WWE TLC 2016 Review: What we learned, takeaways, future projections

Tables Match for the Smackdown Women’s Championship

Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch (c)

What we learned: I think we learned that WWE has a lot of faith in Alexa Bliss.

I honestly didn’t see this title change coming. Even as much as I’ve loved how Alexa Bliss has grown into this character, I certainly didn’t see WWE putting the title on her this soon. The match itself was a little stale to start but things gradually picked up as the match went on with Bliss hitting a nice DDT on a table that had been flipped over. Becky using the table with the Dis-Arm-Her finisher was a nice spot as well. I really dug the finish as it kind of come out nowhere as Bliss powerbombed Becky through a table on the outside to pick up her first of what we can only assume will be many championships.

What’s next: Although this program has lasted a little while, somewhat in part due to Becky being out of action for a time, I expect this feud to continue. I really enjoyed Becky’s promo immediately following the match and I think it only added to making her the elite female on the blue brand. There’s always fun in the chase and I think Becky chasing the title will not only help her but Alexa Bliss as well. Despite her breaking character for a few minutes on Talking Smack (which actually turned out to be a great segment), watching her character now be the arrogant champion will be extremely fun to watch. And at some point we know that these two will have to battle again what with rematch clause and all. And I’m okay with that. I don’t know if they’ll drag it all the way out to the Royal Rumble, which is the next time the Smackdown Live superstars will be on pay-per-view, but I’m looking forward to seeing more from this rivalry.

But if I can step away from this specific feud for a moment, and since I brought up the Royal Rumble, isn’t it about time that WWE implemented a women’s Rumble? The talent is there and it could easily be fit into the show in late January, don’t you think? The ladies are main-eventing the TV programs and pay-per-views now. They’re getting specialty matches that don’t involve them taking off their clothes. Why not keep the momentum going? I think it would do very well and needs to happen.