TLC promises to be a disappointing night for both Roman Reigns, right, and Dean Ambrose, left, as they lose their respective title matches, for expect Reigns to regain the WWE World Heavyweight title at the Royal Rumble next month. JP Yim / Getty Images / AFP
TLC promises to be a disappointing night for both Roman Reigns, right, and Dean Ambrose, left, as they lose their respective title matches, for expect Reigns to regain the WWE World Heavyweight title Show more



The WWE’s final big event of 2015, TLC, takes place on Sunday. Here is a look at the matches announced so far and our predictions on who will end up victorious.

Sheamus to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a TLC match against Roman Reigns

Two things are certain here in my mind. Sheamus is retaining and it will not be in a clean fashion. In many ways the interesting thing is not the result, but how it comes about.

Sheamus should have back up from his League of Nations colleagues, King Barrett, Alberto Del Rio and Rusev, but, if it is Triple H who costs Reigns the match, then that sets up a clearer sign that we are heading towards a Reigns v Triple H WrestleMania 32 match.

I personally do not think WWE will go that way. Their best main event match right now for Mania in my view is Reigns v Brock Lesnar II, a rematch of this year’s main event in San Jose.

I believe Reigns will get a rematch against Sheamus next month and win the title there, with Lesnar winning the Royal Rumble to set up their clash in Texas in April.

Title glory is in Reigns's future, it just will not be on Sunday, as Sheamus's run with the title, which was predicted here last month, will go on for at least another six weeks.

Kevin Owens to retain the Intercontinental title against Dean Ambrose

This should be a strong match and is a rematch from Survivor Series, where Ambrose won in what was the semi-final of the World title tournament.

Owens’s title is on the line this time, and I see him getting his win back.

The WWE has big plans for Owens and cutting short his Intercontinental reign would be unwise.

Ambrose can cope with a loss, he has lost before and he will lose again, and will remain popular despite this.

It is a credit to just how good Ambrose is as a performer, both in and out of the ring, that the fans remain invested him, despite how often he comes up short in big matches.

Hopefully better things come for him in 2016 as he deserves better.

Alberto Del Rio to retain the United States title against Jack Swagger in a chairs match

Now Del Rio has been booked poorly since his shock return to the WWE in October when he stunned John Cena.

That win should have built him as a serious player, but instead he has been messed around in the daft MexAmerica gimmick with Zeb Colter.

Hints of dissension between Del Rio and Colter were shown on Raw, but I think this is a swerve, at least for now, and I see Del Rio retaining his title, ahead of a likely rematch with Cena in January, with help from Colter, as Swagger tastes defeat again.

New Day to retain the WWE tag team titles in a triple threat ladder match with the Usos and the Lucha Dragons

This could be match of the night for the entertainment, and if they are given at least 15 minutes this could tell a great story.

I think the numbers game should favour New Day here and they will sneak the victory.

Both opponents could be creditable winners, but, especially in the case of the Lucha Dragons, a better story needs to be told about their journey to the top to get the fans to care.

The Wyatts to defeat the ECW Originals in an elimination tables match

The Wyatts must win this. They have to win this. Bray Wyatt continues to entertain, but after more than two years on the roster he and his brothers remain largely aimless and an empty threat.

It was understandable they lost to the Undertaker and Kane at Survivor Series, but the one-sided manner of the loss hurt them badly, especially after Wyatt had lost his feud with Roman Reigns in October.

The Dudleys, Tommy Dreamer and Rhyno are ideal opponents here, as they are here purely to have a hard-fought match and be put through some tables.

Expect a dominant display from the Wyatts with Bray and Braun Strowman standing tall.

Charlotte to retain the Divas title against Paige

Now this feud has been a mess and a big disappointment, but the ends could justify the means.

Having Charlotte partnered with her father Ric Flair, and not being afraid to use nefarious tactics to get what she wants, could be a fun new direction for her and the division.

There is more upside to Charlotte as champion so expect her to retain with feuds with Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks on the horizon.

WWE’s TLC event will be televised on the WWE Network, which is available through OSN, on Monday morning in the UAE from 3am.

gcaygill@thenational.ae

Company Profile:

Name: The Protein Bakeshop

Date of start: 2013

Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani

Based: Dubai

Size, number of employees: 12

Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champioons League semi-final:

First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2

Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)

Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

SPECS

Engine: 6-cylinder 3-litre, with petrol and diesel variants
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 286hp (petrol), 249hp (diesel)
Torque: 450Nm (petrol), 550Nm (diesel)
Price: Starting at $69,800
On sale: Now

PROFILE OF HALAN

Started: November 2017

Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport and logistics

Size: 150+ employees

Investment: approximately $8 million

Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar

Getting there

The flights

Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.

The stay

Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net 

Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama

Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com

ROUTE TO TITLE

Round 1: Beat Leolia Jeanjean 6-1, 6-2
Round 2: Beat Naomi Osaka 7-6, 1-6, 7-5
Round 3: Beat Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 6-2
Round 4: Beat Anastasia Potapova 6-0, 6-0
Quarter-final: Beat Marketa Vondrousova 6-0, 6-2
Semi-final: Beat Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-4
Final: Beat Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2

Warlight,
Michael Ondaatje, Knopf 

Herc's Adventures

Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5

Pakistanis at the ILT20

The new UAE league has been boosted this season by the arrival of five Pakistanis, who were not released to play last year.

Shaheen Afridi (Desert Vipers)
Set for at least four matches, having arrived from New Zealand where he captained Pakistan in a series loss.

Shadab Khan (Desert Vipers)
The leg-spin bowling allrounder missed the tour of New Zealand after injuring an ankle when stepping on a ball.

Azam Khan (Desert Vipers)
Powerhouse wicketkeeper played three games for Pakistan on tour in New Zealand. He was the first Pakistani recruited to the ILT20.

Mohammed Amir (Desert Vipers)
Has made himself unavailable for national duty, meaning he will be available for the entire ILT20 campaign.

Imad Wasim (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders)
The left-handed allrounder, 35, retired from international cricket in November and was subsequently recruited by the Knight Riders.

Small Things Like These

Director: Tim Mielants
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson, Eileen Walsh
Rating: 4/5

Kill

Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat

Starring: Lakshya, Tanya Maniktala, Ashish Vidyarthi, Harsh Chhaya, Raghav Juyal

Rating: 4.5/5


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