8 Big Concerns Heading Into WWE TLC 2017
1. Booked Into A Corner
The five-on-three isn't just problematic in terms of the narrative, but the way WWE have booked themselves into a corner.
This is The Shield's first match back. They have to win, but there's no ideal way for them to do so. The idea of them besting the Tag Team and Intercontinental Champions and two near-7ft monsters is completely unrealistic, but they'll do it anyway. That's how handicap matches work in this company, and it's extremely unlikely that WWE will go in the opposite direction.
Never underestimate WWE's propensity to do the unthinkable, though. The idea of The Shield losing sounds ridiculous, but it isn't out of the question. If WWE do this, they'll have rendered the entire reunion pointless. Their hype would be dead, and while all three are popular enough to be rehabilitated, they'd take an immediate hit in the aftermath.
There's no ideal outcome for this match. The team of five will look like dummies if they squander their two-man advantage, and The Shield can't afford to lose either. WWE have, unfortunately, made a complete hash of it, and while the crowd will still be into it, the booking is full of holes.