Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
2016 has been a year of building a new identity for SmackDown. Going from an underutilized Friday night to a unique brand again, live on Tuesdays, TLC 2016 is the culmination of months of build up with almost every match the final clash of long-time rivals.
TLC was set to be brutal, intense, and the end of the first chapter for SmackDown Live before 2017. The results of this show could potentially set the stage for this brand's WrestleMania representation.
TLC was set to be brutal, intense, and the end of the first chapter for SmackDown Live before 2017. The results of this show could potentially set the stage for this brand's WrestleMania representation.
American Alpha have really found their niche: just barely missing a spot on the card then winning a useless kickoff match.
American Alpha, The Hype Bros, and Apollo Crews def. The Vaudevillains, The Ascension, and Curt Hawkins
Overview: The early signs signaled an easy win for the faces who looked far more cohesive; however, the heels fought back by isolating Chad Gable in their corner. Gable barely made the tag, setting off a wild series of big moves ending with a Grand Amplitude on Gotch for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was fairly standard kickoff show fluff here as WWE put a bunch of guys in low card feuds or in need of air time on the show together. In some ways, the tag team division on SmackDown is Raw's cruiserweight division with more talent than story time.
It was nice again to see some quality domination by The Ascension who are slowly showing that they truly deserve more TV time. If only WWE could find more ways to get their many tag teams working feuds.
Highlights:
- American Alpha hit a double ankle pick into a double hip toss on Aiden English then a double dropkick on Gotch.
- A series of dumps through the ropes led to everyone going outside then they all returned and the faces dumped out all the heels.
- Viktor whipped Konnor into Gable in the corner then Viktor threw Gable into a Viktor high knee.
- The heels cleared out the opposite corner so that Gable could not tag out then Viktor hit a pop-up back kick on Gable.
- Curt Hawkins tried to take out both members of American Alpha in a flurry but took a leaping kick and suplex to the outside from Apollo Crews into a crowd.
Analysis: This was fairly standard kickoff show fluff here as WWE put a bunch of guys in low card feuds or in need of air time on the show together. In some ways, the tag team division on SmackDown is Raw's cruiserweight division with more talent than story time.
It was nice again to see some quality domination by The Ascension who are slowly showing that they truly deserve more TV time. If only WWE could find more ways to get their many tag teams working feuds.
Rating: 7.25/10
A reminder that Slater has still held three more WWE championships than Wyatt.
Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton def. Heath Slater and Rhyno to Become the New SmackDown Tag Team Champions
Overview: Heath Slater and Rhyno put up a good fight to start, but they quickly lost their confidence as The Wyatt Family took out Slater. Even after Rhyno's hot tag roll, he walked into a Wyatt spider walk that distracted him from an Orton RKO for the loss.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was the standard fare we have gotten with Slater and Rhyno as champions. It was passable but nothing remarkable as the all-star pairing made quick work of the champions without a flashy one-sided showing. It is cool Wyatt finally has WWE championship gold.
Highlights:
- Slater was dumped to the apron by Orton then Wyatt hit him with a leg sweep that dumped him to the floor.
- Slater blocked a Wyatt back body drop, roundhouse kicked Orton off the apron, then jumped over Wyatt for the tag.
- Luke Harper jumped in the way of a Gore to save Orton outside.
Analysis: This was the standard fare we have gotten with Slater and Rhyno as champions. It was passable but nothing remarkable as the all-star pairing made quick work of the champions without a flashy one-sided showing. It is cool Wyatt finally has WWE championship gold.
Rating: 7/10
Nikki clearly is learning all the tricks from John Cena.
Nikki Bella def. Carmella in a No Disqualification Match
Overview: Carmella quickly targeted the knee of Nikki Bella using a kendo stick in particular for her assault. Nikki though refused to stay down and fought back with the same kendo stick then pulled out a fire extinguisher to help set up a Rack Attack 2.0 for the win.
After losing, Carmella told Nikki she should be more worried about Natalya who she accused of being the one who attacked her backstage at Survivor Series.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match just showed off both women's limitations particularly together. Both women have improved in the ring, but they have movesets that are severely limited. They need to work with women who have more diverse things they can do in the ring.
Still, this was solidly physical and helped to end the rivalry between these women that has been quite strong, particularly on the mic.
After losing, Carmella told Nikki she should be more worried about Natalya who she accused of being the one who attacked her backstage at Survivor Series.
Highlights:
- Carmella threw Nikki into the steel steps with a headscissors, left knee first, then whipped her into the barricade.
- Carmella trapped Nikki in the tree of woe and swung at her left leg with a kendo stick repeatedly.
- Nikki fought off the Code of Silence with a kendo stick.
- Nikki hit a jumping roundhouse off the barricade.
Analysis: This match just showed off both women's limitations particularly together. Both women have improved in the ring, but they have movesets that are severely limited. They need to work with women who have more diverse things they can do in the ring.
Still, this was solidly physical and helped to end the rivalry between these women that has been quite strong, particularly on the mic.
Rating: 6.5/10
I'm still not sure if it's a compliment to say it's remarkable the best thing going for SmackDown Live consistently was Miz vs. Ziggler.
The Miz def. Dolph Ziggler to Retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship in a Ladder Match
Overview: This match was physical and intense until Miz grounded and assaulted Ziggler's leg, almost crippling him. As Ziggler tried to climb with his bad leg, Miz low blowed him and knocked Ziggler to the floor before taking down his title for the win. Miz taunted Ziggler and Bryan after on the mic.
Highlights:
Analysis: As always, Ziggler and Miz were excellent together, crafting a technical contest with high moments. This lacked some of the overwhelming energy of their best bouts, but it made for it with targeted technical focus that avoided the typical wild ladder spots.
This was another showcase of how good Miz is these days with some phenomenal spots. I don't know who they can pair him with to keep up his momentum. He's just so much bigger than most of the roster.
Highlights:
- Miz dodged Ziggler snapping his head between the ladder then knocked Ziggler into the ladder.
- Miz caught a Famouser but had his powerbomb shifted into a DDT on a leaning ladder.
- Miz trapped Ziggler in the corner with a ladder then dropkicked it into him.
- Ziggler nailed a springboard elbow off a corner ladder.
- Miz dropped Ziggler off a ladder onto the top rope.
- Miz repeatedly hit running dropkicks on Ziggler in the corner with a ladder then had the ladder thrown into him.
- Miz wrapped Ziggler's leg in a rung of the ladder.
- Miz trapped Ziggler's leg in a figure four with the ladder.
- Ziggler's superkick failed allowing Miz to Skull Crushing Finale Ziggler on a ladder.
- Miz injured his leg when he fell from hanging off the title.
- Miz landed a slingshot powerbomb on a corner ladder.
Analysis: As always, Ziggler and Miz were excellent together, crafting a technical contest with high moments. This lacked some of the overwhelming energy of their best bouts, but it made for it with targeted technical focus that avoided the typical wild ladder spots.
This was another showcase of how good Miz is these days with some phenomenal spots. I don't know who they can pair him with to keep up his momentum. He's just so much bigger than most of the roster.
Rating: 9.25/10
It's Corbin's favorite kind of moment: the last second before he swats down a little kid trying to play in his sport.
Baron Corbin def. Kalisto in a Chairs Match
Overview: Kalisto brought in several chairs as he entered, ready to fight. Baron Corbin blocked his first shot and smacked Kalisto to the mat. The two fought hard back to back, but Kalisto seemed the better man until Kalisto was smacked out of the air then took the End of Days on a pile of chairs for the loss.
Highlights:
Analysis: I truly do like both of these wrestlers, but I had no expectations here. The chairs match is notorious for limiting performers, having made legends look silly as they try to use only chairs to the fullest. Corbin and Kalisto are both newcomers with tons of room to grow.
Who knew these two would be the ones to unlock the chairs match's potential? This contest was unbelievable in just how brutal and effective it was. The more I think about it, the more I liked it. They made every spot count and paced this so well.
I could laud this match for a long time, but I will just say that this is proof both men deserve more than they are getting. Yes, Corbin should be in the main event scene, and, yes, Kalisto should be in the midcard title picture.
Highlights:
- Kalisto used a chair for extra lift on a diving senton to the outside.
- Corbin hit a high chokeslam on Kalisto off a rebound.
- Kalisto slipped out of a Corbin charge and tripped him into a corner chair.
- Kalisto hit a shortrana on a chair then hit a diving seated senton through multiple standing chairs.
- Kalisto went for a suicide dive but landed into a Deep Six.
- Kalisto hit a running hurricanrana off the barricade.
- Kalisto hit a double knee moonsault on a steel chair on Corbin.
- Corbin smacked a chair into Kalisto's face mid-air.
Analysis: I truly do like both of these wrestlers, but I had no expectations here. The chairs match is notorious for limiting performers, having made legends look silly as they try to use only chairs to the fullest. Corbin and Kalisto are both newcomers with tons of room to grow.
Who knew these two would be the ones to unlock the chairs match's potential? This contest was unbelievable in just how brutal and effective it was. The more I think about it, the more I liked it. They made every spot count and paced this so well.
I could laud this match for a long time, but I will just say that this is proof both men deserve more than they are getting. Yes, Corbin should be in the main event scene, and, yes, Kalisto should be in the midcard title picture.
Rating: 9.25/10
Bliss and Lynch showed extra anger in this match, mainly because they just hated having to set up so many tables.
Alexa Bliss def. Becky Lynch to Become the New SmackDown Women's Champion in a Tables Match
Overview: Becky Lynch came out swinging and tried to pull out a table, but Alexa Bliss came back, trying to hide the tables until she was ready. Once the tables came out, every action by both women was interrupted by the focus on avoiding the tables.
When Lynch fought Bliss to the outside, Bliss single-arm powerbombed Lynch off the apron through a table. Afterward, Lynch emotionally rejected an interview.
Highlights:
Analysis: Few matches are more limiting than tables matches. They force the wrestlers to isolate their movesets and thought process. Setting up tables can take forever, so it kills the pacing. All of that was true in this match even as the women showed off impressive innovation.
As far as tables matches go, you don't get better than this. Lynch and Bliss went out of their way to bring something new to the table. I am shocked that Bliss won, and I am not sure she is ready for this. Still, she has been great so far on SmackDown.
When Lynch fought Bliss to the outside, Bliss single-arm powerbombed Lynch off the apron through a table. Afterward, Lynch emotionally rejected an interview.
Highlights:
- Bliss hit a vicious snap kick off the apron then was tripped by Lynch.
- Bliss fought off a slam off the apron through a table by biting Lynch.
- Bliss clubbed Lynch with forearms to stop a rally.
- A Bexplex through a table was blocked by Bliss followed by a facebuster.
- Bliss landed the Insult to Injury then tried to drop a table on top of Lynch with Lynch rolling away.
- Bliss DDted Lynch into a table on the floor.
- Lynch locked Bliss in the Dis-arm-her with the leg of a table.
- Bliss single-arm powerbombed Lynch off the apron through the table.
Analysis: Few matches are more limiting than tables matches. They force the wrestlers to isolate their movesets and thought process. Setting up tables can take forever, so it kills the pacing. All of that was true in this match even as the women showed off impressive innovation.
As far as tables matches go, you don't get better than this. Lynch and Bliss went out of their way to bring something new to the table. I am shocked that Bliss won, and I am not sure she is ready for this. Still, she has been great so far on SmackDown.
Rating: 8.5/10
Sure, Styles, that's cool, but it's not Ellsworth-level of excitement.
AJ Styles def. Dean Ambrose to Retain the WWE World Championship in a TLC Match
Overview: This match started out fast with Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles fighting through the crowd early. They went big repeatedly until Styles seemed to be ready to climb for the win. James Ellsworth came out to distract Styles, almost letting Ambrose climb for the win.
Ellsworth though decided to dump Ambrose off the ladder outside through two tables. As Ellsworth cheered for Styles, the champion climbed up a ladder and took his championship to retain.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was excellent carnage even though it wasn't quite the top notch showing it could have been. Partially due to the illogical booking of the finish, this could not quite measure up to the first bout these two had for the title.
There were some unbelievable moments though with Styles showing off why he is tailor-made for these matches. His springboard 450 was easily the biggest spot of the night. This should be the end for these two, and I just hope Ambrose can continue having matches like these without Styles.
Ellsworth though decided to dump Ambrose off the ladder outside through two tables. As Ellsworth cheered for Styles, the champion climbed up a ladder and took his championship to retain.
Highlights:
- Styles blasted a ladder into Ambrose with a steel chair.
- Ambrose jumped off the barricade into a Style dropkick.
- Ambrose took a sidewalk slam through a chair.
- Ambrose fought off a planned Styles suplex with a flipping slam through multiple tables.
- Styles hit a flurry of strikes into a suplex through a corner table.
- Ambrose landed a diving elbow off a table on an announce table through the other announce table onto Styles.
- Styles stopped an Ambrose ladder climb with a Phenomenal Forearm.
- Styles connected with a springboard 450 Splash to the outside through a table.
- Ellsworth came out for the distraction on Styles to allow a Dirty Deeds on the steel steps.
Analysis: This match was excellent carnage even though it wasn't quite the top notch showing it could have been. Partially due to the illogical booking of the finish, this could not quite measure up to the first bout these two had for the title.
There were some unbelievable moments though with Styles showing off why he is tailor-made for these matches. His springboard 450 was easily the biggest spot of the night. This should be the end for these two, and I just hope Ambrose can continue having matches like these without Styles.
Rating: 9/10
In this moment, Ziggler realized this feud is about to end, and he's going to have to go back to sucking again.
Final Notes: Ambrose was interviewed and said he was excited for TLC because it would hard, just as he liked it. Styles laughed off Ambrose's comments in a separate interview, acknowledging Ambrose's resilience but refusing to believe he could lose.
The Miz interrupted a Daniel Bryan interview with Miz calling out Bryan as being biased. Natalya refused to believe any accusations about her attacking Nikki at Survivor Series and wished Lynch good luck tonight.
Conclusion: Despite starting off slow and some matches not quite matching up to their predecessors, this was quality night of wrestling. SmackDown once more pulled together a tight slow that perfectly moved from match to match and highlighted the importance of each contest.
Where WWE goes next was not much explored. The direction for the women is the only thing that even has a clear focus. Otherwise, everything is up in the air which is right for this time of the year.
Hopefully, SmackDown Live in 2017 will be just as strong as in 2016 if not better as their pay-per-view turnouts so far have been nothing short of phenomenal.
The Miz interrupted a Daniel Bryan interview with Miz calling out Bryan as being biased. Natalya refused to believe any accusations about her attacking Nikki at Survivor Series and wished Lynch good luck tonight.
Conclusion: Despite starting off slow and some matches not quite matching up to their predecessors, this was quality night of wrestling. SmackDown once more pulled together a tight slow that perfectly moved from match to match and highlighted the importance of each contest.
Where WWE goes next was not much explored. The direction for the women is the only thing that even has a clear focus. Otherwise, everything is up in the air which is right for this time of the year.
Hopefully, SmackDown Live in 2017 will be just as strong as in 2016 if not better as their pay-per-view turnouts so far have been nothing short of phenomenal.