WWE TLC Wasn’t Shocking But Delivered With Physicality & Violence

My Monday column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reacts to WWE TLC. Here’s an excerpt:

WWE TLC was pretty predictable, but all of the performers left it all in the ring.

If you watched the show not appreciating the physicality, risk and athleticism displayed, then I feel bad for you. Kalisto performing his signature Salina Del Sol move off a 20-foot ladder onto another ladder that broke in half in the opening match set a dangerous tone for the show. How do you say “follow that” in Spanish?

Alberto Del Rio and Jack Swagger was the least interesting match for me going into the show, and they were very physical.

The Wyatt Family versus Team ECW was chaotic, but that’s kinda what you expect. It was a giant montage of “kids, don’t try this at home.” I’ve been the recipient of few chair shots from Tommy Dreamer at IWC Wrestling in Pittsburgh, so I have appreciation for it all and I winced in pain watching some of the hardcore action that went on dreading the pain all of those guys are going to feel the morning after.

Braun Stroman had the least experience by a large margin than any of the other seven guys in the match. He looked overwhelmed out there. Still, the match kept the fans’ interest and The Wyatt Family went over in a big way. That table should have caught fire when Bubba Dudley tossed the lighter on it just before being slammed by Stroman. Unfortunately, it didn’t and the grand finale of the match fizzled. It was still a good win for Wyatt’s group.

Charlotte and Ric Flair is quickly becoming my biggest annoyance of WWE programming. A legend and his very talented daughter is being turned into a weird “do as I do” display.

Didn’t expect Kevin Owens to lose the Intercontinental title to Dean Ambrose. Good for Ambrose, and it might be the best thing for Owens who to me is a significant wild card of potential in the months to come approaching WrestleMania.

Roman Reigns versus Sheamus in the main event was as hard hitting as I imagined from the opening seconds when Reigns caught Sheamus good on the left cheek. The ending was a bit odd.

I didn’t understand why Dean Ambrose, who is like a brother to Reigns, and The Usos who are blood related to Reigns didn’t come to help him. After all, Rusev and Del Rio, two guys Sheamus has associated with for a cup of coffee, came out to ensure he retained the title. Aren’t Reigns and his association called “The Family?”

But if creative was problem No. 1 in the match, then I vote the fans as a strong No. 2.

CLICK HERE for my issue with the fans and what’s next for Roman Reigns.

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