Roundtable: WWE TLC 2016

1. Will James Ellsworth physically get involved in the AJ Styles-Dean Ambrose match, and if so, how?

John Corrigan: Ellsworth has been incapacitated due to a devastating Styles Clash, and thus will not return to WWE TV until his surprise entry in the Royal Rumble.

Evan Cross: It’s hard to imagine him not showing up at all given how this angle has unfolded. My guess is that he limps in and ends up getting thrown into Ambrose, downing both of them, at the end of the match.

David Gibb: I think Ellsworth stays home selling the incredible Styles Clash he took on Tuesday’s SmackDown, but the announcers will use the attack as a major talking point during the Styles-Ambrose match.

David Levin: I hope he doesn’t. While I understand the Ellsworth angle has some intrigue to some, it is a real disappointment to me. Ellsworth isn’t Rockstar Spud or Barry Horowitz or some other neophyte with something to prove. If WWE was smart, it would build Ellsworth’s case for the cruiserweights or put him in some other angle. There is too much to like about this match without his involvement.

Mark Macyk: Ellsworth’s music hits. He walks out, raising two hands in the air. Everyone knows he has a fighting chance. Styles clenches his hands into two fists. At this time last year, Styles wrestled in Japan. As most know, he smuggled an ancient katana off the island before he left. He pulls out the sword in order to chop off the two hands that have caused him so much pain. Ambrose, a kind man who loves having friends, jumps in front of Ellsworth. Styles’ katana severs Dean’s hands, which have been sacrificed to save his friend. Blood pours everywhere. But Dean Ambrose wrestled in CZW. Blood makes him stronger. He quickly lays out Styles for the 1, 2, 3. He and Ellsworth celebrate with beers. Ambrose’s hands never grow back, but glory lasts forever. Later, WWE releases an Ambrose shirt that says “Any Man with Two Stumps has a Fighting Chance.”

2. Is Alexa Bliss ready to be a champion for the first time in her career?

Corrigan: Yes, Bliss has made quite an impact in her relatively short time on the Smackdown roster. She’s solid in the ring, she’s fire on the mic and she’s absolutely gorgeous in all aspects of life. Smashing Lynch through a table to win her first title (a la Sheamus) is weak, but her reign will be fun to watch.

Cross: Yes. She’s the best promo in the women’s division and she plays off Lynch perfectly. I’d love to see her win.

Gibb: Bliss is definitely not ready for the Women’s Championship yet, but she’s on pace to be at that level by the Royal Rumble. She “gets” being a heel as well as anyone on the roster.

Levin: Not yet, but close. I like Lynch as the ringleader of this division. Gordon Solie used to say the challenger is always better than the champion because of the pursuit. Bliss is great in this role, but her time isn’t quite yet.

Macyk: Yes. Bliss is the only one who notices that Natalya has been stealing all of her lines from ‘90s pop culture. A sense of history is important in all champions.

3. Has the Dolph Ziggler-The Miz feud lasted too long?

Corrigan: Absolutely, I’ve stopped caring since No Mercy, when it peaked. While the ladder match should be good, it’s time for these two to embark on different paths and allow others (Corbin, Crews, Swagger, Kalisto, Harper) into the title picture.

Cross: I don’t think the length is the problem – if Ziggler was coming into this holding the belt I’d be much happier. That said, it’s definitely a bit too lengthy.

Gibb: This has been a major problem for Ziggler over the last year or so. Each of his feuds hits its thrilling climax where he looks like a real star … and then things continue dispassionately for two more months.

Levin: Yes! Both should be in the main event in my opinion. This is the problem with a lack of depth on the roster. WWE has to find a way to give these two solid programs in 2017. Sami Zayn on the blue team would still work, against either opponent.

Macyk: France battled England for 113 years during the 14th and 15th centuries, in what was later rounded down and dubbed “The One Hundred Year War.” In comparison, the Ziggler-Miz feud has not lasted very long at all.

4. Is it bad that hot tag team acts like American Alpha and The Usos are off the card?

Corrigan: No, because I’d rather them be in meaningful matches than thrown into time-fillers. While the Usos have cooled off since their great heel turn, American Alpha definitely received a boost after main eventing with the Wyatt Family and not seeming out of place.

Cross: I would like to see both teams wrestle as they are very good, but I’m glad they’re not just wrestling for the sake of it.

Gibb: American Alpha being left off pay per view cards has been one of the more infuriating parts of SmackDown since the draft. It’s hard to get fans excited about tag team wrestling when you tell them the cream of the crop is Heath Slater and Rhyno taking on Orton and Wyatt.

Levin: Yes, WWE is missing a golden opportunity here. The Usos haven’t received the push they deserve. American Alpha needs a big win to continue to move toward title contention.

Macyk: Yes. It is bad that the hottest tag team, Breezango, is not on the card.

5. Which rookie heel have you enjoyed more: Baron Corbin or Carmella?

Corrigan: Wow, this is tough. When it comes to rookie heels, Bliss eclipses both Corbin and Carmella. I’ll go with the Princess of Staten Island out of pure stimulation.

Cross: Carmella. She has the tougher task, since she has to get over with her mouth, while Corbin can rely on his size and tried-and-true heel tropes. That’s not to diminish Corbin, who’s done a good job, but Carmella is doing just as good a job with a harder role to play.

Gibb: Corbin. Carmella feels like she’s acting like a mean person, while Corbin feels like a mean person. Carmella might make it, but not as a heel.

Levin: Of course, I am going to say Carmella. Honestly, I like what Corbin has done so far and like the “loner” character. I think there is a real chance for him to excel next year in programs with Styles and John Cena if he is booked properly. I would love to see him in a program with Undertaker.

Macyk: Corbin. He likes to beat people up and get paid. Just like me.