WWE TLC preview

Tonight's the final PPV of 2011. With the 4 top titles in WWE on the line and some grudge matches thrown in for good measure, it's safe to say that what happens at TLC will have a big impact on 2012. Read on for how I'd book the card.

This one's not as easy as I initially thought. WWE's in such a weird place right now with a lot of talented people who aren't doing anything while some people, while talented, seem to be on their last legs and/or coasting on their past reputations. I don't think this is something that can be fixed overnight, but I'll try to improve things and get us on the way there.

First up, a bonus match: Air Boom teams with Alex Riley and Justin Gabriel to face off with Epico, Primo, Jack Swagger, and Drew McIntyre. All of them have been doing good stuff lately, but some of it's been web-only (as far as the States go). The company should send the message that they recognize this solid work, and in time guys like this will be counted upon to work the midcard while the older names are "phased out" (which would take some time since some of them are still pretty over and/or doing pretty good stuff themselves). Gabriel hits the 450 on Swagger, but misses the blind tag from McIntyre. As he tries to pin the illegal man, McIntyre gets the win with Future Shock (the others will be fighting outside the ring).

Zack Ryder wins against Dolph Ziggler. They're given time to show what they can do, and the announcers put the match over as an exciting clash of talented stars moving up the ladder. Hard-fought match, which Ryder wins with the support of the crowd keeping him alive. He celebrates with his Long Island broskis in the crowd with the title.

Cody Rhodes beats Booker T. Booker brings his A game, but Rhodes brings his A+ game and outclasses and outfoxes the former 6-time World Champion. Booker offers his hand, but Cody wants his hand raised. As Booker does so, he's taken in for a second Cross Rhodes. If Booker has more to bring in the ring, he eliminates Cody in the Rumble and we get a rematch. If this is it for him, that honor goes to Goldust (who has a big, personal feud with Cody leading to a title vs. career match at WrestleMania).

C.M. Punk wins his match, in which everyone shows that they belong in the main event picture for the company. Not much to add to that, other than everyone needs to look strong.

Barrett's game for Orton, but Orton almost has him beat due to his veteran instincts. The returning Skip Skeffield/Ryback aligns with the former Nexus leader to move the table out of the way, then the two of them slam Orton through.

Big Show isn't just out for Mark Henry's title; he's out to end his career. He goes to Vader Bomb Show's ankle when it's in a chair, but is begged to stop by Theodore Long. While he considers this, Henry gets out of the predicament and uses the chair on Big Show. After a number of shots with it, Henry either hits him with the World's Strongest Slam on it or lays him on it and splashes it from the ropes (Or maybe it's on two seated chairs? Whichever). As he's gloating and looks to hit Show some more, Daniel Bryan makes the save on his friend. Henry taunts him, but Bryan is able to catch him in the Lebell Lock. He announces that he'll cash in MITB at the Royal Rumble.

Triple H gets the early advantage on Kevin Nash. John Laurinaitis looks to turn the tide, alongside David Otunga. HHH disposes of them as Nash looks climbs the ladder. He's stopped from using the sledgehammer by a man who's had enough of Laurinaitis' games lately (and is brought out next to take care of HHH), Brodus Clay. HHH gets the hammer, and does a number on Nash to win.

In the aftermath, the Board looks to suspend Laurinaitis. Otunga's got a solid legal case, though, so he's safe for now. HHH strikes a deal for the Rumble: Kevin Nash will face C.M. Punk for the WWE Title. Loser leaves WWE.

That's how I'd do the show if given the chance. I'll be back later tonight to cover how it actually goes down. Thanks for reading!