WWE TLC 2011: Matches, Predictions, PPV Info and Start Time

Tables, Ladders and Chairs is the WWE's final pay-per-view extravaganza of the year. It's a gimmicky show which serves as a bridge between Survivor Series and Royal Rumble.

Even though TLC has lost some of its luster, especially since the company has gone in a more PG route, the show still has potential to have several terrific matches. However, there is a noticeable lack of high-flying superstars scheduled, which could limit unique possibilities.

Below is everything you need to know about TLC on Sunday.

Where: 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Maryland

When: Sunday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: Pay-per-view

Live Streaming: WWE.com has PPV for $44.95

Fight Card

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett (Tables Match)

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Booker T (Intercontinental Championship Match)

Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Zack Ryder (United States Championship Match)

Mark Henry (c) vs. Big Show (World Heavyweight Championship Chairs Match)

Triple H vs. Kevin Nash (Ladder Match with sledgehammer hanging above ring)

CM Punk (c) vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio (WWE Championship TLC Match)

Main Event Preview and Prediction

After winning the WWE Championship back at Survivor Series, CM Punk defends it on Sunday after The Miz and Alberto Del Rio. The Miz returns to main-event singles action after “Awesome Truth” was disbanded.

The match has a lot of potential due to all of the available weapons. Having three wrestlers involved also helps because it gives time for each of them to catch their breath at times throughout the match. That should ensure this match ends the show on a high note.

It would be shocking if CM Punk doesn't retain his title. He's just starting to build up momentum with the belt and should be in line for an extended title reign.

What They’re Saying

Zack Ryder has been pushed to the moon lately after being nothing more than Superstars fodder a couple months ago. A lot of that has to do with his use of social media combined with Vince McMahon's recent push of the media. Ryder used Twitter to send a message to Dolph Ziggler: 

Undercard Match to Watch: Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Zack Ryder

Ziggler defends his U.S. title against Ryder, who's one of WWE's hottest stars. It seems like the perfect opportunity for a changing of the guard. Ziggler has been getting involved in the main-event scene more often as of late, and Ryder needs a title reign to test his character's staying power.

This feud has carried over to Ryder's popular YouTube show with Ziggler “hacking” it on a weekly basis to trash talk. The pair has worked together quite a bit as of late, so the match itself could exceed expectations even without any stipulations.

Predicted winner: Ryder

Which Star Will WWE Bury? Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio's lackluster WWE Championship run, lowlighted by a lack of crowd involvement, should have been a message to McMahon and Co. that he's not ready to be atop the card right now. He's got the look of an elite superstar, but his character needs work.

Look for the title match to focus mainly around CM Punk and The Miz, building toward a potential storyline for Royal Rumble. The expected finish would see Punk either pinning Del Rio or getting him to tap out like he did at Survivor Series.

Biggest Star Unaccounted For: John Cena

There's no bigger surprise heading into Sunday than seeing a card without Cena. After his encounter with masked Kane on Monday Night RAW, there's always a chance a match between the two is a late addition to the show.

If not, it will be interesting to see how the crowd reacts throughout the night without Cena to get them riled up. It's a solid card for a second-tier PPV, so there should be enough action to keep them involved without the typical Cena chants.

Also of note, tag team champions Air Boom aren't scheduled to the defend their titles. It's the second-straight marquee event without them participating as Evan Bourne was out last month. Their style would seem to fit perfectly into TLC, and by not participating the tag team division takes another hit.