By Meg Downey on Dec 13, 2018 06:52 am
The sequel to DC's female fronted mega-hit is on its way.
We're still a ways out from the highly anticipated sequel to Wonder Woman, the aptly titled Wonder Woman 1984 (or, WW84 as it's been abbreviated) but that doesn't mean it's too early to start cataloguing the facts. We may not have a trailer, but we've got some information care of this year's convention circuit and some facts and figures reported by the cast and crew. So, let's start preparing for Diana's return with everything we know about WW84.
1. We know its release date, but it was recently delayed.
Previously slated for a November 2019 release, the movie was pushed back to June 5, 2020.
2. The cast has some surprise returns.
The confirmed cast is pretty star studded and just a little shocking. Here's who we know to expect so far: Gal Gadot is reprising her role as Wonder Woman Chris Pine is, somehow, returning as Steve Trevor Kristen Wiig is Barbara Ann Minerva, aka Cheetah Connie Nielsen will return as Hippolyta Robin Wright will return as Antipoe Pedro Pascal has been cast in a mystery role
Image via @PattyJenks
3. It's set in--surprise--1984.
The name here isn't because the Wonder Woman franchise decided to skip all the way from 1 to 84, obviously. It's denoting the year in which the film takes place--not a big deal for Diana herself, considering her status as an all-but-immortal Amazon who doesn't age, but her human friends probably aren't going to be fairing as well, except for Steve Trevor--which is a whole other situation.
4. That's right, Steve Trevor is back.
We have no idea how or why Steve Trevor, who rather spectacularly sacrificed himself at the end of Wonder Woman, is now alive, without having aged at all, and in the '80s with Dian. But on-set photos of Chris Pine tell us that is very much the case. Also he's rocking a pretty fabulous 80s tracksuit, because why not.
5. Steve's return is "a very important part of the movie"
While Steve's resurrection--if you can call it that--is still shrouded in mystery, Patty Jenkins assured fans at Comic-Con International that he's not back just to be a pretty face. Steve Trevor is playing a critical part of WW84 and Jenkins "can't wait for fans to see" what's going on with him in the film.
6. Cheetah will be making her big screen debut--and may not be the villain yet.
Source: @PattyJenks
While Cheetah is famously one of Wonder Woman's arch nemeses, Kristen Wiig's incarnation of the character may not be making her jump to the dark side just yet. In the comics, she starts as obsessive (but relatively harmless) archaeologist Barbara Ann Minerva who actually works with Diana for a time, meaning there might be another villain in the mix somewhere in the movie to act as a catalyst for Barbara Ann's heel turn. Image via @PattyJenks
7. Diana is acting as a hero, even in the '80s.
The timelines of the DCEU are a little murky, but based on the footage we saw at Comic-Con International in San Diego this year, Diana is not exactly being secretive about her heroic antics back in the 80s. The clip screened for fans in Hall H featured her rescuing a child in spectacular fashion in the middle of a very crowded (and very 80s) shopping mall.
8. Patty Jenkins has returned to direct.
Never fear, Wonder Woman's original director Patty Jenkins has returned to direct this one as well, meaning we can (hopefully) expect to see a similar tone and style showcased here despite the alternate time period.
9. Pedro Pascal might be Maxwell Lord
Based on a still shared on Pascal's instagram, fans are speculating that his mystery role will end up being DC villain Maxwell Lord, who has quite a history with Diana. Most infamously, she murdered him on live television during the events of Infinite Crisis, which sparked a dark turn in Wonder Woman stories for some time. Hopefully, if that particular moment does get adapted for the big screen, it will be treated with care.
By Sam Leichtamer on Dec 13, 2018 04:55 am
Now that we're in the middle of December you should be knee-deep in holiday cheer (and probably wrapping paper.) Though, if you're feeling like a bit of a Grinch, we're here to get you in the spirit of things with a list of 15 holiday movies you can watch on Netflix right now--because who wants to actually go to a movie theater on Christmas anyway? If Christmas movies aren't your thing but you're still looking for some streaming selects, you can check out what's new on Netflix in December and our list of the 30 best Netflix-exclusive movies and shows of 2018.
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot... but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, did not! This live-action re-imagining of Dr. Seuss's classic Christmas story is almost a classic itself. Jim Carrey's portrayal of the Grinch is spot on and his friendship with Cindy Lou Who is enough to make anyone's heart grow three sizes. It's a heartwarming movie to watch with the family, reminding us that Christmas isn't just about material gifts, it's about love and community. Metacritic Score: 46
2. The Princess Switch (2018)
Stacey, a baker from Chicago, enters a baking contest in Belgravia. While she's there she runs into a princess, Lady Margaret, who happens to look just like her. Overwhelmed with being a princess, Lady Margaret convinces Stacy to switch places with her so she can experience a normal life. The plot is absolutely ridiculous, but we wouldn't have it any other way. It's a sticky-sweet romantic comedy both teens and adults who used to like ABC Family original movies will enjoy.
3. A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
This 2015 Netflix Original is a musical comedy featuring an all star cast including George Clooney, Amy Poehler, Chris Rock, and Miley Cyrus to name a few. The story is told by a total of 15 comedians across 17 musical numbers. If you're a fan of Bill Murray or acclaimed director Sofia Coppola, this is especially for you. If you don't like musicals, pass. Metacritic Score: 68
4. Love Actually (2003)
While it received generally mixed reviews at the time, over the years Love Actually has been solidified as a popular and well-liked cult-Christmas classic. The movie follows nine interconnected relationships in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with each individual in a different stage of love. At the time of its release the telling of plural interconnected relationships was kind of a new thing. Its popularity and style would go on to inspire the likes of similar rom-coms such as He's Just Not That Into You and Valentine's Day. Metacritic Score: 55
5. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Hitting 20 million streams the first week it was live, The Christmas Chronicles is easily the most popular Netflix Original holiday movie this year. Starring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus, the story follows a sister and brother whose crazy ploy to catch Santa in the act turns into a journey to save Christmas after they crash his sleigh. Despite being a pretty predictable Christmas movie, Russel's charismatic performance keeps it entertaining and fun. Metacritic Score: 52
6. White Christmas (1954)
Set a decade after WWII, White Christmas tells the story of two army veterans turned musical performers who decide to travel to Vermont alongside two sisters to perform in a Christmas show. It's a classic holiday movie filled with timeless Christmas music, cheesy romance, and one heartwarming Christmas miracle.
7. The Christmas Project (2016)
Set in 1986, four school-aged brothers come together during Christmastime to get payback against the baddest bullies at their middle school. Although this movie tries to serve up some serious A Christmas Story vibes, it ditches the dark adult humor for a more "family-friendly" tone.
8. Dreamworks Holiday Classics (2011)
Dreamworks Holiday Classics is an episodic series featuring four animated shorts from some of Dreamworks biggest titles: Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury from How To Train Your Dragon, Donkey's Caroling Christmas-tacular from Shrek, and Merry Madagascar plus The Madagascar Penguins from--you guessed it--Madagascar. All of them are very enjoyable for children and adults alike and feature some fun-loving familiar faces.
9. Kung Fu Panda Holiday (2010)
For some reason this Dreamworks short isn't listed in the Dreamworks Holiday Classics collection, but it's just as good as the rest! In this 25-minute-long Kung Fu Panda short, Po celebrates his favorite holiday, Winter Feast. Caught between his duties as the Dragon Warrior, Po must make difficult a decision and learn the importance of putting family first. It's a super cute story good for everyone. The voice of Jack Black makes it all that much better.
10. Bad Santa (2003)
Bad Santa is an R-rated dark comedy void of cliche Christmas cheer and chock full of unadulterated adult humor. The story follows two criminals who get away with robbing shopping malls every year by posing as Santa and his elf. It's a comedic redemption story about a depressed alcoholic who, through very strange circumstances, discovers the meaning of Christmas. Albeit a bit dated in its humor, it's a great pick for the scrooges out there. Metacritic Score: 70
11. George Balanchine's The Nutcracker (1993)
Filled to the brim with toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is the 1993 movie version of the Ballet classic. Featuring the famous New York City Ballet, this stage movie follows the original tale of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which tells the story of one girl's magical Christmas fantasy.
12. The Great British Baking Show: Holidays (2016)
It's a holiday reunion on The Great British Baking Show! Some of the past season's favorites return to compete in making some delectable Christmas-themed treats like yule logs and mince pies. Warning: This show will cause major cravings.
13. Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas (1999)
All of your classic Disney friends are here for three lighthearted Christmas stories. Of the three, the best is easily the retelling of the classic tale "The Gift of the Magi". Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse give up a prized possession so they can give each other something special for Christmas. Each of the tales are cheerful, timeless, and have a nice lesson in the meaning of giving.
14. A Christmas Prince (2017)
A Christmas Prince is the retelling of the cliche Cinderella story with a holiday spin. You know, a normal girl accidentally becomes a princess and the prince has no idea who she actually is type of fantasy. Despite its total predictability, the Netflix Original still manages to be a cute holiday film. You probably wouldn't watch it twice, but you'll enjoy it through the first time.
15. Beethoven's Christmas Adventure (2011)
After a runaway Christmas Elf almost ruins Christmas by crashing Santa's sleigh, it's up to everyone's favorite St. Bernard, Beethoven, to save Christmas. It's a fun holiday adventure filled with silly slapstick comedy and one very handsome (now talking) dog.
Bonus Yule-log!
Don't want to watch a movie but still want to get those Christmas-time warm fuzzies? Want to have a fire but lack a fireplace? Behold, Fireplace For Your Home--the perfect television aesthetic to warm up the place (metaphorically) and achieve those cozy vibes you seek.
By Chris E. Hayner on Dec 13, 2018 04:37 am
Now that you've seen "Elseworlds," it's clear that the writers of Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl went out of their way to pack in as many nods to the larger DC universe as humanly possible. The three hours of "Elseworlds" crossovers did more world-building than any other moment in The CW's superhero universe history, opening up an entirely new location--Gotham City--and introducing a number of iconic names. Once the "Elseworlds" tease that aired on an earlier episode of Supergirl, showing the dead bodies of several superheroes from throughout the multiverse scattered on the ground, it was easy to see this particular event was going to be a special one. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint. Did you manage to catch all of the Easter eggs and references, though? We've gone back through all three parts of "Elseworlds" multiple times to dig up these 25 Easter eggs, which are sure to ignite your inner-DC superfan. Whether it's referring to things that previously happened in the Arrow-verse, like Barry screwing up the timeline, or even previous DC-based franchises--we see you, Smallville--there was plenty hidden within the crossover event to catch your eye and ear. How many of these Easter eggs and references did you catch? Sound off in the comments below while we start preparing for the next crossover, "Crisis on Infinite Earths." It may be a year away, but something tells us it's going to attempt to blow "Elseworlds" out of the water.
1. "Oh Barry, what have you done this time?"
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 1 Upon waking up in Barry Allen's life, Oliver immediately assumed The Flash has screwed something up. Given the number of times Barry has messed up the timeline--Anyone else remember Flashpoint?--you can't blame him.
2. Ivo Labs
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 1 The lab that houses AMAZO--we'll get to it--has a place in DC lore. Professor Anthony Ivo is a mad scientist villain in the comics and has appeared in the Arrow-verse. In season 2, he was an antagonist in Oliver's flashbacks.
3. Ray Palmer's nanites
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 1 Legends of Tomorrow may not be involved in this crossover, but that didn't stop Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh) from having a small role. Having him supply nanites to Iris, which she used to knock out Barry, was a nice nod to the most fun piece of the Arrow-verse.
4. The Smallville moment
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 1 It's been over seven years since Smallville ended but for a moment, one glorious moment, it was alive again. Not only did they shoot on the same farm as the old series, but "Elseworlds" practically recreated the opening credits sweeping shot of Smallville, complete with "Save Me" by Remy Zero blaring through the speakers.
5. Krypton shoutouts
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 1 Those who keep up on Supergirl knew that Lois and Clark had taken a sabbatical to Argo City. However, they also mention the Jewel Mountains of Kyrpton, hinting at even more of the House of El's home world.
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 1 It was Season 1 of The Flash when Oliver put Barry's speed to the test by making him outrun an arrow. What the archer didn't tell his speedster buddy, though, was the hidden crossbows armed to take him out. It took several years, but Oliver finally got to know what that felt like for Barry.
7. A.M.A.Z.O.
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 1 This meta power-replicating android has a history in the DC Comics, as well as the Arrow-verse. When Anthony Ivo appeared on Arrow, he has a ship called the Amazo, which eventually wrecked on Lian Yu.
8. "You have failed this city."
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 1 You have to believe saying that line was a thrill for Gustin, filling the role of Green Arrow. Oliver may not chastise his enemies with the line much anymore, but it's classic Green Arrow at its best.
9. Joe Wilson is back
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 We've seen Joe Wilson, son of Slade Wilson, on Arrow before. This time, though, he's wearing his dad's armor and going by the name Kane Wolfman--a name used by Jericho at one point in DC Comics lore.
10. The best WiFi password
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 It's the easiest and best Batman joke you could have expected in "Elseworlds." Of course, the WiFi password for Wayne Tower is "Alfred."
11. That William Shakespeare bust looks familiar
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 Anyone who remembers the Adam West Batman series will also remember he accessed the Batcave via a bust of William Shakespeare--one that looks strikingly familiar to the bust in Kate Kane's office.
12. Batman's greatest foes are locked up
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 Arkham Asylum is typically a who's who of villains, and "Elseworlds" is no different. Spotted on cell doors throughout the asylum are names like Cobblepot, Nigma, Karlo, and Isley--otherwise known as Penguin, Riddler, Clayface, and Poison Ivy. Unfortunately, we don't get to meet any of them.
13. Marc Guggenheim wound up in Arkham
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 One more familiar name appears in a cell door. "Guggenheim" is obviously a nod to Arrow-verse executive producer and comic book writer Marc Guggenheim.
14. Is that Psycho-Pirate?
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 One of the Arkham inmates that gets loose dons a mask quite similar to the one Psycho-Pirate uses in the comics. Given that character's role in the original Crisis on Infinite Earths story--which we'll get to--chances are he's going to become a major piece of the puzzle in the future.
15. Scarecrow's fear gas pops up
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 We don't see Scarecrow in Arkham, but Barry and Oliver do get a nice dose of his fear gas, which leads to hallucinations of Malcolm Merlyn (John Barrowman) and Reverse Flash (Tom Cavanagh).
16. That's Bane's mask
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 The quick shot of Bane's mask in Arkham Asylum sure looks a lot like the one Tom Hardy wore in The Dark Knight Rises. How many different DC universes can The CW pack in?
17. Say hello to Nora Fries
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 We don't see Mr. Freeze, but his wife Nora is incarcerated at Arkham and gets her hand on his freeze gun during the chaos cause by Deegan. As a bonus little Easter egg nod, Nora is played by Stephen Amell's wife Cassandra Jean Amell.
18. Please give us a World's Finest crossover
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 While to many comic book fans, "World's Finest" is the team of Batman and Superman, Batwoman giving herself and Supergirl's potential partnership that nickname is all we want in a future crossover.
19. What kind of ring does John wear on Earth-90?
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 Barry Allen from Earth-90 (John Wesley Shipp) asks Diggle (David Ramsey) where his ring is. This alludes to a popular fan theory that even Ramsey himself has been supportive of that Dig becomes the Green Lantern eventually, becoming the Arrow-verse version of John Stewart.
20. Who are the Trigger Twins?
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 At the end of Part 2, Oliver and Barry's reality is changed to make them the criminal duo the Trigger Twins, the pair are actually criminals from All-Star Western, a comic book released in 1951. They've since appeared a few times in DC Comics lore
21. Superman's black suit
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 2 The black Superman suit has a long comic book history meaning many different things. For purposes of "Elseworlds," this is the version of Superman Deegan becomes after using the Book of Destiny to rewrite reality.
22. Hey look, it's Gary
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 3 The Legends of Tomorrow are off on their own adventure, but at least we have Gary (Adam Tsekhman). In Deegan's rewritten reality, the Time Bureau agent is a bartender that idolizes villains. Never change, Gary.
23. Welcome to the Fortress of Solitude
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 3 The introduction of Superman's Fortress of Solitude in "Elseworlds" is an exciting moment. The design of the fortress is clearly inspired by Superman: The Movie, as is Lois Lane's gown she wears in it at the end of the crossover.
24. A solution right out of Superman: The Movie
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 3 Another nod to Superman: The Movie sees The Flash and Supergirl speeding around the world in opposite directions to slow down time. It makes about as much sense here as it does in the movie, but it's still fun to watch.
25. Crisis on Infinite Earths
Happens in: "Elseworlds" Part 3 The word "crisis" was thrown around throughout the crossover, leading up to this final tease of what's to come in the next crossover. The CW is tackling "Crisis on Infinite Earths," which is one of the most massive events in DC Comics history. Start speculating now as to what that's going to mean for the future of the Arrow-verse.
By GameSpot Staff on Dec 13, 2018 04:30 am
Technology has finally caught up to our wildest fantasies to the point where a watch that's also a phone is a commonplace sight. So, it should come as no surprise that carrying around a computer fully capable of supporting an immersive VR headset experience isn't a nerd fairytale anymore either. VR-ready laptops are here, and we've got the info on the best units on the market. (Presented by Oculus)
Dell G3 15
When it comes to Dell, don't let the price tag fool you. Though it's priced for budget-minded gamers, the G3 15 packs a nice little punch, and thanks to the Asynchronous Spacewarp technology in the Oculus Rift, this little beauty isn't too far removed from its more expensive brethren when it comes to the high frame-rates and performance benchmarks VR gamers need.
Acer Predator Helios
For those gamers looking to pump just a little more dough in, Acer's got you covered. The Predator Helios is rocking a lot of the same internals as some of the higher end laptops—including a quad-core i7-7700HQ processor--but the big difference all comes down to the price tag. It's the best of both worlds, delivering strong performance while leaving enough in your wallet to load up on the best VR titles out there.
Razer Blade 15
Most gamers know what they're paying for when it comes to a Razer laptop, which is a whole lot of horsepower crammed into the most elegant chassis ever forged. The Blade 15 is no exception, going the extra mile with one of the most well crafted, glare-deflecting displays on a laptop, but plug a VR headset in, and the GTX 1070 Max-Q GPU goes to work, delivering a smooth-sailing VR experience.
HP Omen 17t
HP's Omen laptops are the jack-of-all-trades among gaming laptops. Understated, but still stylish, sporting the trademark evil red glow. Lightweight, but heavy enough to stand up to being ported around day after day. Where it doesn't compromise is in the realm of performance, with a plethora of customization options for gamers to balance their gaming needs as they see fit, and with a the GTX 1080 overclocked right out of the box, it's born ready to handle the demands of a VR headset.
Alienware 17 R5
As always, leave it to Alienware to set the gold standard for cutting-edge performance. The R5 is an industrial workhorse of a machine, and while the GPU is definitely more than enough for your gaming needs, let alone VR, it's that lightning fast i9 processor that does the heavy lifting, putting the R5 light-years ahead of the curve.
Falcon Northwest TLX
It's tempting to just break down and call the TLX "an elegant weapon for a more civilized age". Not nearly as ostentatious as many of its peers at the same price point, the TLX, regardless, delivers clear, confident VR gaming that doesn't stutter under pressure, and in a streamlined, super-thin package, color customizable at the factory level.
MSI GT75 Titan
For the gamer looking to ust scare the living daylights out of every other laptop in proximity, the MSI Titan is for you. It's a big, beautiful brute of a chassis, and deep within pounds an unstoppable juggernaut of an overclocked hexacore i9 processor, able to not just run the best of VR, but probably eight other intense tasks in the background without breaking a sweat.
By Mat Elfring on Dec 13, 2018 04:01 am
This Sunday, there will be tables, ladders, and chairs all over the WWE arena, as the next PPV, TLC, comes to the WWE Network. There are some great Smackdown matches on this card and some Raw matches that could have easily been booked better. Don't worry, it seems a couple Raw matches may have to be changed last minute due to illness or wrestlers getting surgery. Smackdown has been fantastic, setting up compelling, fun storylines that all lead to TLC--normally, a throwaway PPV. And Raw has been… Well, it's the worst it's been in a long time. Nothing makes sense on that show aside from Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. This year's TLC PPV is coming to the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, December 16 at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT, with a Kickoff Show beginning one hour prior. You can see the event for yourself on the WWE Network or on PPV through your cable or satellite provider. Here's what is currently planned for TLC: - R-Truth & Carmella vs. Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox (Finals of MMC Season 2)
- Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton (Chairs Match)
- Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Cedric Alexander (Cruiserweight Championship)
- Elias vs. Bobby Lashley (Ladder Match)
- Finn Bálor vs. Drew McIntyre
- Natalya vs. Ruby Riott (Tables Match)
- The Bar (c) vs. The New Day vs. The Usos (SmackDown Tag Team Championships)
- Becky Lynch (c) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka (Triple Threat TLC Match For The Smackdown Women's Championship)
- Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Nia Jax (Raw Women's Championship)
- Braun Strowman vs. Baron Corbin (TLC Match)
- Seth Rollins (c) vs. Dean Ambrose (Intercontinental Championship)
- (The New) Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles (WWE Championship)
Make sure to come back to GameSpot on Sunday, December 16 for live coverage of the event and a review TLC after it's all over.
R-Truth & Carmella vs. Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox (Finals of MMC Season 2)
If you're confused what the Mixed Match Challenge (MMC) is, it's a series on Facebook Watch where a man and woman wrestler team up and fight other teams. This will be the final match of the tournament, and I'm giving the win to R-Truth and Carmella simply because they've been a lot of fun to watch on Smackdown, and for no other reason. The winners of this match will get the number 30 spot in their upcoming Royal Rumble match, and while R-Truth has no chance of winning, it will be a blast to see him come out. On the flip side, Carmella does have a chance, and this could skyrocket her stock in 2019. Prediction: R-Truth and Carmella win
Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton (Chairs Match)
Easily the weakest booked Smackdown match on the card, but still stronger than the vast majority of Raw's matches, Orton and Mysterio are involved in a bit of a rivalry, and they'll spend TLC hitting each other with chairs for the duration of their match. Orton has been on a tear as a heel, so this will be a classic good guy vs. bad guy match, with Mysterio coming out on top. Prediction: Mysterio wins
Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Cedric Alexander (Cruiserweight Championship)
In the rotating door that is the Cruiserweight Championship match, Cedric Alexander gets a rematch for the title. Look, this is going to be a fantastic match, but 205 Live is sadly a dead zone for incredible talent. Hopefully, some of these chaps get moved to the main card--and here's me hoping that means Mustafa Ali will be on Smackdown every week now. Anyway, Murphy is going to win because I'd like to see him keep the belt. Prediction: Murphy wins
Elias vs. Bobby Lashley (Ladder Match)
What in the hell is going on with Raw? Warning: This is going to be a phrase you'll be reading over and over again. The only good thing about Bobby Lashley is Lio Rush. There. I said it. Having Elias take on Rush again in a ladder match makes sense, but that's not what is happening. It's more Bobby Lashley, who I could not care less about. You know which way this is headed because Elias should be bigger than he is. If you're wondering what's at the top of this ladder for the match, it's a guitar. If you get the guitar first, you can use it as a weapon… in a match filled with heavy, metal ladders. I'll wait for everyone to stop facepalming. Prediction: Elias wins
Finn Bálor vs. Drew McIntyre
What in the hell is going on with Raw? Drew McIntyre should 100% be in the Universal Championship hunt or in a TLC match with former partner, now enemy, Dolph Ziggler. That makes the most sense. However, that's not what's happening. He'll be taking on Finn Balor who has been in this weird holding pattern and still hasn't had a rematch for his Universal Championship, which he never lost. Reminder: The Universal Championship is that title that occasionally shows up at big PPVs and is very, very red. McIntyre has to win this, right? That makes sense for where is character is headed; otherwise, he's just going to be forever in the midcard. Prediction: McIntyre wins
Natalya vs. Ruby Riott (Tables Match)
Well, this feels like poor taste to get heat on a heel. So, just what in Sam Hill is going on with Raw? The women's division storylines are just a shame, which makes me even sadder when the talent on the roster is incredible. Riott is using the death of Natalya's father to get to her, so the two can get a match together. The tables match angle to it all really works, but personally, I'm not into how this is playing out because it's really over-the-top. That being said, Natalya gets the win. Prediction: Natalya wins
The Bar (c) vs. The New Day vs. The Usos (SmackDown Tag Team Championships)
Finally, something enjoyable on the card. If you missed out on the December 11 episode of Smackdown then you missed the rap battle of the century, where The Bar remixed Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby," and I spent the evening giggling like an idiot. Listen, all three of these tag teams are phenomenal. They know their role within the division, and a triple threat tag match is perfect. While the tag titles keep getting passed around between the three teams, I'd like to see them back on the Usos again, and I feel they could help elevate the titles a bit more right now, making way for new challengers like Sanity. Prediction: The Usos win
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka (Triple Threat TLC Match For The Smackdown Women's Championship)
This should be the main event, and if it's not, WWE is bonkers. We're getting a rematch between Charlotte and Becky Lynch, which was the match of the year at Evolution, and Asuka is added to the mix, and she very much needs a push to the main event right now. With how on fire "The Man" has been recently, she needs to remain dominant so we don't have a revolving door of champions. Lynch will lose the title, but it won't be here. I am nothing but hyped for this bout, and you should be too. Prediction: Lynch wins… She always wins so long as I'm writing this piece.
Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Nia Jax (Raw Women's Championship)
And here we are, in a Wrestlemania holding pattern. The match makes logical sense, when you forget about the fact that it seems like Nia Jax and Tamina were more headed the route of tag team, but personally, I'd like to see someone else--Ember Moon--get a title shot, even if it's a surefire loss for the challenger. And no matter who she faces, don't expect Rousey to lose any time soon. In fact, she won't get her first loss until 2019's Wrestlemania when she finally faces Becky Lynch, and if that match and outcome don't happen, I give up. Nia, you're needed in what will eventually become the women's tag division right now, at least until the women's title changes hands. Prediction: Rousey wins
Braun Strowman vs. Baron Corbin (TLC Match)
What in the hell is going on with Raw? Personally, I'd rather see Corbin take on Heath Slater, who Corbin has ordered to become a ref. Sure, that's a quick push for a PPV match, but if there's one thing Slater needs--especially after his tag team partner Rhyno retired--it's some sort of push, even if it's just for a spot on the midcard. Anyway, the match at hand. This will be a squash match as Corbin needs to be put in his place and Strowman just had elbow surgery, and probably has to take it easy. Prediction: Strowman wins
Seth Rollins (c) vs. Dean Ambrose (Intercontinental Championship)
Out of the six Raw matches booked for TLC, this is the only one that makes a lick of sense for both characters. What in the hell is going on with Raw? This match makes perfect sense with Rollins being this babyface champ--who recently came out to say what we're all thinking, "Raw sucks"--and Ambrose fully embracing how weird he is, in a very dark way, after betraying Rollins. This is going to be a brutal and excellement match that hopefully doesn't end with a shaky finish. It's time for Ambrose to shine--all while continuing this feud--so I'm giving the win to Ambrose. Prediction: Ambrose wins
(The New) Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles (WWE Championship)
I forgot how great Daniel Bryan works as a heel. He's amazing and his promos have been straight fire the past few weeks. (The New) Daniel Bryan has to grant a rematch to AJ Styles after Bryan turned heel and hit Styles with a low blow. Hey, AJ Styles, will you wear a cup already? Illegal hits aside, this will be a fantastic match, but we are just getting started with Bryan as champion, and he needs to be set up as legitimate and not just a sneaky heel who cheats to win. That being said, Bryan will get a clean win here in a barn-burner of a match. Prediction: Bryan wins.
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