The last WWE pay-per-view of the 2014 calendar year took place last night as WWE presented Tables, Ladders & Chairs (and Stairs too!) live on the WWE Network.
While the opening match was an instant classic, the other main bouts included too much interference, or too many gimmicks. The main event was absolutely killed with just a terrible decision on the finish as WWE basically decided to not try for most of this PPV.
The show was a mixed bag with highlights, lowlights and a little of the in-between, so let’s take a look at what went down. And if you’re as disappointed as I am, cheer yourself up by checking out the NXT: R:Evolution special on the WWE Network. It was probably the best two hours of wrestling WWE has produced in three years.
Ziggler Wins an Instant Classic
The opening match of TLC also turned out to be the best match of the night as Dolph Ziggler and Luke Harper battled in a Ladder Match for the Intercontinental title. As expected, WWE Universe People Champ Ziggler and Indie Darling Harper put on an absolute show that most people in the wrestling community are calling an instant classic.
With his hometown crowd firmly behind him, Ziggler took tried to take it to Harper immediately, but the big man kept Dolph down early and often, absolutely dominating the majority of the match by physically decimating Ziggler.
As the match began to break into all out chaos, Ziggler tried to make a comeback. Dolph dropped the champ inside the ring and headed to the outside to grab a ladder. Big mistake. Harper responded with an insane suicide dive through the ropes, ladder and Ziggler! (WARNING: Harper’s arm gets caught and it looks pretty bad, so skip the GIF if you’re easily squeamish.)
The big man probably got the worst of that whole thing, it legitimately looked like he might have broken his arm. But seriously, HOW DOES SOMEONE THAT BIG DO THAT?!
Back in the ring, Harper is in control with some terrible things no his mind. The big man sets up a ladder in the corner and in the center of the ring and looks to powerbomb Ziggler through one of them. Dolph tries to fight back, but eventually, Harper is just too strong for him to overcome and well…
Ouch. These guys absolutely destroyed each other and it was clearly visible with all of the cuts, blood and welts you could plainly see on their bodies.
Harper would then set up a ladder in the center of the ring to climb, but Ziggler fought back again. The champ then decided it would be a good idea to put a ladder over his head and spin like a helicopter to try and take Ziggler out. Luckily for us, Dolph had an answer.
After a few failed attempts at climbing by both competitors, and some seriously incredible bumps. A busted open Ziggler attempts to climb again for the win but unfortunately for him, Harper has the wherewithal to knock the ladder over and well, Dolph takes a pretty bad bump.
Now both men are climbing up two separate ladders, and as Harper tries to pull Dolph down, Ziggler delivers a vicious superkick, knocking Harper off the ladder and leaving the Show Off all alone to climb the ladder and take back the title that is rightfully his. Your winner and NEW Intercontinental Champion…
If Survivor Series was Ziggler’s breakthrough, this was his arrival. Fitting that in Cleveland, we were all witnesses. #PUSHZIGGLER!
FLIP THE PAGES TO SEE WHETHER AMBROSE OR WYATT SURVIVED A TLC MATCH…..