WWE TLC 2011: 5 Reasons PPV Is Great Bridge from Survivor Series to Royal Rumble

The WWE continues to build up feuds with just five days until the Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view. Even though it's not one of the year's marquee events, TLC is a perfect bridge from The Rock's return at Survivor Series to Royal Rumble in January.

It's important for the company to maintain its current momentum during the holiday season while casual fans are busy with other things. In order to make that happen, events at TLC must get social media—the WWE's new obsession—buzzing.

Here are five reasons the show will exceed expectations and allow the company to transition smoothly from one big PPV to another.

Gimmick

Although some fans have grown tired of the TLC gimmick because of the company's move to PG, it can still create some awesome matches. There will be scenarios possible on Sunday night that aren't usually seen during normal PPVs.

It also gives the WWE a chance to have crazy finishes, which allow both workers to look strong regardless of the outcome. This is essential in character development, especially when it comes to pushing a mid-card superstar into the main event fray.

There should still be more than enough wrestling to satisfy diehard fans, while incorporating enough weapons to make each match unique. Special events like this need to only be used in isolated situations and that's one thing Vince McMahon has done well in recent years.

Marquee Matches

Even though you won't mistake TLC's card for that of WrestleMania, it's still a more than adequate set of matches. There might even be room for one more to be added, only time will tell, but it can survive as it stands now.

The best match would figure to be CM Punk defending his WWE Championship against The Miz and Alberto Del Rio. While it's safe to assume Punk will retain, it should still be an entertaining match with several false finishes.

Kevin Nash against Triple H has generated a lot of hype, Mark Henry and the Big Show clash once again, but the match which could steal the show is Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett. Even though there is no title on the line, the build up between them has been rock solid.

Potential Returns

The end of Slammy Award night on RAW was terrific. Masked Kane made his triumphant return and gave a monster chokeslam to John Cena. It will be interesting to see if he makes another appearance at TLC as the beginning of something big.

There's also the chance of a possible return in the Kevin Nash vs. Triple H match. It's tough to imagine the feuding buddies to carry on an extended ladder match without some type of interference or other shenanigans.

One other name to watch out for would be Brodus Clay. The WWE spent months building up the gigantic superstar into a powerhouse only to watch him never re-debut. It's a long shot that he'll return at a PPV, but just something to keep in mind.

Storyline Development

This is the most important factor of any second-tier PPV. That's especially true for TLC because it's the only one in between two of the year's biggest draws. Vince McMahon and Co. must use the show to effectively keep storylines moving in the right direction.

Some things to watch for on Sunday include Booker T's return against Cody Rhodes, how Alberto Del Rio is treated during the triple-threat WWE Championship match (continued to be scaled back?) and what direction the Nash/Triple J feud will go.

Most prominently will be Zack Ryder's match against Dolph Ziggler for the United States title. Is the company finally ready to let one of its hottest stars take control of a mid-card belt? I think so, especially since Ziggler is ready for a main event run.

No Super Cena Match?

John Cena is the most polarizing figure in the WWE. While kids love him, older fans tend to dislike his superhuman characteristics. So it will actually be refreshing for there to be a pay-per-view without him defying the odds with relative ease.

He's always talking up his spotless attendance record in anti-Rock promos, so he'll almost certainly make an appearance in one way or another. Kane's attack opens up the possibility of a late match being added too.

However, everybody knows what Cena can do and shows like TLC are the perfect chance to highlight some of the company's rising talent. Let those stars shine for one night because most of the time they are just stuck in Super Cena's shadow.