Medical issues have forced World Wrestling Entertainment superstars Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt to miss Sunday’s TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view, but the subsequent changes may have brought more intrigue to the show’s card.
Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle will make his surprising return to the WWE ring. While he’s been back as the GM of Raw since April, this is the first time in more than a decade that he will be wrestling. He replaces Reigns in what would have been a long-awaited reunion for The Shield.
SmackDown star AJ Styles takes Wyatt’s spot as he faces off against Finn Balor in a battle between the former leaders of the popular indie and Japanese stable Bullet Club.
To top it all off, former NXT women’s champion Asuka — who was undefeated during her record-setting 523-day reign — makes her debut on the main roster.
So who will win? Here’s a look at my predictions for the PPV:
How to watch
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Oct. 22
TV: WWE Network (TLC Kickoff show at 5 p.m.)
Preshow
Sasha Banks vs. Alicia Fox
Singles match
Who should win: Banks.
After being the recipient of backstage attacks by Fox, Banks is looking for revenge. Given where they stand in the women’s division, it’s difficult to imagine Banks losing. Look a victory for “The Boss.”
Who will win: Banks.
Main card
Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles
Singles match
Who should win: Balor.
There’s been next-to-no build-up except for a pair of cellphone promos, but this has all the potential to steal the show. It’s hard to gauge who wins since there’s nothing at stake between the two, so I’m going with the Balor since this is a Raw PPV and he’s on Raw. I wouldn’t be shocked if there’s an appearance by former Bullet Club members Gallows and Anderson.
Who will win: Balor.
Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann vs. Gentleman Jack Gallagher and The Brian Kendrick
Tag team match
Who should win: Gallagher and Kendrick.
It’s early in this feud. I can see it going either way, so, let’s go with the bad guys.
Who will win: Gallagher and Kendrick.
Kalisto (c) vs. Enzo Amore
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Singles match
Who should win: Enzo Amore.
Amore has found his voice since joining 205 Live. The boisterous wrestler has settled into a solid niche as the cocky loudmouth of the cruiserweight division. His short-lived tenure as champion was entertaining and he is deserving of a lengthier run. Look for Amore to win via antics.
Who will win: Enzo Amore.
Asuka vs. Emma
Singles match
Who should win: Asuka.
Asuka spent 523 days as the undefeated NXT women’s champion before being called up to the main WWE roster. She’s not losing in her debut.
Who will win: Asuka.
Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Mickie James
WWE Raw Women’s Championship
Singles match
Who should win: Bliss.
Since coming up to the main roster, Bliss has proven herself to be one of the elite of the women’s division. This mini-feud with James feels like a placeholder until her next challenge. Look for Bliss with the title defense.
Who will win: Bliss.
Dean Ambrose, Kurt Angle and Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro, Kane, The Miz, Sheamus and Braun Strowman
5-on-3 handicap tables, ladders and chairs match
Who should win: Ambrose, Angle and Rollins.
This was set up for The Shield to come back together and conquer the overwhelming odds that this team of five presents to them. While it’s disappointing that the reunion is delayed, having the return of a legend like Angle was a pleasant surprise. This will be fun, especially with never-before-seen matchups like Angle vs. Cesaro or Angle vs. Sheamus. I’ll go with the good guys winning despite losing the numbers battle.
Who will win: Ambrose, Angle and Rollins.
