WWE TLC Predictions: 6 Reasons Orton Will Wail on Barrett in the Tables Match

As was announced at the end of SmackDown last week, Randy Orton will take on arch-nemisis Wade Barrett at the TLC pay-per-view in a tables match. Orton won the right to choose the match after winning a "beat the clock" challenge by defeating Dolph Ziggler in the shortest time. Orton dramatically announced his pick in front of a shocked-looking Barrett by brutally smashing the weakened Ziggler through a nearby table after the match.

Tension has been brewing between Barrett and Orton for months now, and when they do finally face off one-on-one it promises to be one of the most grudge-fuelled bouts of the card.

Young rising Barrett wants to make a name for himself, and isn't above taking cheap shots. Orton, meanwhile, is still dealing with a bruised ego after losing the World Heavyweight Title to Mark Henry and failing to regain it. SD's top babyface has a whole lot to prove, and soundly defeating Wade should help get him back in the title hunt.

While the talented Wade has been allowed to look strong and credible against Orton, no minor thing considering how protective the booking team usually is of Orton (and Cena), we reckon it is "The Viper" who will nonetheless emerge triumphant from the pay-view-match.

Here are five reasons why...

Wade Has Been the Victim of Inconsistent Booking in the Past

While the English star has the looks, the charisma and the talking skills, for some reason WWE's booking team have been reluctant to get fully behind him. Even during his program with John Cena last year, he could never soundly defeat him, even with the help of David Otunga, Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel. Indeed, even as the tough guy leader of heel group Nexus, Wade was always presented as out of his depth when he was in there with Cena. He was never a true threat to Cena, something that greatly hampered the entire program.

Since moving to SmackDown, things haven't fared much better as he has struggled to establish himself on the blue brand's main event scene. He just can't break through the glass ceiling (and he's not the only one).

Maybe it is his fairly average in-ring skills (although that hasn't stopped them pushing Mark Henry), or perhaps they feel Barrett is an unproven commodity and they can't take the risk with him. Who knows? But considering WWE's inconsistent booking of him since he was called up to the main roster,

Orton Needs a Win to Get Back in the Title Hunt

One reason Randy Orton should emerge victorious from TLC is because he is surely headed back into the title hunt soon, possibly to take on old foe Mark Henry, with whom he has unfinished business with. In this case, losing to someone who is essentially a glorified mid-carder will not help his credibility. Orton needs a strong win as he heads into WrestleMania season.

WWE's Booking Team Are Fiercly Protective of Orton

Let's face it: they only established full-time main eventers in WWE these days are Randy Orton and John Cena. Maybe CM Punk and Mark Henry.

Everyone else (Del Rio, Daniel Bryan, Jack Swagger, Sheamus) has struggled to gain credibility when faced with an erratic and inconsistent booking team that appear to have no clue how to push new stars. Only thing these guys do seem to know how to do is push Randy and John nonstop. Something many long time fans have grown to resent as the product continues to grow staler due to all the same old names on top.

Thus, knowing how protective WWE are of Orton, we simply can't see Wade trouncing him at TLC. Especially since Orton has already put over Henry and WWE will surely feel they need to rebuild him.

Wade Has to Get His Just Desserts

Come on, Wade. You think you can cost Randy Orton matches, talk non-stop trash and get into his head...and not pay for it at some point?

Pah, what naivety.

One thing is for sure: at TLC, Mr Barrett has better prepare for the beating of his life.

This Program Has Went on Long Enough and It Needs to End

If Wade manages to sneak out a victory by nefarious means at TLC, it will surely mean that the Orton/Barrett program is destined to well into 2012.

While the Orton/Barrett feud has had its entertaining moments, and has allowed Wade to shine, it has been going on for months now and risks getting stale if it goes on much longer. It is clearly time for both men to get on with their careers and work with other people. Which is why we predict a decisive win for Orton, ending the program once and for all.

Fans Want to See Orton Get His Revenge

WWE as a company should always strive to send their fans home happy, and certainly crowd favourite Orton beating up Wade and sending him crashing through a table would do this. 

Hey, Orton may also want to put the much-loathed Michael Cole through one at the event, while we're at it. That may just earn the star a grateful standing ovation from the fans in attendance.