WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2017.

TLC 2017 was a very weird pay-per-view. Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt were both absent because of medical issues. Their replacements (Kurt Angle and AJ Styles) featured in the best two matches of the night. The main event justified the handicap and TLC rules, but the undercard had no such additions. A disappointing choice because a few extra gimmicks would’ve livened up the weaker bouts considerably.

 

Asuka defeated Emma in her main roster debut. They worked well together and showcased Asuka’s impressive moves. Generally, Emma was a good first opponent and no slouch in the ring. Asuka should keep on winning and hopefully earn a title shot before WrestleMania.

 

The cruiserweight tag team match was fun and fast paced with plenty of high-flying action. All the wrestlers involved made the most of their eight minutes. Cedric Alexander won with the Lumbar Check and looks likely to be a future contender.

 

Alexa Bliss retained her Raw Women’s Championship against Mickie James in an above-average contest. In the build-up, Alexa (26) made age related jokes about James (38). Their story didn’t have a happy ending, so someone else will have to give ‘Little Miss Bliss’ her comeuppance. Mickie’s post-match promo added some extra realism.

 

Enzo Amore defeated Kalisto and regained the Cruiserweight Championship in a sloppy, but passable title change. Since Neville’s contractual disputes, the dip in quality has been noticeable and this new direction will require some adjustment.

 

AJ Styles and Finn Bálor wrestled for 18 minutes, but the time never dragged. This was a very good match and both men showed respect after the bell. Styles was protected in defeat because he was travelling from South America at short notice. They didn’t use their entire repertoire; a rematch another day with Styles at 100% and a title on the line would be even better.

 

After two peculiar segments (involving music, fruit and vegetables), Jason Jordan got a much-needed PPV win, beating Elias with a roll up. ‘The Drifter’ had one shoulder off the canvas, so their feud will probably continue.

 

Finally the main event had lots of standout moments. Kane and Braun Strowman had a falling out, which ended with Braun being thrown in a bin lorry. Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins performed ladder dives.

 

Best of all was the return of Kurt Angle, who entered through the crowd with his teammates and wore a Shield vest. He was slammed through a table by Braun and taken backstage, but later returned triumphantly with entrance music. The concluding minutes provided an old-school feel-good ending, the type of which I haven’t felt in quite some time. Angle at 48, may be slowing down but still oozes veteran cool. Is it greedy to hope for one more WrestleMania match before he calls time on his legendary career?

 

Thanks for reading,

 

Philip.