The Silver Report: December 2018

Let's begin this edition of the Silver Report by winding the clock back a year. I'd been at my current job as a copy editor for a year at the time and I felt that my writing was getting out of practice. While I had chances to write on the job, they were few and far between since writing wasn't one of my main responsibilities and because I'm a rather slow writer. So, I thought to start writing on here as a way to keep myself in practice and voice my opinions on a sport that I love, no matter how big or small my audience is.

At the time, I thought it'd be great to keep this up for at least a year just to see if I could do it. Now, here we are at the last Silver Report of 2018. Time flies when you're overthinking professional wrestling storylines and politics.

In all seriousness, writing on here has been very therapeutic as it's given me a chance to write down my feelings and show a vulnerable side of myself through the lens of wrestling. As such, I'd like to thank everybody who has been along this journey with me from liking my social media posts to reading these articles all the way through. I'm just glad this blog exists and it might help somebody somewhere broaden their views on pro wrestling or reignite their passion for this sport.

Considering how everything is wrapping up for the new year, December isn't the most newsworthy or exciting month of the year. While there was still good wrestling happening, just not as much as previous months.

A New Leaf for the American Dragon

With one swift kick to AJ Style's groin, Daniel Bryan's fortune changed for the better.

Before this moment, Bryan was the plucky babyface that fought for his dreams. Unfortunately, those dreams led to lackluster feuds with Big Cass and the Miz and slowly dulling cheers. In summation, WWE dropped the ball with Bryan's return to wrestling. Well until this heel turn.

With a kick to the groin and a running knee, Daniel Bryan captured his fourth WWE Championship while simultaneously throwing away the love and affection of the fans. Exclamations of "Yes!" were replaced by disapproving shouts of "Fickle". Inspiring speeches about fighting for one's dreams were replaced by self-righteous sermons on protecting the environment. You might say it was a "new" Daniel Bryan.

To be honest, my emotions were all over the place when Bryan captured the WWE Championship using nefarious means. I was happy that he finally won the WWE Title while healthy. I was stunned and confused that he would use heel tactics to win. Ultimately, I was worried that this heel turn was ill-conceived; just done as a moment to spike ratings rather than a fully realized development in Bryan's character.

How wrong I was.

From the cutting promos to more vicious demeanor, the ensuing weeks showed just how great this "new" Daniel Bryan is. Much like CM Punk's heel run as the straight-edge saviour, Bryan's eco-preacher persona took an aspect of his life — in this case, his vegan eating habits and belief in environmentalism — and turned it up to eleven. As such, these crazed antics have effectively turned Bryan into one of the best heels in the company, only behind Tomasso Ciampa.

Considering this heel turn is only a month and a half old, the best is yet to for the "new" Daniel Bryan and his hopefully lengthy WWE Championship reign.

Source: Figure Four Online

Must-See Matches of December

12/4/2018
Smackdown
Cesaro vs. Jey Uso vs. Xavier Woods

12/12/2018

NXT

Ricochet vs. Tyler Breeze

12/15/2018

Road to the Tokyo Dome Night 2

Golden Lovers vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Will Ospreay

12/16/2018

TLC

AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan

Asuka vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair - TLC Match

12/19/2018
NXT
Aleister Black vs. Johnny Gargano - Steel Cage Match

Tables, Ladders and Chairs… Oh My: Quick Preview of WWE TLC 2011

After all the ups and downs, the good and the bad, we have finally come to the end of the year.  This writer hoped for a dawn of a new age in wrestling this year, but the transition is happening a little slower than expected.  At the end of the day, a lot of strides have been taken to improve WWE’s product especially the pushing of young talent such as Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes, Zack Ryder and Dolph Ziggler to name a few.  With the strides forward, WWE has taken some steps back with certain storylines and decisions that have come about in the last few months of the year.  It is time to put that all aside as we enjoy one last PPV from the WWE before we head into the New Year.

After what was said to be a fun Survivor Series event, this writer is looking forward to TLC.  Not for the fact that WWE has done little to hype this PPV, but the fact a few superstars like Wade Barrett, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes have used their TV time to put together some interesting feuds.  The fact that Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder have used Ryder’s Youtube show, Z! True Long Island Story to build their feud over the last three months is just genius.  Personally I just want to watch this PPV to see Ryder finally claim the U.S. Championship and see everyone in Baltimore and on Twitter explode with joy.  On paper, TLC looks very good considering that WWE gives a lot of time to the matches tonight rather than on pointless promos and last minute additions.

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett in a Tables Match

Prediction:  Wade Barrett wins

Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Zack Ryder for the U.S. Championship

Prediction:  Zack Ryder wins the U.S. Championship

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Booker T for the Intercontinental Championship

Prediction:  Cody Rhodes retains

Triple H vs. Kevin Nash in a Sledgehammer Ladder Match

Prediction:  Triple H wins

Mark Henry (c) vs. Big Show in a Chairs Match for the World Heavyweight Championship

Prediction:  Mark Henry retains

CM Punk (c) vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Triple Threat TLC Match for the WWE Championship

Prediction:  CM Punk retains

As the last PPV of the year, there is a lot riding on TLC.  Now matter if it is good or bad, TLC will definitely set the tone for the WWE as it heads into 2012.  For WWE, it would be good for them to end 2011 on a high note rather than a whimper.