WWE hosted the eighth iteration of Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) at the Target Center, home of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tonight marked the main roster PPV debut of the juggernaut known as Asuka. It also marked the unexpected in-ring return of Kurt Angle after a hugely successful run in TNA and years of rumors. An unexpected viral outbreak altered the card but yielded a surprise match up between the Raw and SmackDown brands as Finn Balor faced AJ Styles. The Women’s and Cruiserweight titles were on the line tonight as well. Did AJ & Finn deliver what may have been the main event on paper despite not being billed as so? Did Enzo get his lady (The Cruiserweight Title) back? Did Asuka continue her unprecedented dominance that began in NXT? Did Kurt & most of The Shield prevail? Let’s see…
Kick-off Show Match: Sasha Banks vs. Alicia Fox
The ladies have going after each other hard over recent weeks, with Alicia being more like a wolf than fox, as evidenced by her backstage assault on Sasha. The Boss would come looking for payback against the newly reality challenged Alicia Fox. Alicia dominated the match for roughly half the time thanks in part to her disconnect from all things sane. Sasha did rally back after stopping the momentum of Alicia initially. Alicia came close to rallying back but Sasha countered with a reversal into a backstabber, which was followed up with a Banks Statement for the submission win.
Winner: Sasha Banks
Asuka vs. Emma
The inevitable debut of Asuka finally happened. Perhaps inspired by Alicia Fox, Emma came out fearless and aggressive despite being an overwhelming underdog. She actually held the Empress of Tomorrow at bay for quite awhile and made it a match. Asuka displayed resilience throughout the contest. Asuka eventually asserted herself in the match but Emma wouldn’t be dispatched so easily. After not being able to put Emma away with an ankle lock, Asuka submitted Emma with an Asuka for the win in a surprisingly competitive match.
Winner: Asuka
Cedric Alexander & Rich Swann vs. Jack Gallagher & The Brian Kendrick
This essentially meaningless feud culminated in a typical, high octane match that didn’t elicit much interest from the crowd. The match was full of fast paced moves and reversals but Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann prevailed after the former hit the Man with the Plan with a Gut Check for a pin fall.
Winners: Cedric Alexander & Rich Swann
WWE Raw Women’s Title Match: Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Mickie James
The current guard versus the old guard was the theme leading into this one. Mickie James came in pursuit of her seventh Women’s title. The match was an intense one. Mickie showed a lot of the moxie that won her six titles in the WWE in the past. She had Alexa against the wall for a good portion of the match. Alexa rallied back and just escaped another rally by Mickie by taking advantage of Mickie hesitating after Alexa feigned injury with a DDT to retain the belt.
Winner: Alexa Bliss
WWE Cruiserweight Title Match: Kalisto (c) vs. Enzo Amore
Enzo arrived to ring to cut a promo with a strained voice. After his usual disses, Kalisto arrived to a decent pop and the match began. Enzo put up a decent fight but Kalisto proved too tough for him to handle for the most part. Enzo ultimately won by distracting the ref and cheating to regain the title.
Winner: Enzo Amore
Finn Balor (as The Demon King) vs. AJ Styles
It was One Night Stand meets WWE 2K18 in this match. This match had the main event feel. While the circumstances leading up to the booking of the match couldn’t have possibly been foreseen, This should’ve been the main event. The Bullet Club alums lived up to expectations and then some. Finn wrestled at a measured pace, which was a departure from his usual approach in his demon persona. The match was filled with both men displaying their full arsenal of athleticism and dazzling offense. Finn won this impromptu match after landing a succession of moves to set up the Coup De Grace. After the match, both men saluted each other the Bullet Club sign. Hopefully, this isn’t the last match that these two have.
Winner: Finn Balor
Elias vs. Jason Jordan
This match was the result of Jason harassing Elias throughout the show by throwing vegetables at him during his songs. The match was quick affair before the main event, which Jason won by a crafty roll up despite a good showing by Elias.
Winner: Jason Jordan
Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match: Kurt Angle, Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins vs. The Miz, Braun Strowman, Kane, Cesaro & Sheamus
Kurt Angle made his return after an 11 year absence in the on paper main event and arrived to the ring in Shield gear through the crowd with his teammates. The trio made a calculated attack and focused on Kane and Braun Strowman with chairs. Both of them, especially Braun, received baby harp seal treatment from the barrage of clubbing chair shots. They also eliminated everyone else and seemed to be well on their way to pulling the upset. The approach was sound but the numbers disadvantage caught up to them and they were beaten down. Braun took out Kurt Angle with a running power slam through a table that rendered him incapacitated and removed from the match. Dean and Seth admirably held it down as best they could as they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of opponents. Kane was especially ruthless in this match. Just as it looked as if The Miz and company were going to win, they were undone by splintering within the ranks. Kane accidentally hit Braun and the two fought throughout the match. Things degenerated to the point where Braun turned the team after Kane went rogue. Braun was placed in a garbage truck and taken out of the match. Kurt came back to the ring and lead The Shield to a comeback victory that was punctuated with a triple powerbomb to The Miz. This feud will likely continue heading to Survivor Series.
Winners: Kurt Angle, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins
