Dean Ambrose’s TLC Matches: Ranked From Worst To Best

This bout between AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose felt like golden-age TLC - a grisly throwback to the insane stunt-fests that originally made the match type so popular. It’s also quite refreshing these days whenever we get a proper TLC match; that is, with the title hanging above the ring, making the stipulation actually relevant. A TLC match where the winner is decided by pinfall never feels quite right.

Not just the best match on the night, but one of the best matches in the history of TLC. Both men left everything in the ring, including a large piece of Styles’ tights that were ripped in the carnage. The most memorable moment of the contest saw Styles landing a 450 splash from the top rope through Ambrose and a table on the outside. A true heart in mouth moment, which are so often missing from modern TLC matches.

Unfortunately, WWE continued its trend of tainting Ambrose’s fights with cheesy endings. This time James Ellsworth interfered and turned heel when he toppled Ambrose off the ladder allowing Styles to pick up the victory. Thankfully, the match was so good that it was just about forgivable.