WWE TLC Predictions: The NWO of Bleacher Report's Take on the PPV

The third annual Tables, Ladders and Chairs Pay-Per-View takes place this Sunday, and the WWE is  again trying for quality over quantity in terms of the matches on the card.

So far, there are six matches that have been lined up for the event, including four title defences and the return of two legends to the PPV scene, being Booker T who has an IC Title bout with Cody Rhodes, and Kevin Nash who has a "Sledgehammer Ladder Match" with ex-best friend Triple H.

With me for this month's predictions, I have long-time wrestling fans Darryl "Fayte" Rolandsen, Sam Green and Dave Sergeant, so expect a mixture of opinions and ideas for how the PPV may play out.

Let's take a look at the card.

Dolph Ziggler (C) vs. Zack Ryder for the United States Title

After months of building up his persona and reputation via social media, Zack Ryder finally has the title shot that he's been begging for (thanks to a sacrifice from John Cena), but will he capitalise on this massive opportunity?

Rikki: We've all been begging for this for months and finally it's here. Ziggler is by far one of the company's biggest assets right now and whether Zack Ryder is ready or not, Ziggler will make it look spectacular. I think this match will be helped out a lot by the fact that these guys are great friends outside of the ring, and therefore should display some great chemistry.

Of course the majority are expecting Zack Ryder to pick up the title because he has earned it, and Ziggler is ready to move onto bigger and better things, but how are they going to let him drop it and still keep Ziggy looking credible?

I had a theory that John Cena would factor into this match, and now it has been rumoured that Cena could take a role as special referee in this match which has lead me to believe that Johnny Ace could put some ridiculous stipulation on the match.

The stipulation? Ziggler wins, and Cena is added to the main event, Ryder wins and Ziggler is added to the main event. Sounds like an unnecessary addition I know, but would we really put it past Creative? Cena wins a pop, Ryder wins a title, Ziggler moves onto something new. Everyone's a winner.

Rikki's Pick: New Champion, Zack Ryder

Fayte: I'm in a firm mind set that Ziggy isn't seeing the year out as champ and I think WWE Creative realise that it's finally time to cash in on two of their biggest assets.

Giving Ryder some time to hone his skills and keep him in the spotlight will be a money-making machine for them and in turn there is nothing holding them back from building Ziggler up as a main-event level Superstar. I'm going for some Cena interference to give Ryder the win and get Dolph's rematch out the way long before the Rumble.

Fayte's Pick: New Champion, Zack Ryder

Sam: This is a definite show stealer, although I must say I'm disappointed with how this match came about. When it was announced that Ziggler, Miz, Del Rio and Cena would have a match to qualify for the title match, straight away I thought it would be a match with Ziggler, and if Ziggler lost, Ryder would get the match.

Now, so far, creative have done really well with Ryder, holding him back just that little bit until the crowd are baying for blood, making him look stronger and stronger each week. But to have Cena essentially hand him the match? They have taken quite a few steps back. I suppose on the other hand it is a fairly good move.

All the Kids love Cena, and if Cena is made 'The Ultimate Broski,' the younger audience will definitely start cheering for Ryder. I'm going for a certain Ryder win, but if Cena gets involved, I'll be rather let down by creative.

Sam's Pick: New Champion, Zack Ryder

Dave: Now this match should be a win-win situation for everybody. Dolph Ziggler (as much as I don't like to admit it) is one hell of a wrestler, and this should be a nice transition for him.

He should lose the US title and then move forward into the main event scene, challenging for the major titles. Ryder then get’s his first title and a load more credibility. The fans love him but the suits do not seem to sure about him at the moment, at least not sure enough to give him such a push just yet. Let’s hope for all our sakes they do the right thing!

Dave's Pick: New Champion, Zack Ryder

Cody Rhodes (C) vs. Booker T for the Intercontinental Title

A feud that has maybe been on the back burner for a while sees a future star tackle a WWE legend, and many fans will be waiting with bated breath to see whether Booker still has it. Is this going to be a one-night wonder between the two? Or is it going to set up for something more?

Rikki: I'm in two minds as to whether I'm looking forward to this match. Rhodes isn't going to drop the title to Booker because it wouldn't be productive at all, so the pair are going to have to put on a good match for the fans to believe that Booker stands a fighting chance against an opponent like Cody.

On a parallel, are the WWE taking the Goldust petition seriously? As this could really affect the ending of this match. How? Imagine Goldust making the run-in to help Cody retain so he can have his own shot that he has been petitioning for.

Whatever the ending, Cody's retaining, and Booker needs to put on a good show if he wants to be a regular in the ring.

Rikki's Pick: Cody Rhodes to retain

Fayte: This mini-feud has earned Rhodes an extra bit of heat and allowed him to build up his new persona. A win here should allow him to move onto a fresh feud and finally bring some credibility to the IC title as we were promised so long ago.

Fayte's Pick: Cody Rhodes to retain

Sam: I was genuinely quite surprised when it was announced that this would be a title match. It looks like creative could be doing the same for Rhodes as they did with Orton by turning him into a "Legend Killer." If they do it could really turn the Rhodes/Orton feud into something massive.

I have a few doubts about Booker's current ring ability. I mean you see him stand up at the announcer table and he looks so much bigger than he used to be, and you can bet that isn't muscle!

I can't help but feel Booker has always wanted to get back in the ring ever since coming back into the WWE, but putting him in a title match in his first proper match in this many years? Really? (The Royal Rumble doesn't count, he was out in no time at all!) It's a definite Rhodes win.

Sam's Pick: Cody Rhodes to retain

Dave: I think this match is somewhat unnecessary. Whilst it may be quite amusing to watch, there’s no way Rhodes is losing the title to Booker T.

Booker T is still listed as alumni on WWE.com so it would make no sense for him to have a title! I expect it’s a ploy to try and give Rhodes more in-ring credibility (as if he needs it!) as a legend-killer of sorts? I can’t see Rhodes losing the IC title any time soon.

Seeing as the title has just gone back to the classic belt styling, they need to give this move some meaning and have the holder win some great matches and with plenty of style. For this to be so, letting Rhodes be beaten by the likes of Booker T (don’t get me wrong, he was a fantastic wrestler back in the day!) would be pointless.

Dave's Pick: Cody Rhodes to retain

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett in a Tables Match

Last month's Survivor Series captains square off this Sunday, in a match which has been earmarked as a possible show stealer. Will the Barrett Barrage roll on, or will the Viper strike?

Rikki: In a previous article, I pointed out that Orton is a massive asset to the WWE right now because he is putting over so many of the young talents on the roster. I think that this feud is set to run on a little longer, so normally I'd envisage a Barrett win, but I don't.

Orton has been losing too much recently, and it's going to be difficult for the WWE to build him back up if he keeps getting knocked lower and lower from working with the younger stars. Orton will pick up the win on Sunday, but the feud will still continue.

Rikki's Pick: Randy Orton

Fayte: As always I pretty much expect Ziggler to steal the show, but these two guys will give him a challenge. With Randy seemingly taking on the "put over talent" role, I can see Barrett taking another step up towards some gold.

Fayte's Pick: Wade Barrett

Sam: I'm so hoping for Barrett to get this one, for two simple reasons. Firstly, I've been a huge fan of the Barrett Barrage up until now, and secondly, I am so bored of Randy Orton.

Sure, he has got great ability, his mic skills are OK and he's got a great gimmick, but every week his matches are exactly the same. Thesz Press, Clothesline, Clothesline, Powerslam, DDT into an RK...oh wait he dodged it! Oh no wait Orton reverses something into an RKO.

Barrett has definitely got the potential to become the biggest heel in the business, and this will be a major stepping stone. It won't be a clean win for Barrett because creative can't afford for Randy to look even more weak, and getting the dirty win cements heel status.

Sam's Pick: Wade Barrett

Dave: Of late, Orton seems to have been what can only be described as a main event-level jobber. The WWE seem to have been using his status by letting rising stars beat him to gain credibility quickly. I believe this match will be no difference and I think that a Barrett win is almost inevitable.

I expect it to be a highly entertaining affair, with the tide swinging back and forth throughout the match, culminating in a victory for the Barrett Barrage, pushing him upwards for major title competition.

I wouldn't be surprised if Orton's short-term future involves feud with more younger stars because he seems to be so great at putting them over. In my opinion, his feud with Rhodes was far too short, as those guys could have easily put together a string of show-stealing matches.

Dave's Pick: Wade Barrett

Triple H vs. Kevin Nash in a Sledgehammer Ladder Match

After a cameo role at the Royal Rumble, Kevin Nash made a real return at Summerslam, Jack Knife Powerbombing CM Punk for his troubles. since then, his longtime friendship with Triple H seems to have deteriorated, which was underlined by Nash attacking Hunter with a sledgehammer last month. Will TLC see these two settle their differences?

Rikki: I'm not looking forward to this match, not one bit. There's no way that Nash can put on even a half respectable match, and HHH is going to have to work ridiculously hard for it to even look average.

I hope that this is the end of this feud, I really do. On top of that, the end of Kevin Nash would also be much appreciated.

Ridiculous stipulation. Inept participant. I'd rather watch Kelly Kelly vs. Brie Bella interlaced with a Michael Cole vs. Jim Ross rap battle.

Rikki's Pick: Triple H

Fayte: Why no Divas match? Because the card already has a toilet break right here. Unless there is some interesting interference, I expect HHH to slowly but surely climb his way up that ladder and dish out some painfully boring revenge.

Fayte's Pick: Triple H

Sam: Right...Everyone has been waiting for this match for a long time now, but this has to be one of the most ridiculous concepts since The Redneck Triathlon at Bad Blood '03. A sledgehammer above the ring, and the person to get it down has legal right to use it....in a No DQ match...yeah. And putting Nash in a ladder match? He can just jump and grab the hammer! I think this will be a HHH win. He'll be all worked up after coming back from injury and hopefully put this feud to bed.

Sam's Pick: Triple H

Dave: I think that whilst this is a somewhat strange ladder match, with a precariously hanging sledgehammer above the ring (just wait until health & safety hear about this!), I think it could be a rather entertaining match.

With a fair bit of bad blood being built up between these two over the last couple of months, it’ll be nice to see them get to settle their differences. Unlike most of the IWC, I think this feud could be coming to an end at TLC, as there have been rumours that HHH will meet the Undertaker at WM28. Settle their differences and sweep it under the carpet.

I think once again the WWE will semi-retire HHH into a more administrative role behind the scenes, and push Kevin Nash as a serious contender for a major title in the near future. The suits realise that HHH seems to work well as a go-to guy, making a return here and there when necessary as he has done over the last few months, and I do not blame them for capitalising on this! Whether we the IWC like this or not, we know that Creative are prone to make these sort of decisions.

Dave's Pick: Kevin Nash

Mark Henry (C) vs Big Show in a Chairs Match for the World Heavyweight Title

If you look at the longevity of this feud, it is really quite amazing. This all really started months ago in May and you've got to think that this feud is starting to wind down, right? Mark Henry picked up the belt at Night of Champions, and has looked unstoppable in his defences of the title thus far. As we know, WWE Creative love throwing a spanner in the works, so will this match be as run-of-the mill as the majority are expecting?

Rikki: If I'm honest, this feud has been a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. Every time these guys square up I expect an embarrassing facade which is labeled "wrestling" (sorry, "sports entertainment") and each time they have proven me wrong, pulling off moves which you would expect of only of Superstars half their size.

Following the ring collapse at Vengeance and the (Booker T voice) BIIIIG ELBOW DROP at Survivor Series, you've got to believe that this feud isn't going quietly. It's either going to end with an unbelievable spot or something that will send shockwaves through the WWE Universe.

My ideal scenario would see Big Show somehow pulling off the win after a long entertaining match, only for D-Bry's music to hit and have him win his cash-in on Show, cementing a heel turn. Of course this is purely fantasy, Henry's definitely got this one wrapped up.

Rikki's Pick: Mark Henry to retain

Fayte: In my mind this feud has been filled with so many "OMG", "Tell Me I Did Not Just See That" and "Holy S***" moments that between them they should have cleared house at the Slammys. With that in mind, I expect the final showdown of the giants to end in some spectacular way.

I'm holding out for a chair wrapped round Show's neck, but that could be wishful thinking. Regardless how WWE finish this gigantic feud, expect Henry to keep that title round his waist.

Fayte's Pick: Mark Henry to retain

Sam: At first I really didn't enjoy this feud, but these two giants really can put on a hell of a show considering the speed at which they move. Big Show for the win I think. The two Goliaths will battle it out with chairs but I can see it ending with a WMD into a chair, and into Henry's face.....And then D-Bry to cash in his MITB, turn him Heel and set up a feud with Show.

Sam's Pick: New Champion, the Big Show

Dave: This feud has kind of run its course now and it seems that the Big Show will not be taking the belt off of Henry. I still believe Henry will retain until WrestleMania in April at the earliest, making this match a likely candidate to be rather boring and a repeat of what we’ve seen from these two behemoths before.

Hopefully this match will see the end of the feud, with a bit of time taken to weave some kind of story to bring forth a new No. 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Title.

Dave's Pick: Mark Henry to retain

Triple Threat TLC Match for the WWE Title

Following his separation from R-Truth, the Miz has jumped straight back into the title scene, and more importantly between the Alberto Del Rio and CM Punk feud. Many fans are questioning Del Rio's credentials for the main event, so he'll have to put on a great show to win round a few supporters.

Punk can't put a foot wrong right now, so surely you'd put him down as the favourite for this one, right?

Either way, this match is going to be AWWWWEEEESOOOOMME, but you already know that.

Rikki: Really looking forward to a main event of a PPV which (potentially) doesn't have John Cena in it, however you do wonder whether there will be another Superstar (likely Cena) added to the match in some last-minute debacle.

Punk's got to look like a certainty for this one, but I don't think you can discount the Miz as he is very quickly on the rise again. I'd like to say that you could discount ADR as well, who is increasingly looking like the second coming of Jack Swagger, however having the title hanging above the ring could really bring out his opportunistic side.

It's pretty difficult to pick a winner from these, and my instinct says to play safe and go for Punk, as it doesn't seem productive for him to drop the title before his rumoured feud against Chris Jericho.

With that said, I'm going to take a punt on this one.

Rikki's Pick: New Champion, The Miz

Fayte: I'm torn on this to be honest. There's nothing more that I'd want than for Punk to be the one pulling down the belt solidifying himself as top dog, but my brain keeps telling me that the WWE is going to throw in a swerve ball.

Seeing that Punk is apparently penciled in to face Y2J at WM28, I can't see the belt changing hands as there's no real time to squeeze in another feud for him before the road to WrestleMania. I see Del Rio costing Miz the win allowing them to occupy themselves while Punk meets his fate when it begins on Jan. 2, 2012.

Fayte's Pick: CM Punk to retain

Sam: I cannot wait for this match. The build up has been great, all three wrestlers have great ring ability and its taking place in one of my favourite match types.

Right, that's the subjectivity out the way. I'm backing Punk for the win here. Having only given him the title, it would be ridiculous for him to lose it straight away. Miz needs something to do until R-Truth gets back from 'injury' and putting him back into the title picture is a great idea.

Plus when R-Truth does return, it gives him the chance to get involved, bringing back the conspiracy angle. I'm expecting plenty of spots including a Skull Crushing Finale onto a ladder. I'd also love to see the return of the Pepsi Plunge.

Sam's Pick: CM Punk to retain

Dave: Seeing as the Creative team have never really given Del Rio a fair reign with the WWE Championship, I believe they may be downgrading him to the mid card for a short while, and more importantly out of the main title chase.

I can see this match as a kind of switch-eroo, Del Rio for The Miz if you will, setting up for an AWWWEESOOOOMMEE feud between Punk and the title-hungry Miz.

Dave's Pick: CM Punk to retain

Bonus Question

With John Cena missing from the card, what do you think his role will be at the PPV?

Rikki: As I mentioned earlier, there are rumours that he is going to be a special referee in the Ryder match; however, if this doesn't materialise, then I could see him in Ryder's corner to counteract the always-imposing threat of a Vickie Guerrero interference.

Somehow he'll get himself involved in the main event, I don't doubt it for a second. The WWE aren't brave enough to not let him show his face on Sunday.

Sam: Cena is pretty much set up to appear in the US Title match. Whether he'll be accompanying Ryder to the ring or just some random interference, I'm unsure. Whatever the case, he'll be there to eliminate the threat of Vickie so Ryder can get on with fist pumping Ziggler's face!

Dave: I could easily see Cena getting involved in the Ryder/Ziggler match on Sunday night. He would be a nice addition in Ryder's corner to offset Vicky's dastardly nature which she uses to help out Dolph. This could also nicely create a feud between Ziggler and Cena taking Dolph up to the next level.

Bonus Question

Barring Cena, which Superstars do you think are missing from the card?

Rikki: While everyone's making a massive thing about Cena being absent from the PPV, they're missing the fact that Sheamus is not on the card.

Sheamus has become one of the biggest faces of the company, so it's unbelievable that not only is he absent from a PPV, but also he hasn't got a proper feud going right now. Sort it out, WWE!

On top of this, there is still no sign of any tag team action, despite the fact that Evan Bourne has returned from his suspension, and of course Daniel Bryan is not on the card, either, although I'm expecting him to turn up in the WHC match.

Sam: Where the hell is the rest of Smackdown? No Christian? No Sheamus? No...yeah. What is the deal with there only being six matches at PPV's lately? Surely they've got room for Sheamus vs Christian?

Dave: Sheamus! Seeing as how they were starting to make The Great White one of most prominent faces, why on earth has he been left on the card? This is madness!!

Bonus Question

With Booker T and Kevin Nash in action, what is your opinion on "Legends" returning to the ring after lengthy absences?

Rikki: On the whole, I'm against it. I think a lot of the Superstars that return aren't up to the standard that the rest of the roster are, and i think they're marring their own careers with low-quality matches.

I may ruffle a few feathers by saying that I think Cena vs. Rock will be a massive disappointment at WM28, because I don't think The Rock is good enough anymore. His match at Survivor Series was very misleading, as really he only performed a handful of moves, and I think facing off with Cena will be as disappointing as Hogan vs. Rock at WM18.

Sam: The Legends are coming thick and fast at the moment. It just seems as though they are trying to win back the disenfranchised viewers of the attitude era. If anything, it just seems to be making things worse.

Bringing back Rocky however was a great move, but to leave it seven months until he got in the ring again, only to disappoint, was such a mistake. Having said that, if it is indeed Punk/Jericho at WM, it'll be the most electrifying match, in aaaallll of (sports) entertainment!

Dave: It seems just seems like a gimmick to me. When things are not quite going the way that the top dog's want them to go, the legends are drafted in briefly to draw in a few extra viewers. This tactic just shoots them in the foot in the long run.

The WWE Universe are going to just expect it as the norm soon enough, and then when they really need a little trick up their sleeves, they'll have none!

Bonus Question

With rumours flying around that Daniel Bryan may cash in his MITB contract at TLC, do you think it would be productive for WWE to have him cash in early?

Rikki: I'm totally for it. A heel turn would be great for him because I don't think his "underdog" character is particularly interesting. Cash in on a weakened Henry or Show on Sunday and take it from there. Henry is rumoured to be turning face again shortly (for some ridiculous reason), and this would be a good way for it to start.  

Sam: D-Bry really needs to cash in. Not only will it make him relevant, but it could turn him into an awesome heel! He'll cash in on Big Show after his match, using sneaky tactics and quite possibly a chair. D-Bry new Champ!

Dave: Now I can see (yes maybe it's a long-shot) an option that would be quite interesting here. If Henry were to beat down Show on Sunday night, but Show takes it all out of Henry, and Bryan were to cash in the MITB contract and take the title and turn heel for his sneaky under-handed tactics.

He could then briefly feud with Sheamus over the title, whilst Henry takes care of Show once and for all for costing him the title, then coming back once Bryan is out of the picture again, to feud with Sheamus, culminating in an epic show-down between the two at WrestleMania in April. A long-shot I know, but it would kinda cover all bases?

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to drop us a comment if you've got something to say about our predictions and opinions. We'll see you in the new year for a bumper edition previewing the Royal Rumble.

NWO of B/R