The superstars of SmackDown Live will compete in their last PPV of the year this Sunday night at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs 2016. In the main event, WWE World Champion AJ Styles will defend his title against Dean Ambrose in a TLC Match. Randy Orton, who has remained a part of The Wyatt Family longer than most members of the WWE Universe would have guessed, will team up with Bray Wyatt to face Rhyno and Heath Slater for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Representing the blue brand’s women division will be Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella, Carmella and Alexa Bliss, while Baron Corbin faces Kalisto and The Miz faces Dolph Ziggler.
For members of the WWE Universe that are unable to watch the event live on the WWE Network on November 20, the results of the event will be posted on this Inquisitr page in real-time with available video highlights.
![AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose [WWE TLC 2016]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sveIWeuXvwP2BaE9nMA2mgaZj1wM7JRszDJrs3HOcorHVB8KA3x9heWk7NfubY0oS9Y5zc1d8-cg=s0-d)
AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose at TLC 2016 [Image by WWE]
WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs 2016 Preview
Although the TLC Match has been a part of the WWE since 2000, the WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs event wasn’t established until 2009. That will make 2016 the eighth annual WWE TLC PPV. With Monday Night Raw having Hell in a Cell Matches for both their Women’s Championship and United States Championship at WWE HIAC 2016, many expected SmackDown Live to put their Women’s Championship and at least one other title in a TLC Match, although that doesn’t appear to be the case.
The only title bout officially booked as a TLC Match is AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Championship. While Styles has dropped three matches to James Ellsworth since becoming champion, he’s managed to hold on to the belt every time Dean Ambrose came after it. The Royal Rumble marks the beginning of the “Road to WrestleMania,” so whoever wins this match will likely be holding the title as the journey to Orlando begins in 2017.
In a Tables Match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, Becky Lynch — who suffered a mild back injury during the contract signing on SmackDown Live this week — will defend her title against Alexa Bliss. Becky Lynch is the first and only woman to hold this particular title, while Alexa Bliss is still looking for her first title reign in WWE.
After being the only two survivors for Team SmackDown in the final Elimination Match at Survivor Series 2016, Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt defeated American Alpha to become the No. 1 contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. As the only match on the card without a hardcore stipulation attached, don’t be surprised if Commissioner Shane McMahon or General Manager Daniel Bryan changes that before the match begins.
Technically, the only difference between a TLC Match and a Ladder Match is that extra tables and chairs are placed around the ring for a TLC Match. All of those weapons are just as legal in a Ladder Match. Will The Miz continue his so-called “reunion tour” as Intercontinental Champion, or will Dolph Ziggler join The Miz as a six-time IC champ?
While John Cena has been off of WWE programming for a few weeks, his name is still being dropped by Carmella. As her feud with Nikki Bella continues, they face off in a No Disqualification Match at TLC 2016.
And finally, in a match that could give The Lone Wolf an opportunity to show the WWE Universe just how aggressive he can truly be, Baron Corbin faces Kalisto in a Chairs Match. In the same way that a TLC Match is just a Ladder Match with extra chairs and tables, a Chairs Match is just a No Disqualification Match with a bunch of extra chairs around the ring.
RELATED REPORTS BY THE INQUISITR
WWE TLC 2016 Kickoff Show On The WWE Network
The hour-long pre-show is scheduled to be hosted by Renee Young, with a panel featuring Lita, Booker T, and Jerry Lawler. Generally, they are joined by one or two WWE Superstars as they discuss the matches scheduled for Tables, Ladders and Chairs 2016. With no matches currently advertised for the Kickoff Show, it’s still possible that WWE will schedule another match for the opening festivities. The WWE TLC Kickoff Show can be viewed live on the WWE Network, YouTube and Facebook. The TLC Kickoff Show will be available to view on this Inquisitr page as the Kickoff Show begins at 7/6c.
Where To Watch WWE
WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs 2016 will air Sunday, December 4 on the WWE Network. The program will begin at 8/7c. The WWE TLC Kickoff Show will air at 7/6c. For viewers who can’t watch the show live, it will be immediately available to stream on-demand.
Nikki Bella vs. Carmella: No DQ Match at TLC 2016 [Image by WWE]
The fallout from TLC 2016 will begin less than 48 hours later. WWE SmackDown Live airs Tuesday nights on the USA Network at 8/7c, with the SmackDown Pre-Show airing on the WWE Network at 7:30/6:30c. Replays of WWE SmackDown aren’t made available on the WWE Network until several weeks after the original air date. However, a replay of SmackDown Live is available to stream on-demand the following day on Hulu.
[Featured Image by WWE]