WWE December pay-per-views (PPVs) have a storied yet inconsistent history, often fluctuating between great and lackluster events. This article explores the evolution of WWE’s December PPVs, highlighting key events and discussing what has happened to them over the years.
The Evolution of WWE December PPVs
No Holds Barred
WWE’s first December PPV, No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie, took place in 1989. This unique event was essentially a one-match show that combined wrestling with movie promotion, setting an unusual precedent for future December events. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that December began to feature more traditional wrestling PPVs.
Armageddon
The introduction of Armageddon in 1999 marked a significant shift. This event became known for its chaotic matches, including the infamous six-man Hell in a Cell match in 2000 featuring stars like The Rock and Triple H.
Armageddon set a high standard for future December shows, with its major main events and memorable moments.
Tables, Ladders and Chairs (TLC)
In 2009, WWE introduced the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) event, which further solidified December as a month for high-stakes matches. TLC matches became a staple of WWE’s December offerings, showcasing some of the most daring and memorable moments in recent WWE history.
Notable December PPVs
Several December PPVs stand out due to their impact and quality. Here are some of the most notable:
- TLC 2011: This event is often regarded as one of the best December PPVs. It featured a triple threat match for the WWE Championship between CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio, and The Miz. Punk’s victory signified a turning point in WWE’s creative direction and it would lead to his 434 reign as Champion.
- Armageddon 2000: Known for its iconic Hell in a Cell match, this event featured six of WWE’s top stars battling it out. The match is still remembered for its brutality and the storytelling involved, making it a fan favorite.
Despite these highlights, many December events have struggled with consistency. For instance, December to Dismember in 2006 is often cited as one of the worst PPVs ever due to poor booking, awful in-ring action and a lack of actual ECW names.
What Happened to WWE December PPVs?
In recent years, WWE has shifted its focus regarding December events. The traditional December PPV has been replaced by special episodes or premium live events that often do not carry the same weight as earlier shows.
For example, while TLC was once a staple event in December, it has not been consistently featured on the yearly calendar since 2020.The decline of standalone December PPVs can probably be attributed to several factors:
Even Bigger Focus on WrestleMania Build-Up
December events have often been seen as mere placeholders leading into the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season. This shift has led to less emphasis on creating compelling stories for December shows.
Increased Frequency of Events
With WWE expanding its schedule to include more premium live events throughout the year, there is less need for significant standalone shows in December. Events like Day 1 or New Year’s Evil have taken precedence over traditional December offerings.
