Sheamus vs. Roman Reigns: Final Pick and Predictions For PPV Match

If I didn't know any better, I'd think Sheamus and Roman Reigns were completing a best-of-five series at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs on Sunday.

WWE has given away a lot of physicality between the two, including an actual match on Raw two weeks ago in which Sheamus retained via disqualification. Throw in the Money in the Bank cash in at Survivor Series and TLC will mark the third time Sheamus and Reigns will have a one-on-one match in less than a month.

The inclusion of tables, ladders and chairs will detract from the familiarity seeing the two in the ring together—did I mention Reigns pinned Sheamus during an elimination tag team match on Raw? With Raw's ratings once again tanking ahead of the go-home show, fans don't seem to be enthused at the idea of a(nother) Reigns-Sheamus main event.

But as is the case with most WWE pay-per-views in 2015, there's a good chance the content will exceed the expectations.

A TLC match is ideal for Sheamus and Reigns. With the action almost guaranteed not to be confined to the ring, both will be able to put on a physical, brawling showcase that plays to their strengths.

In a similar Hell in a Cell match against Bray Wyatt, Reigns shone in what was arguably the best performance of his career. Sheamus is no stranger to ladder matches, either, and the high spots should do more than enough to mask the fact this feud might have already worn out its welcome.

Raw saw Reigns get the upper hand on Sheamus twice. In addition to the aforementioned pinfall victory, Reigns also got the better of Sheamus during a show-closing brawl that was one referee away from being their aforementioned hat trick. This particular exchange even gave away a table spot.

It's like WWE's strategy to combat its injury problem is to freeze the rest of the roster and play old Sheamus-Reigns reruns.

Reigns' momentum heading into TLC does not bode well for his chances to regain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on Sunday. Bet Wrestling (h/t Wrestling Inc) lists Sheamus as a sizable favorite to retain, which I fully expect to happen. Sheamus' alliance with the League of Nations lends itself to a lot of outside interference in a match such as this.

Further hurting Reigns' case, the WWE Championship has only changed hands once in the six-year history of WWE TLC. The last time this happened was during the inaugural event in 2009, when John Cena dropped the title in a tables match. His opponent? Sheamus.

Prediction: Sheamus retains the WWE World Heavyweight Championship with help from League of Nations.

Alfred Konuwa is a featured columnist and on-air host for Bleacher Report. LIKE him on Facebook, and subscribe to his weekly wrestling podcast, PodNasty.