WWE TLC 2016: 10 Awesome Moments
8. Luke Harper As The Man In The Middle
Randy Orton’s decision to join the Wyatt Family drew widespread confusion from the WWE faithful, but it has worked on every level. It has put an end to his turgid feud with Wyatt, legitimised the SmackDown tag division, and created some interesting layers of tension within the Family. Bray has been blindly accepting of Orton’s apparent dedication, but Luke Harper? Not so much.
Last night saw WWE continue to play on Harper’s suspicion towards The Viper, but the big man proved that he hasn’t forgotten his allegiances. Harper took a bullet for Orton by taking a Gore on his behalf, thus letting Randy down Rhyno with an RKO and claim the Tag Team Championships.
Randy is a SmackDown Tag Team Champion because of Luke Harper, and Harper made sure he knew it. Luke both belts and engaged in a brief post-match stand-off with The Viper before eventually handing them over, and while Harper helped him to victory, it’ll be a while before he’s fully accepting of his new brother.
The match itself ran a little short, but the finish and aftermath were note perfect. WWE have created a clear role for each man within the Wyatt Family, and while the long-term outcome is likely Orton turning on Bray, this story continues to impress.