In perhaps the coldest night in Baltimore this December, the WWE Universe turned out and was well ready for another history making night. The amount of "Broski" headbands, and Best in the "World" T-Shirts proved that if one day John Cena was to become a heel, then merchandise sales would not be an issue. Prior to the pay-per-view, fans had only expected six matches. But on a night where, every championship was defended and two historic title changes, WWE TLC proved that wrestling is in a great state heading into to 2012.
Alex Riley def. Drew McIntyre in a dark match.
These are two superstars who have been on the mid card level and have the potential to be future stars in the WWE. Unfortunately, there is nothing for these guys on television, but I do not think these guys are written off. In a match good enough to warm up the audience, McIntyre scored the victory.
Zack Ryder def. Dolph Ziggler to become new WWE United States Champion
With the Broski and Woo Woo Woo chants filling the First Mariner Arena, Ryder entered the arena and received on the biggest "pops" in his career. Working with one of the best wrestlers on the card, Ryder proved that he could indeed hold his own inside the squared circle. In the end, it was a Ruff Ryder, a count 1-2-3 and Zack Ryder accomplished his dream of winning the United States Championship! Immediately after the match, Ryder was celebrating with his dad. How ironic, the last time Ryder was in Baltimore, he was in a dark match, defeating Drew McIntyre.
Air Boom def. Primo and Epico to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship
After Borne being suspended for 30 days, Air-Boom finally had the chance to defend their tag titles. In what many say is a failing tag team division, this match did not seem bad. Rather than have two teams put together, it was two men who had great chemistry which made this a match worth watching. In the end, it was Air Boom retaining their titles.
Beth Phoenix def Kelly Kelly to retain the WWE Womens Championship
These two have been battling for the title since Money in the Bank. The match may been used to allow the crowd a short intermission, but having a different finish, Beth Phoenix delivering a simulated alley-oop to Kelly Kelly made it unique especially after the GlamSlam was reversed.
Randy Orton def Wade Barrett in a Tables Match
Orton has been seeking vengeance on Barrett since Team Barrett defeated him at the Survivor Series. These two went all over the arena just trying to beat the living hell out of each other. Orton, who has had yet another great year in his career ended this one on a high note as he was able to catch Barrett with an RKO off the top rope through a table to score the victory.
Triple H def Kevin Nash in a Ladder Match
The last time Triple H was in Baltimore, he was defeated by Sheamus and would never be seen in the ring until WrestleMania. On this night, he would be seeking revenge on his former best friend who also put him on the shelf. For these two veterans who, one being well out of their prime, the match seemed well enough to keep the crowd into it. There were many times the two tried to put the other through a table, but when both men would attempt to climb and get the sledgehammer, it was The Game knocking Nash off and sending him crashing through a table. Once Triple H retrieved the sledgehammer, he went on to beat Nash into oblivion. In the end it was Triple H gaining the victory and leaving Nash battered and beaten.
Sheamus def. Jack Swagger
This match was made in the middle of the night and it was good enough to warm everyone up before the World Heavyweight Championship. These two former World Champions put on a great match, even though there was no story behind it. Sheamus has been well over with the crowd for a while. And this night was no different. Sheamus has been on a roll and it continued as he defeat Swagger.
Big Show def Mark Henry for the World Heavyweight Championship in a Chairs Match
Before the match, Big Show reminded everyone that it had been nine years since he was a World Champion. He said that on this night, Henrys time of running away was over. In their third consecutive match, these two have given the WWE Universe something different every night. But in Baltimore, Big Show delivered a knock out punch to Mark Henry that could be heard in Washington D.C. and before anyone realized it, Big Show was the New World Heavyweight Champion. While Show was celebrating, Mark Henry got back to his feet and beat him with a chair.
Daniel Bryan def. Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship after Cashing in Money in the Bank Briefcase
A few weeks ago on Smackdown, Big Show knocked out Mark Henry and told Bryan to come in and cash in his Money in the Bank. After the decision was reversed, Henry was re-awarded his championship. On this night, Bryan seized the opportunity. While the Big Show was unconscious, Bryan stormed down to the ring, handed the referee his briefcase and pinned the Big Show. As Bryan was awarded the World Heavyweight Championship, the crowd was left in shock. Finally Daniel Bryan is on top. Bryan ran all over the crowd celebrating and Big Show was left in the ring was a look of disbelief.
Cody Rhodes def. Booker T to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship
When this match was originally supposed to occur, Rhodes attacked Booker T as he was making his entrance. Prior to that he attacked him backstage during an interview. Booker T said that this is personal and he had to take care of Rhodes, and that this was not about the Intercontinental title. Booker T battered and beaten gave everything he had in this match, but it was Cody Rhodes who executed two kicks to the skull from the ropes to gain the victory. For Rhodes, this victory was huge. A win over a legend helps him to continuously elevate himself into the main event picture.
CM Punk def. Alberto Del Rio and The Miz in a TLC Match to retain the WWE Championship
The last time Punk was in Baltimore in June, he was demanding the anonymous general manager to give him a WWE Championship match. He was booed profusely. On this night, Punk walked into the First Mariner Arena and received the loudest pop of the night next to Zack Ryder and Daniel Bryan. Alberto Del Rio and The Miz used many opportunities to double team Punk. But as soon as he received an opportunity, Del Rio delivered a couple of cross arm bars to the Miz and Punk, one through a ladder, the other on a broken table. Ricardo Rodriguez played his part well as a manager, often notifying Del Rio when he had a clear opportunity for him to grab the title. But Rodriguez would get involved one time too many, and he was sent flying off the ladder through two tables. Punk overcame many obstacles throughout this match. First, he was handcuffed to the ladder, but he escaped and last, The Miz handcuffed him to the middle turnbuckle. As Del Rio and Miz seemed to have Punk out of this match, Punk untied himself, by breaking the ropes apart. After freeing himself, Punk knocked both men off the ladder and climbed up the ladder and retained his WWE Championship.
