WWE TLC 2014: Bold Predictions for Massive Showcase

In a week that saw the budding talent of NXT put the main roster on notice, it's perhaps best to expect the unexpected for tonight's Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view.

WWE will be looking to prove that it's not just their developmental division that can put on a show that surprises and satisfies. There's an extra impetus for TLC 2014 to be a memorable show—here's what we might see.

The Viper Strikes Back

Credit: WWE.com

Randy Orton hasn't been seen since he was stretchered off from an episode of Raw back in November. It was a curb stomp from Seth Rollins that put the Viper out of action, and you'd imagine that Orton will have his sights set on The Architect when he makes his return.

It would make sense if that return came at TLC. You can always expect returns in the weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble, but having Orton appear at the pay-per-view would add a welcome slice of the unexpected—not to mention offer a twist to the main event.

However, it might be too obvious for Orton to cost Rollins the match. The stipulation for the former Shield member's match with John Cena states that if Cena is put through a table, he loses his title shot against Brock Lesnar—however, it doesn't state who becomes the No. 1 contender in the eventuality.

If Orton takes out Rollins, he gets revenge for last month's attack, but if he helps Cena find his way through a table, he has as much chance as anyone else to face Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble. It's difficult to say exactly what direction Orton is heading in where he does return—but expect him to be in Cleveland tonight.

Ryback's Last Chance

Credit: WWE.com

While the Chairs Match stipulation might not have many fans eagerly anticipating tonight's showdown between Ryback and Kane, the Sin City Silverback is under a huge amount of pressure to make sure that his performance stands out.

After coming under fire in CM Punk's tell-all appearance on the Art of Wrestling podcast, the initially energetic re-emergence of Ryback into the main event has slowed somewhat. This isn't the first time in the Big Guy's career that his momentum has faltered—but if it slows to a halt, it could well spell doom for Ryback.

The experience of Kane means he's a prime candidate to test out a promising talent to see whether they are suited for the main event. We've seen him fill this role before. For instance, consider his programs with Bray Wyatt on his main roster debut and enemies-turned-teammates feud with Daniel Bryan shortly before both would feud with the likes of John Cena.

Ryback has a lot of potential, but if he can't have a good match with Kane, he might not be long for the WWE roster. We've seen Titus O'Neil and Brodus Clay head down to NXT in recent months—only one of them made it back. A similar fate looks likely for Ryback, if he can't bring the goods at TLC.

New Tag Team Champions

Credit: WWE.com

It was a great moment when Damien Mizdow and The Miz snatched the Tag Team Championships back at Survivor Series, but it's clear that their real promise lies in the tension between star and stunt double, rather than their title run itself.

Losing the titles could be just the spark that the pair need to ignite a rivalry that could run until WrestleMania. And, it presents a perfect opportunity for the Usos to claim the belts ahead of an upcoming debut that would benefit from a fan favourite pair of champions.

That's The Ascension, who were the focus of a vignette that aired on this week's SmackDown broadcast. The imposing team ran roughshod over NXT for their reign as NXT Tag Team Champions, laying waste to any competition that reared its head.

The Ascension could do just the same on the main roster—but The Miz and Mizdow aren't the right champions for them to dethrone. The hugely popular Usos present a much more suitable opponent for the Ascension, so them becoming champions tonight would be aptly timed to put the pieces in place for a future program.

Do you have any bold predictions for tonight's show? The shocking return of Sting to meddle with another main event? The Stairs Match producing the same sort of brutality as we've seen in Hell in a Cell and TLC matches? A Divas match that goes longer than ten minutes? Leave your forecasts in the comments below.