SmackDown’s exclusive PPV, WWE TLC will be hitting us in two weeks. Here are three ways to add some more fire to the TLC card and make the show must-see TV.
WWE TLC 2016 match card is stacked with a bunch of matches that can steal the show. There is no lack of talent on the card. AJ Styles would defend his WWE title against Dean Ambrose in a TLC match. The Intercontinental championship would be defended in a ladder match. This past week on SmackDown Live, we came to know Kalisto would face Baron Corbin in a chairs match.
Representing the blue brand’s women’s division, Becky Lynch would defend her WWE title against Alexa Bliss. Also, Nikki Bella and Carmella would take things one step further in a no-disqualification match. There would also be a pre-show bout which isn’t booked at the moment.
As one could see, the card is loaded with talented performers. Styles and Ambrose could deliver a stunning TLC match. This is Styles’ first encounter with the gimmick. But the phenomenal one is no stranger to tables, ladders or chairs. Dean Ambrose as we know thrives on such stipulations. We also have Ziggler and Miz who would feature in a ladder match.
That match has all the potential to be the match of the night. Dolph Ziggler and ladders always work well. However, it’s hard to see him walk out with the title when all is done. Regardless, expect a high quality, high drama bout from those two. However, one could still make the PPV a bit more intense with a few tweaks. WWE already has the required resources at its hands too. Here are three ways to make TLC even better.
WWE.com
3. Make the Women’s Title Match a Gimmick Bout
The new era produced the first Women’s hell in a cell match. However, that would be on Raw. Moreover, Raw’s women main-evented a PPV as well. It is time for SmackDown to contribute to the women’s revolution. It’s true that the blue brand has done a better job of presenting its female talent. However, come TLC, it would be time to take some bigger steps.
WWE announced this past week that Nikki Bella and Carmella would face off in a no disqualification match. Though you can’t expect any tables breaking here, the women would be able to put on a good match if WWE gives them the time. However, what becomes of the WWE women’s title match? It wouldn’t be fair to have Lynch and Bliss go at it in a normal match anymore. After all, they would be fighting for the top spot in the division.
A ladder match for the Women’s title would be intriguing. However, we already have one of those and moreover, Lynch’s height might be an issue in such a stipulation. A chairs match would be a terrible idea since those matches are always terrible. WWE can, however, make a table match work. However, that cannot be done with normal tables.
The two competitors aren’t heavy enough to break them. Instead, WWE can introduce the fans to the first ever Women’s table match with specially designed tables. The TLC card doesn’t have a Table match at the moment. This would be a great place for that. Let the women on SmackDown have a shot at history too.
WWE.com
2. Make the Tag Team Title Match a Triple Threat
American Alpha won the right to face the tag team champions after coming out as the winners from a gauntlet match. Or so they thought. The Wyatt Family would inform them that next week they would face Bray Wyatt and Orton. The winner of that match would go on to face the tag champion.
More from Daily DDT
On paper, it looks like Wyatt and Orton might go all the way. But that would be too predictable. Moreover, that would also mean American Alpha has to move away from the title picture once more. Moreover, their rivalry with the Usos never saw closure. So, why not factor in all these variables and use that next week to balance the equation? Have the Usos attack American Alpha during their match with the Wyatts. This would draw the disqualification and give the win to American Alpha. As a disgruntled Wyatt begins to protest, Daniel Bryan could come out and announce that they both would go on to face the tag champions.
This move evens out everything. American Alpha would still look credible. Wyatt and Orton get their title shot as well. On top of that, one can’t expect Slater and Rhyno to give Wyatt and Orton much competition. Having American Alpha in the match turns that around. Finally, Slater or Rhyno can take the pin and WWE can still manage to protect American Alpha. Wyatt gets his first title on the roster and once he and Orton put down Slater and Rhyno, they would have their next challengers ready, willing and Gable!
WWE.com
1. James Ellsworth Inserts Himself into the WWE Title Match
James Ellsworth put it all on the line this past week on SmackDown Live against AJ Styles in a ladder match. With a little help from Dean Ambrose, he would come out with a SmackDown Live contract as well as a future shot at the WWE title. It would be hard to imagine Ellsworth continuing his entertaining role in the main event and later challenging Styles for the title.
Instead, have Ellsworth come out next week and announce that he wants to be in the TLC main event and make it a triple threat. This would definitely be a curve ball as it’s something nobody would have expected. On paper, this would seem to put Dean Ambrose at a major advantage. He doesn’t have to pin Styles anymore. Moreover, he has his trusty sidekick by his side.
The match could take a number of turns from here. After being frustrated for not being able to put down Styles, Ambrose could finally snap and hit Dirty Deeds on Ellsworth. In 3 seconds, Ambrose would crush Ellsworth’s dreams and be the champion. However, that leaves Styles with zero momentum and takes away his WWE title.
An even better way would be to have Styles relentlessly punish Ellsworth throughout the match. Ambrose finds himself taking bumps to protect Ellsworth more often than trying to put down Styles. Finally, when it seems like Ambrose has taken him out and is about to go for the cover, pull the trigger on Ellsworth. In one shocking move, Ellsworth would hit Ambrose with a ladder or chair and take him out of the match. However, this is all the time Styles needs to recover. He then proceeds to take out Ellsworth and retain his title.
The logic for the said events writes itself. Ellsworth saw an opportunity to be at the very top. For a moment, he forgot the one man who got him there and crushed his dreams. That would be a more meaningful way to present him and his WWE title shot. Ambrose could come out next week and give Ellsworth another beating to retain some momentum. Above all, Styles retains the title once again.
This article originally appeared on 
