WWE TLC 2018: 5 best matches from the PPV

The tenth edition of WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs took place on December 16, 2018, at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. We saw in the last event of the year two titles changes, unexpected interventions and actions that little by little invite us to reflect on what could happen on the way to Royal Rumble 2019 and WrestleMania 35.

On this occasion, six of the nine titles were in dispute. The only absentee titles in this pay per view were the Universal Championship, the RAW Tag Team Championship and the United States Championship.

The permanence of Baron Corbin as general manager of RAW was also in dispute. Corbin was defeated by an injured Braun Strowman after an alliance of the 'Monster among men' with Apollo Crews, Bobby Roode, Chad Gable, Finn Bálor, Heath Slater and Kurt Angle. Due to this defeat, Corbin lost his position as general manager.

Out of the 12 matches, a few were able to grasp the crowd's attention and receive a grand ovation from them. Here are the five best matches of TLC 2018.

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#5 Finn Bálor vs Drew McIntyre

In the seventh match of the night, we saw the unexpected victory of Finn Bálor over Drew McIntyre. Unexpected because the most predictable was a victory for the Scottish Terminator who has been advancing towards the top spots of the RAW roster after the break of his alliance with Dolph Ziggler.

McIntyre dominated the match from the beginning. showing his physical power. However, knowing that his strength was inferior to that of his opponent, Bálor decided to concentrate his attacks on McIntyre's leg.

When Drew McIntyre seemed to get the victory, Ziggler appeared and attacked him with a Superkick. The referee did not notice this attack. McIntyre wanted to attack Ziggler inside the ring with a chair, but Bálor surprised with a Dropkick followed by a Coup de Grace to get the pin.

After this defeat, it’s likely that we’ll see a possible revenge of McIntyre on Ziggler the next weeks in RAW.

#4 Ronda Rousey vs Nia Jax

In the ninth match of the night, we saw a victory by submission for Ronda Rousey on Nia Jax after the application of an Armbar. It was an exciting and intense duel, in addition to the best title defense of Rousey so far.

The combat was at the height of the conjuncture and it is evident not only that Rousey continues to look stronger and stronger, but also that her arsenal is increasing over time. Today we saw an amazing Crossbody to Jax, who was at ringside.

Tamina, ally of Nia Jax, tried to intervene during the match but to no avail. Rousey was always attentive. The daughter of 'Superfly' Jimmy Snuka didn’t pose any threat to the champion at any time.

Alexa Bliss, Nikki Bella, Mickie James and now Nia Jax... Can someone dethrone Rousey or we will see a very long reign of 'Rowdy' as RAW Women's Champion?

#3 Seth Rollins vs Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose defeated Seth Rollins and became the new Intercontinental Champion. The beginning of this feud started on October 22nd, the same night that Roman Reigns resigned from the Universal Championship due to his illness. Ambrose brutally attacked Rollins and marked the end of The Shield once again.

There were many intense moments and everything seemed to indicate that Ambrose would be defeated. When Rollins was preparing to perform a Superkick, Ambrose offered his fist to Rollins as a sign of The Shield's characteristic greeting. However, Rollins didn't fall for the deception and kept attacking him.

Dean Ambrose got the win after an unexpected Dirty Deeds on Rollins, who was ready to execute his finisher. Ambrose received a great ovation after winning the title.

What is next for Seth Rollins? Many rumors suggest that he will be the winner of Royal Rumble 2019 and that he will face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 35. However, the rumors are just rumors for now.

#2 Daniel Bryan vs AJ Styles

Daniel Bryan defeated AJ Styles and successfully retained the WWE Championship, which he won surprisingly (following a heel turn) on November 13 in St. Louis, Missouri.

It’s important to remember that Bryan ended the second reign of Styles as WWE champion, which started in Manchester on November 7, 2017 and lasted a total of 371 days.

Styles dominated the match and punished Bryan with the best of his arsenal, and although he could never execute the Styles Clash, he did manage to do a lot of damage with the Calf Crusher.

For his part, Bryan showed great resistance and knew how to counterattack in the necessary moments. The self-styled 'The New Daniel Bryan' got the victory after reversing an Inside Cradle.

Daniel Bryan's first defense as WWE champion was a success against one of the best performers in the entire company. What awaits Bryan in 2019?

#1 Becky Lynch vs Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka

This has been without a doubt one of the most extreme matches in recent times. It was a Triple Threat Ladder match for the SmackDown Women's Championship. Becky Lynch, the current champion, versus Charlotte Flair versus Asuka.

The three competitors showed their wildest side in this match. Asuka applied a Powerbomb on Charlotte and destroyed a table, as well as attacking her two rivals with a kendo stick. Charlotte destroyed a barricade after a Spear on Asuka. Likewise, she performed a Moonsault from the top of the corner to ringside.

Becky Lynch wasn’t far behind. Her best moment was a splash from the ladder towards a commentators table, where they were Charlotte and Asuka, although the Japanese star managed to avoid the impact at the last moment.

When Lynch and Flair were fighting at the top of the ladder, Rousey appeared and pushed the ladder on which they were battling it out. Asuka took full advantage of the situation and climbed the ladder to grab her first title on the main roster.