw Orton rise to the top of the company as the WWE world heavyweight champion.

But when the end came, it came very viciously.  The Authority turned on its golden boy, and Triple H unceremoniously dumped the man that he helped guide to stardom back in Evolution.  

That end was facilitated by Orton's immense hatred and distrust for Seth Rollins, the man who was brought into The Authority after he betrayed his brothers in The Shield.  Even though Orton was in the group first and had been the main event presence Hunter wanted, he was ultimately edged out by Rollins.

And that fact drove Orton insane with rage.

Since he left, Orton has not returned for even a moment's worth of revenge against Rollins.  Now that The Authority's reign has ended in WWE, Orton's focus can be narrowed down to just one man, and that man is Rollins.

Rollins is booked to face John Cena at TLC in a Tables match.  And while that bout could play out as a straight-up contest, there is every possibility that the remnants of The Authority could interfere on Rollins' behalf.  If that happens and Cena finds himself outnumbered, help could come in the form of The Apex Predator.

Orton could provide the assist to Cena and get a measure of revenge on Rollins all at the same time. Orton's interference would ensure Cena's victory and provide Rollins with a veteran opponent that can help him keep working toward that all-important main event level.