WWE TLC 2014 Pay Per View Matches, Schedule & Predictions: Table, Ladders, Chairs and Stairs? Cena's No.1 Contender Title At Risk
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar is absent once again as the annual "Tables, Ladders and Chairs" is set to take place in Cleveland, Ohio. While Lesnar is out of the picture, the event card is stacked with plenty of stipulations set to capture the WWE Universe's attention span since weapons will be featured in most matches.
Sunday night will start with the standard "kick-off" show featuring Gold and Stardust versus The New Day, although it is unknown about the combination of Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. The New Day is expected to get the victory as the new faction, while the Dust siblings unfortunately continue their downward spiral following the loss of the WWE Tag Team Championship.
United States Championship: Rusev (c) vs. Jack Swagger
It is a rematch of the summer-long feud between Rusev and Swagger. The difference, however, is the absence of Swagger's manager Zeb Colter, who was suddenly injured backstage a few weeks ago. Swagger is alone as he tries to wave the American flag against Rusev and Lana, except he may figuratively have the support of over 360 million Americans.
Prediction:
Rusev wins.
Big Show and Erick Rowan: Steel Stairs Match
Since being "freed" from The Wyatt Family, Rowan has been trying to make a name for himself, and he made an impression by joining Team Cena for "Survivor Series" and colliding against the World's Tallest Athlete, Big Show. During the confrontations between Big Show and Rowan, usage of the steel stairs -- used to enter the wrestling ring -- has increased heavily to knock another man down. As a result, Rowan and Big Show will fight in a "Steel Stairs Match."
Prediction:
As noted, Rowan is new in the single-competition scene, and Big Show is a viable candidate to showcase the former Wyatt Family member's abilities. Expect a win for Rowan.
Intercontinental Championship: Luke Harper (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler: Ladder Match
Ziggler is still a heavy fan favorite with the WWE Universe, but Harper is now making a name for himself as a singles competitor following The Wyatt Family's break. Harper won the title from Ziggler during an episode on "Monday Night Raw," and the "Show-off" has been making the effort to reclaim the gold from somebody who, despite his size, can be as agile as Ziggler.
Prediction:
Ziggler will not lose the positive fan reaction with another loss against Harper. The current champion, Harper, needs further reasons to solidify himself as a dominant singles superstar and as an Intercontinental Champion.
WWE Tag Team Championship: The Miz and Damien Mizdow (c) vs. The Usos:
The Miz and his stunt double, Mizdow, have been on a roll since winning the tag team titles. Miz and Mizdow have worked brilliantly against their challengers, but The Usos want their championship titles back. It also hasn't been easy for Jimmy Uso and his wife Naomi. The Miz has offered Naomi contacts to Hollywood producers and flatterings, which irked Jimmy.
Prediction:
The Miz and Mizdow are still on fire, figuratively, following "Survivor Series" and with the WWE Universe's response to Mizdow's antics. Expect the current champions to retain their titles, but the feud should continue into the Royal Rumble.
Kane vs. Ryback: Chairs Match
With The Authority no longer in power, Kane is still, however, in "Corporate" mode and on the defense for Seth Rollins. Ryback has been back following a hiatus and "The Big Guy" has been on a roll taking down opponents.
Prediction:
Ryback is still fresh from his return and a victory should continue to strengthen his name in the upper midcard or main event level especially against a veteran such as Kane.
WWE Divas Championship: Nikki Bella (c) vs. AJ Lee
Bella's quick victory against Lee at "Survivor Series" was a surprise for many within the WWE Universe. Lee hasn't been sitting silent since her loss, on the microphone or in the ring. Bella, however, hasn't backed down either from Lee and wants to show why she deserves the Divas Championship.
Prediction:
While it is slightly refreshing to have a new Divas Champion that isn't Lee or Paige this year, Lee should have the victory against Bella and add another record to her repertoire as four-time Divas Champion. The problem is it's too early for Bella to lose the title, and the feud is fresh for another encounter at the "Royal Rumble." The victory goes to Nikki.
Bray Wyatt vs. Dean Ambrose: Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match
It's round two between Ambrose and Wyatt. The two men have tried to one-up each other outside the ring as seen by surprise attacks by Wyatt and nearly crushing the neck of Ambrose. The Lunatic Fringe, however, has not backed down and surprised Wyatt when an ambulance entered the arena last Monday.
Prediction:
This match up includes the namesake of the pay-per-view: tables, ladders and chairs. Viewers should expect a brawl and impressive spots as Ambrose and Wyatt has what it takes to take the "brass ring" Vince McMahon says has been lacking with the overall roster. Wyatt will take the victory. While Ambrose is a favorite, the stipulation provides Wyatt the advantage to play dirty for the pin.
John Cena vs. Seth Rollins: Tables Match
Cena will once again have the opportunity to take down Rollins, owner of the Money in the Bank briefcase. Cena, while the current No. 1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship currently held by Brock Lesnar, could lose his opportunity to become the 16-time World Champion if he loses this Sunday. Rollins won't win the No. 1 contender title if he wins, but instead, another WWE Superstar may win the opportunity. Rollins has taken down every man that has stepped in his way, from Dean Ambrose to Randy Orton, and Cena could be the next target for the former Shield member.
Prediction:
Rollins is safe with his Money in the Bank briefcase, and the final pay-per-view of the year will end with a victory for Cena, who had to endure many blindsides by The Authority, notably Rollins. The Cena victory would also have him looking strong as he prepares for the expected match against Lesnar, likely at the "Royal Rumble" in January.
How to Watch:
Television: Contact your cable or satellite provider for information on how to order the "WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs" pay-per-view with the broadcast set to begin at 8 p.m. EST.
Online: Live-coverage stream of "WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs" begins at 7 p.m. EST with the "Kickoff" show, and it can be seen on WWE Network. The "Kickoff" show can also be seen on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, WWE.com, the WWE App and YouTube.
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