WWE TLC 2018: Star Ratings For All 12 Matches
6. Finn Bálor Vs. Drew McIntyre
Elements of this soared as high as Finn Bálor did under the propulsive force of Drew McIntyre's awesome power game. When his strength was emphasised, the dynamic resonated. The broad story, and the counterproductive finish, rendered this another disappointing symptom of the cautiousness that has come to define RAW's aimless and meaningless midcard.
To be reductive about it, Drew essentially grabbed Bálor by the mouth, over and over again, and grunted trash talk in his face. This was deeply basic and repetitive psychology that detracted from the physicality this match did have going for it. The layout was a disservice to both men, just as the finish was. As is often the case with Bálor's matches in 2018, he spent so long selling that, by the time he mounted his comeback, the crowd didn't respond with much enthusiasm. WWE got it backwards; the action went 75/25, when it should have went 50/50. But we know what goes 50/50 in the end.
A 50/50 result involving three (!) players was the sort of impressive feat only WWE could manage; Bálor didn't really win here, and McIntyre shouldn't have lost. This advanced nothing and flattered nobody.
Really, Bálor, McIntyre and the interfering Dolph Ziggler went 33.3333333333/33.3333333333/33.3333333333.
The match itself barely reached that.
Star Rating: **3/4