Opinion
Writing The Book: WWE TLC 2018

Welcome to “Writing the Book”! This is where I attempt to book entire wrestling pay-per-views in an interesting yet logical matter. This week we have WWE TLC 2018!
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Jimmy Jacobs is right. Writing a wrestling show is hard. This one, deceptively so. WWE’s next event is the Royal Rumble which has direct ties to Wrestlemania. So as I started toying with the match card, I realized that I had to essentially predict parts of the Mania card four months in advance. This WWE TLC PPV may have greater implications than we previously realized.Â
I’ve listed the matches in my desired order of the card.
WWE TLC Kickoff
The entire WWE TLC card is 12 matches which is unnecessarily long for a wrestling show. The pre-show is two matches most of the time but I added an extra one for Sunday.Â
Natalya v. Ruby Riott – Tables Match
Winner: Ruby Riott
I want both competitors to come out looking good here. Before Nattie eventually loses, I want her to find a way to put both of the other members of the Riott Squad through a table. Ruby gets the win but Natalya also appears fairly strong and resilient.Â
Elias v. Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush – Guitar suspended above the ring can be used as a weapon
Winner: Lashley
My original plan was for Elias to win after using a second guitar hidden under the ring. But Lashley needs the win more. He’s the most physically imposing guy on the roster but isn’t being booked like it. He held all the gold over at Impact but hasn’t been in a single title feud since returning. I don’t see that changing soon but a PPV win is a start. Lio Rush also needs to get involved. That’s what he’s there for.Â
Buddy Murphy (c) v. Cedric Alexander – Cruiserweight Championship
Winner: Murphy
The only person Buddy Murphy should lose that belt to is Mustafa Ali. The build isn’t there for a title change and I didn’t want it to get lost in the shuffle of this enormous card so I made it the main event of the pre-show.Â
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
WWE TLC Main Card
The Bar (c) v. The New Day v. The Usos – Smackdown Tag Team Championships
Winners: Usos
The SD Live tag scene needs a slight shift. It looks like they’ll stick with having the spotlight on these three teams for awhile. The Bar took the belts off the New Day in October and haven’t gotten much action since. Perhaps an Usos/Bar feud can get some momentum going for both teams again.Â
Rey Mysterio v. Randy Orton – Chairs MatchÂ
Winner: Orton
With the way he’s been presented I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Orton hovering around the world title picture in the coming months. Also, a chair needs to be involved in either a 619 or RKO. Not only will the kiddos love it, but so will I.Â
Finn Balor v. Drew McIntyreÂ
Winner: McIntyre
This could be a show-stealer if given time and paired with a clean finish. I wouldn’t complain if Balor got this big win but McIntyre shouldn’t lose until he gets a Univeral Title opportunity.
***EDIT: There have been conflicting reports today on Finn Balor’s availability at TLC. If he is replaced, Drew needs to win regardless of who the opponent is.Â
R-Truth and Carmella v. Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox – Mixed Match Challenge Finals (winners get entrant #30 slots at the Royal Rumble)
Winners: The Fabulous Truth
This will be a nice comedy match to let the fans breathe before the marquee matches at the top of the WWE TLC card. We’re going to need at least five dance breaks and meditation sessions from each side before the match’s conclusion.Â
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Braun Strowman v. Baron Corbin (Strowman wins: Awarded Universal Title match, Corbin is stripped of power. Corbin wins: Corbin becomes permanent Raw General Manager)
Winner: Strowman
This is the match I was excited to book. I don’t know what Strowman’s status is going to be like following his elbow surgery. I’d be shocked if he was already capable of competing in a full-blown TLC match. This is why I’m booking it as if Strowman is unable to compete.Â
Baron Corbin is in the ring about to declare himself the winner by forfeit. He even has some sort of government official with him ready to declare himself the Raw GM. That’s when Strowman appears on the big screen live from another hospital bed. He states that he can’t make it but found a suitable replacement. That’s when this music hits.
Yes, Lars Sullivan makes his main roster debut as a babyface. He walks to the ring and Corbin tries to put an end to the whole thing. Sullivan grabs a mic and says Stephanie McMahon allowed him to replace Braun as long as he signs with Monday Night Raw. Michael Cole sells the moment on commentary and elaborates on what a huge deal that is for Raw.Â
Lars eventually wins the match and strips Corbin of his power. The #1 Contender’s spot is still up for grabs. That can be claimed by Strowman when he’s healthy or McIntyre and Sullivan can try to claim their rightful stake to Brock Lesnar’s belt.Â
Ronda Rousey (c) v. Nia Jax – Raw Women’s Championship
Winner: Rousey
I’m willing to bet my car that Rousey holds that belt until Wrestlemania. She’s one of the biggest draws in the company so she needs one of the biggest singles matches at Mania. These two had an excellent match at Money in the Bank so I’m just going to let them do their thing at TLC.Â
Seth Rollins (c) v. Dean Ambrose – Intercontinental Championship
Winner: Dean Ambrose
Dean Ambrose needs to ride this momentum all the way into a championship win. If he loses cleanly then this whole persona change will feel meaningless. This is a great feud for both guys but many people consider Seth the best in the world. I think 2019 is the year we start to see Seth headline pay-per-views again, so this booking at WWE TLC will get us there. The Universal Championship is the final belt he has yet to claim.Â
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Â
The New Daniel Bryan (c) v. AJ Styles – WWE Championship
Winner: Bryan
My long-term goal is for a babyface Miz to meet Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania. That means DB has to keep his championship at WWE TLC. AJ being out of the world title feud is hard to envision. The only other mid-card guy he can have a program with is Orton. That’s why I want these two to have one more match.Â
I’m booking this match to end via referee stoppage. Daniel Bryan will target AJ’s knee constantly. DB keeps strapping on the knee bars but AJ always gets to the ropes. However, AJ tries to hit a Styles Clash and his knee buckles. Then he tries to hit a Phenomenal Forearm but slips off the ropes. AJ can no longer stand so the referee stops the match.Â
Daniel Bryan ending the match by DQ feels cheap so this will allow a different avenue toward a rematch. They’ll have a Submission Match at the Royal Rumble. Submission matches rarely happen now and both men have submissions in their finishing arsenals.
Becky Lynch (c) v. Asuka v. Charlotte Flair – Tables, Ladders, & Chairs Match for SD Women’s Championship
Winner: Asuka
This is the perfect opportunity to finally give Asuka that championship belt that’s wrongfully alluded her. As much as she deserves it, the (Becky) fans could turn on Asuka. In the event of this happening, I have a backup plan for WWE TLC.Â
In all of NXT and WWE, Asuka has never been a real heel. Now is the time. When Becky and Asuka have their rematch in January, Asuka should purposefully “re-injure” Becky’s face. A report will come out soon after saying that Becky will be out for weeks. She ends up being a surprise entrant in the Rumble. She’s walking down to the ring wearing a face mask and fighting off doctors trying to hold her back. Becky ends up winning the whole thing (eliminating Nia in the process). Boom, Becky vs. Ronda at Mania.Â
Meanwhile on Smackdown, Asuka is a heel. During the Spring, she has a few title matches with her old friend, Naomi. When that’s settled, Asuka vs. Charlotte at WrestleMania is reborn with the roles reversed this time around.
Next time on “Writing the Book”: Wrestle Kingdom 13!
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Let us know what you think on social media @theCHAIRSHOTcom and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Opinion
Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank
Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?
- AJ – Roxanne Perez
- Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
- Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
- DJ – Naomi
- DPP – Roxanne Perez
- Jason – Alexa Bliss
- Patrick – Roxanne Perez
- Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
- Rob – Naomi
- Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.
Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.
Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)
- AJ – LA Knight
- Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
- Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
- DJ – LA Knight
- DPP – El Grande Americano
- Jason – LA Knight
- Patrick – Solo Sikoa
- Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
- Rob – Solo Sikoa
- Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.
Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!
Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)
- AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
- Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
- Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
- DJ – Lyra Valkyria
- DPP – Becky Lynch
- Jason – Becky Lynch
- Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
- Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
- Rob – Becky Lynch
- Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.
Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.
Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3
- AJ – Cena & Paul
- Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
- Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
- DJ – Rhodes & Uso
- DPP – Rhodes & Uso
- Jason – Cena & Paul
- Patrick – Cena & Paul
- Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
- Rob – Cena & Paul
- Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.
Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?
Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso
In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!
- AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
- Andrew – @IWCWarChief
- Dave – @AttitudeAgg
- DJ – @TheMindlessPod
- DPP – @itsmeDPP
- Jason – @JediFett
- Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
- Rey – @itsreycash
- Rob – @rbonne1
- Greg – @gregdemarco44
- PC – @PCTunney
- TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia
prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY – 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY – POD is WAR (Los Tres Friends)
FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Â
Chairshot Radio Network
Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts… Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Listen on your favorite platform!
iTunes | iHeart Radio  | Google Play | Spotify
Listen, like, subscribe, and share!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.
- AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
- Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
- Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
- DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
- DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
- Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
- Patrick – Gunther
- Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
- Rob – Gunther
- Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!
Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.
Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3
- AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
- Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
- Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
- DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
- DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
- Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
- Patrick – Becky Lynch
- Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
- Rob – Lyra Valkyria
- Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)
Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).
Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5
- AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
- Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
- Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
- DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
- DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
- Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
- Patrick – Jacob Fatu
- Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
- Rob – Jacob Fatu
- Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.
Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.
Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0Â
- AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
- Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
- Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
- DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
- DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
- Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
- Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
- Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
- Rob – Dominic Mysterio
- Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.
Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.
Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1
- AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
- Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
- Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
- DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
- DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
- Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
- Patrick – John Cena
- Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
- Rob – John Cena
- Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.
Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.
Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1
In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!
- AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
- Andrew – @IWCWarChief
- Dave – @AttitudeAgg
- DJ – @TheMindlessPod
- DPP – @itsmeDPP
- Jason – @JediFett
- Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
- Rey – @itsreycash
- Rob – @rbonne1
- Greg – @gregdemarco44
- PC – @PCTunney
- TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia
prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY – 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY – POD is WAR (Los Tres Friends)
FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Â
Chairshot Radio Network
Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts… Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Listen on your favorite platform!
iTunes | iHeart Radio  | Google Play | Spotify
Listen, like, subscribe, and share!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!