WWE Smackdown Report PARKS'S TAKE: Three matches, one main event: Arguments for which match should go on last at TLC
Dec 16, 2012 - 12:41:22 AM
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Tomorrow night at the TLC pay-per view, WWE presents three main-event caliber matches. However, only one match can go on last and be the true main event for the evening. Here are some arguments for each of those matches to go on last:
The Shield vs. Team Hell No & Ryback: This match has been portrayed by WWE on Raw as the main event of the show. It has been the focal point of TV more than either of the other matches. Putting the Shield in the final match will immediately make them big deals in the eyes of fans. It also keeps Ryback in the main event position, even after coming up on the short end of the stick in the previous two PPVs. If WWE wants to keep Ryback strong after those two losses, putting him in the key match of a PPV will help do that. The stipulation of this being a TLC match at the TLC PPV also would dictate it going on last.
Sheamus vs. The Big Show: With the WWE Title not being defended due to C.M. Punk's injury, the World Title is the only major title being defended on the show. In years past, that fact alone would make this the default main event. But forgetting that, Sheamus vs. Big Show is the strongest and best program WWE has going right now. For two PPVs in a row, their matches have exceeded expectations. What better way to reward them than putting their match on last?
John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler: The main argument for this match is the John Cena Trump Card: Cena has main evented PPVs before with lesser opponents (John Laurinaitis, anyone?), so why shouldn't he main event here against Ziggler with something major at stake, that being the MITB briefcase? Cena is, after all, the biggest star in the company. Plus, of the three matches, this has the best chance of being a show-stealer. If Ziggler is booked to win, imagine what not only a win over Cena, but a win over Cena in a PPV main event would do for him.
In the end, I believe WWE will go with the Shield vs. Team Hell No & Ryback in the main event. No matter which direction they go, some folks will disagree. But as noted above, you could make a solid case for any one of these matches to close the show.
Greg Parks has been a columnist for Pro Wrestling Torch since 2007. Follow him on Twitter @gregmparks for live Tweeting during Raw, Impact, and PPVs, as well as other bits of wisdom. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.
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