WWE Raw TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2017 Proposition Betting Odds
–‘TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2017’ will feature the WWE ‘Raw’ brand.
–This is the 9th ‘TLC’ event and will be held at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota
–‘No Mercy 2017’ will take place on Sunday, October 22 beginning at 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific on the WWE Network
NOTE: This article and the accompanying odds were posted before the announcement of the TLC card changes due to illness suffered by Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt. The main event will now be Kurt Angle & Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins vs. Kane & Braun Strowman & The Miz & Cesaro & Sheamus in a TLC match. Not sure how you book that one. A lot of different theories on how to approach it but the competitor mix gives the WWE plenty of options.
Finn Balor will now take on AJ Styles and all of a sudden it should almost certainly be the best match on the card. These former ‘Bullet Club’ leaders know each other well but have never had a singles match against one another. Likewise, a number of different ways to book this. Since Styles is ‘coming over from Smackdown’ for ‘one night only’ and facing Finn Balor ‘on short notice’ there’s plenty of reasons to think that he’ll ‘do the job’. He’s already hugely ‘over’ and if Balor is next up to face Brock Lesnar it’s essential that the WWE start booking him to make the casual fans think he’s a legit challenger. Balor aka ‘Prince Devitt’ is excellent in the ring and in ungodly physical shape but he’s just 5’11” and a more or less legit 190. Lesnar is 6’3″ 265 and one of the most physically imposing individuals I’ve seen in my life. Throw in Lesnar’s UFC career and it’s understandable that the ‘casual fan’ would think this is a mismatch. Devitt aka Balor is a pretty tough dude himself with a black belt in submission wrestling but the ‘casual fan’ doesn’t know the backstory. Anyway, putting Balor over on Styles would go a long way to legitimizing him as a serious challenger and given the circumstances wouldn’t hurt AJ’s ‘heat’.
So here’s what I’ve done–I did put a line on the Balor v. Styles match but not on the Shield – Reigns + Angle vs. Kane, Strowman, Miz, Cesaro and Sheamus match. I also revised all of the star rating props to reflect the lineup change
With only one ‘major’ PPV left on the 2017 WWE schedule (Survivor Series) the upcoming TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs event has taken on some feeling of being a complete afterthought. Although I anticipate one title change (more about that in a moment) don’t be surprised if the card is completely bereft of major storylines. My take on this event is that the WWE wants to put a couple of wrestlers over strong but otherwise ‘maintain the status quo’ until the long build toward Wrestlemania begins at ‘Survivor Series’ in Houston on November 19. That isn’t to say that this won’t be an entertaining card, just that its unlikely that any outcomes will represent a seismic shift in direction for the WWE.
There are currently three PPV events total on the WWE slate after TLC–the aforementioned ‘Survivor Series’, ‘NXT TakeOver: War Games’ and ‘Clash of the Champions’. The NXT TakeOver: War Games will take place in Houston the day prior to ‘Survivor Series’ and could be the best WWE card of the year. It’ll deliver the one-two punch of the NXT Superstars (who typically turn in excellent work) and the revival of the old NWA/WCW ‘War Games’ match. The original permutation of the ‘War Games’ match took place in a double ring steel cage and according to the ‘storyline’ was invented by the late Dusty Rhodes in 1987 after watching ‘Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome’. It often involved The Four Horsemen and initially delivered very exciting matches more often than not. In the early days, the match would be repeated ‘around the horn’ at major city house shows but in the early 90’s became a special once a year event. If you want to ‘review the videotape’ you should check out the 1992 War Games match between ‘Sting’s Squadron’ (Barry Windham, Dustin Rhodes, Nikita Koloff, Ricky Steamboat & Sting) vs. ‘The Dangerous Alliance’ (Arn Anderson, Beautiful Bobby, Larry Zbyszko, Rick Rude & Steve Austin) (w/Madusa & Paul E. Dangerously). That’s a ton of talent in there and they delivered–the match received a 5 star rating from Dave Meltzer of ‘The Wrestling Observer’. Not sure what to think of the December 17 ‘Clash of the Champions’ scheduled for 12/17/17 in Boston. Neither apparently does the WWE since it’s currently listed as ‘Brand TBA’.
WHAT I EXPECT TO HAPPEN AT TLC 2017
Here’s what I expect to happen at Sunday’s PPV. Note that I don’t have ‘inside information’–this is just ‘Logical Wrestling Booking 101’ which as you’re no doubt aware isn’t always on display in the WWE.
–In the 5 on 3 handicap match I expect The Shield to prevail. If you’ve watched enough pro wrestling you no doubt realize that the only reason for a handicap match is to put over the wrestler/team at a numerical disadvantage. Back in the territory era, they’d often do handicap matches with a new wrestler coming into the area to put him over as a monster–guys like Andre the Giant, Abdullah the Butcher, Jos LeDuc, Kamala, etc. I even remember seeing Ray Stevens in a handicap match on Georgia Championship Wrestling once. When you think about it there’s never any reason for the team with the advantage to go over in a handicap match. There’s also no reason for the recently reunited Shield to lose here.
–In the RAW Women’s Championship match I expect Mickie James to be given some offense but for Alexa Bliss to go over. For one thing, James recently pinned Alexa in a tag team match. Just don’t see any long term benefit from putting the belt on Mickie James and particularly since it’ll be on Asuka sooner rather than later.
–Look for Asuka to be put over strong against Emma. She’s arguably the best female wrestler in the world and this is her RAW debut. The WWE didn’t give her a 500+ day NXT title reign for nothing. She’s still Kana to me, dammit, but the WWE has done a better job booking her than I expected. Emma will likely get in some offense but there’s only one way to book this one.
–Look for Enzo Amore to regain the WWE Cruiserweight belt. Kalisto is so ridiculously talented it isn’t even funny but putting the belt back on Enzo works better for the longterm storyline.
–Sasha Banks beats Alicia Fox. Banks taps out Fox on the last RAW only to be blindsided later in the show. That’s the wrestling booker way of showing that she’s a ‘legit challenger’ for this match.
–Man, I’m sick of the Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt feud. I like both of these guys–Balor aka Prince Devitt was one of my favorites back during his New Japan ‘heel’ days as the ‘Real Rock n Rolla’. For some reason, this feud hasn’t clicked. Rumor is afoot that the ‘Artist formerly known as Prince Devitt’ will be the next challenger for Brock Lesnar. If there’s any truth to that having him lose to Wyatt here has to be the worst possible way to position him as a credible challenger so expect him to get the win.
–Brian Kendrick/Jack Gallagher vs. Cedric Alexander/Rich Swann could be the best match on the card. My gut instinct tells me that the heels will go over.
WWE RAW TLC: TABLES, LADDERS & CHAIRS 2017 PRO WRESTLING BETTING ODDS
WWE RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Alexa Bliss: -210
Mickie James: +180
5 ON 3 HANDICAP TABLES, LADDERS AND CHAIRS MATCH
The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Kurt Angle (sub for Roman Reigns) and Seth Rollins): No Line
Braun Stroman, Kane, The Miz, Cesaro and Sheamus: No Line
WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kalisto: +150
Enzo Amore: -170
SINGLES MATCH
Asuka: -350
Emma: +300
SINGLES MATCH
Finn Balor: -130
AJ Styles (Sub. for Bray Wyatt): +110
SINGLES MATCH
Alicia Fox: +180
Sasha Banks: -210
TAG TEAM MATCH
Brian Kendrick/Jack Gallagher: -150
Cedric Alexander/Rich Swann: +130
WWE RAW TLC PROPOSITION BETTING ODDS
TOTAL NUMBER OF TITLES TO CHANGE HANDS AT ‘TLC’?
Over 0.5: -170
Under 0.5 +150
Title holders at end of broadcast will be used to grade this bet
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S STAR RATING FOR 4 ON 3 HANDICAP TABLES, LADDERS AND CHAIRS MATCH? (AFTER KURT ANGLE ADDITION)
Over 3 stars: +150
3 stars: -125
Under 3 stars: +150
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S STAR RATING FOR WWE RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH?
Over 3 stars: +125
3 stars: +100
Under 3 stars: +170
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S STAR RATING FOR ALICIA FOX VS. SASHA BANKS MATCH?
Over 3 stars: +135
3 stars: +115
Under 3 stars: +170
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S STAR RATING FOR ASUKA VS. EMMA MATCH?
Over 3 stars: +125
3 stars: +115
Under 3 stars: +130
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S STAR RATING FOR KENDRICK/GALLAGHER VS. ALEXANDER/SWANN TAG TEAM MATCH?
Over 4 stars: +125
4 stars: +110
Under 4 stars: +150
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S STAR RATING FOR WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH?
Over 3.5 stars: +125
3.5 stars: +110
Under 3.5 stars: +175
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S STAR RATING FOR BALOR VS STYLES MATCH?
Over 3.5 stars: -350
3.5 stars: +200
Under 3.5 stars: +600
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S STAR RATING FOR BALOR VS STYLES MATCH?
Over 4 stars: +150
4 stars: -215
Under 4 stars: +450
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S STAR RATING FOR BALOR VS STYLES MATCH?
Over 4.5 stars: +300
4.5 stars: -130
Under 4 stars: +125
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S HIGHEST MATCH STAR RATING AT TLC WILL BE?
4.5 stars over Over: -130
Under 4.5 stars +110
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S LOWEST MATCH STAR RATING AT TLC WILL BE?
Over 2.25 stars: -130
Under 2.25 stars +110
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S HIGHEST MATCH STAR RATING AT TLC WILL BE?
Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles: +100
Kendrick/Gallagher vs. Alexander/Swann: +450
Kalisto vs. Enzo Amore: +450
The Sheild (Kurt Angle version) vs. Stroman/Miz/Kane/Cesaro/Shemus: +600
Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James: 750
Azuka vs. Emma: +950
Alicia Fox vs. Sasha Banks: +1250
Dead heat rules apply. If two or more matches have the highest star rating winning bets will be divided by the number of matches tied. For example, if two matches are tied winning bets will be divided by 1/2. Any additional matches added to the card will be disregarded for purpose of this bet.
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S LOWEST MATCH STAR RATING AT TLC WILL BE?
The Shield (Kurt Angle version) vs. Stroman/Miz/Kane/Cesaro/Shemus: +250
Alicia Fox vs. Sasha Banks: +300
Azuka vs. Emma: +500
Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James: +500
Kalisto vs. Enzo Amore: +750
Kendrick/Gallagher vs. Alexander/Swann: +750
Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles: +1250
Dead heat rules apply. If two or more matches have the highest star rating winning bets will be divided by the number of matches tied. For example, if two matches are tied winning bets will be divided by 1/2. Any additional matches added to the card will be disregarded for purpose of this bet.
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S AVERAGE MATCH STAR RATING FOR TLC WILL BE?
Over 3.25: -210
Under 3.25: +180
Above listed 7 matches only. Any additional matches added to the card will be disregarded for purpose of this bet.
THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER’S TOTAL MATCH STARS FOR TLC WILL BE?
Over 24.5 stars: -150
Under 24.5 stars: +130
Above listed 7 matches only. Any additional matches added to the card will be disregarded for purpose of this bet.
WILL ANY MATCH AT TLC BE RATED A ‘DUD’ OR NEGATIVE STARS BY THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER?
Yes: +600
No: -750
WILL ANY MATCH AT TLC BE RATED 5 STARS OR HIGHER BY THE WRESTLING OBSERVER/DAVE MELTZER?
Yes: +300
No: -350