Superstars shine at WWE TLC 2011 behind lead of CM Punk and company

Last weekend offered up the latest PPV from the creative minds at Titan Towers and the powers that be delivered a solid show supported by excellent performances from the bulk of their talent. In the end three champions with regional ties emerged from the rubble to stand tall with CM Punk telling a story as few others on the roster currently can, making even the smallest move as important as any high spot and escaping his handcuffs like Harry Houdini at the last second while casting magic throughout.

Here’s a look back at WWE TLC 2011 including commentary on each match-up:

Zack Ryder def. Dolph Ziggler

This match went off pretty much as expected with Ryder going over and Ziggler working his tail off. I haven’t seen a heel with as much potential as Ziggler in a long time so hopefully he’ll move up the roster to get a bigger feud while Ryder is a perfect U.S. Champion. It’s impossible to take him seriously as a main eventer but put him in a feud with Jack Swagger and it makes sense.

Air Boom def. Primo/Epico

I like what WWE has been doing with tag teams lately. This was a solid scrap with all the right spots. Primo/Epico are a little generic for my taste but Rosa Mendes certainly doesn’t hurt and there’s a lot of potential there. It’s just a shame a certain other Colon can’t get his act together and make his way back to the big show.

Randy Orton def. Wade Barrett

I was pleasantly surprised by Barrett in this bout (as well as on Monday’s RAW). The RKO through the table went off perfectly and was a ballsy thing for Barrett to do. He may have more potential than I had been giving him credit for, especially if he takes the rub Orton is giving him and runs with it. He makes a good heel. Play up him being a Brit a little more, as well as him preferring to brawl rather than grappler, and WWE could have a future headliner on their hands.

Beth Phoenix def. Kelly Kelly

I have no problem with Divas going at it when they’re on point but this was a slop-fest from start to finish. I’m pretty sure there was even a moment where Phoenix did a phantom head-to-canvas faceplant or two a la Scott Steiner. The Divas division is kind of a mess right now with a limited number of females being promoted. Alicia Fox is not the answer personality-wise or apparently in the skills department as indicated by the huge shiner she gave Phoenix.

HHH def. Kevin Nash

I was much more entertained by this match than I thought I would be. I expected a slow, plodding brawl without much more but both guys looked sharp. I was shocked by Nash taking a few of the spots he did and, as strange as this feels to say, I’m actually looking forward to him coming back. I just hope they figure out a Triple Threat with HBK involved for Wrestlemania because I can’t see HHH/Nash in any other interesting feuds with only a few months to build up. Why not have Shawn Michaels try to smooth things over with each man now that they’ve “seriously injured” one another only to Superkick some sense into them? I’d certainly tune in for the results.

Sheamus def. Jack Swagger

A “bathroom break” bout if ever there was one on the card. There was no real reason for them to square off and the bout did little to further any storyline or appeal. Sadly, Sheamus is a ship lost at sea.  Now say that 10X fast!

Daniel Bryan def. Big Show def. Mark Henry

Show vs. Henry was as expected other than the ending. I’m also as confused as everyone else is regarding the WWE’s rationale for having Kane go after John Cena instead of Henry. The creative team could have easily slow pitched one over the plate by building towards a “Buried Alive” type affair but instead they’re throwing a curveball. Hopefully they don’t strike out with fans rather than hit one out of the park.

And kudos to Bryan for his victory. Seeing him as champion alongside CM Punk was definitely something special.

Cody Rhodes def. Booker T

I’m not really sure why this feud occurred other than to possibly get Rhodes over as a bad guy by taking cheap shots at a moderately popular veteran. Is he going to become the new “legend killer” only to lead up to a bout against his dad? It would make sense. I’m just not sure I want to see it. He’s great on the microphone and solid in the ring. The storyline is my only concern.

CM Punk def. The Miz/Albert Del Rio

I was shocked to see Punk pull out the win based on how frequently the WWE’s biggest belts get passed around. It was a perfect opportunity to take the title off them and, fortunately, they didn’t. Punk is the best thing going on right now in WWE and I’m glad to see the fans help him achieve the status he deserves.

All in all it was a good show and maybe even a little better than it should have been. A few plots were advanced, a few new ones began, but in the end the WWE produced more positives than otherwise.

PHOTO CREDIT – WWE