WWE TLC 2011: Setting the Stage for an Awesome Wrestlemania 28

The WWE TLC pay-per-view is going to be less about being a great event itself, and more about setting the table for a huge WrestleMania.

This is event is ripe with budding and explosive story lines. Here are three that are going to be pushed over the top.

Kane's Meddling

Kane didn't just re-emerge right before TLC to sit idly by. He is back in the mask, and he is going to add an ominous appearance here to rebuild this monster's popularity.

Given that, Kane is going to make an appearance in one of the highlighted matches.

The perfect spot for Kane is to come in and help give a definitive answer to the Mark Henry-Big Show rivalry. This will be the third straight PPV battle for these two and those matches both ended in no decision. 

The first thing we know is that Mark Henry is going to hold onto his belt. His popularity is on the rise and he will get a little more face time as the champ. However, it won't be without drama.

Kane will make a dramatic late appearance to give Henry an assist. This will throw Kane right in the mix with these big names and instantly establish a nice rivalry with Big Show for a WrestleMania showdown.

CM Punk vs. The Miz

These two will be battling in a three-way match, but Albert Del Rio is going to be a non-factor. CM Punk has been whipping him all year and his storyline is getting tired. He will start to fade into the background.

CM Punk just announced his era to the WWE at the Survivor Series, and he is not going to be stripped of his belt this soon.

What he needs is a heated and fresh rivalry—enter The Miz.

This match is going to load up on the drama between these two and set the table for a huge WrestleMania showdown.

The Rise of Zack Ryder

Ryder's popularity is on the rise. The WWE is going to capitalize on that by handing him a belt.

Ryder is a polarizing figure, and that will only be played up in this one. You can expect some underhanded shenanigans to help Ryder defeat Dolph Ziggler.

Ryder will get a "loud" victory, and the self-proclaimed "Internet" champion will delight his online fans. This will leave him as a big attraction for a new challenger at the next WrestleMania.