Alrighty, it’s been a while since I did one of these, and given that the WWE is currently in flux seemed like the perfect time to jump in and try to predict what seems unpredictable lately.
What’s been the weirdest part of the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view is they’ve only promoted four matches, and that leaves a lot up in the air as to what to expect outside of the four promoted matches, so we’ll leave that and focus on the known quantities.
The problem with a couple of these matches has to do with what Fox wants. Also, and this is pretty much a lock, whoever holds a championship after Raw will stay with that championship’s brand come draft time barring a “trade.”
With that said, let’s get started.
Universal Championship in Hell in a Cell: Seth Rollins (c) versus “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.
This is the toughest as Rollins has been pushed so hard to be the Universal champion and face of the company that for him to lose would seem almost unthinkable despite what most fans want. Rumor has it that Fox wants the Fiend on Smackdown. Given he’s currently the WWE’s most popular superstar, it makes sense.
On the flip side, having the Fiend lose after Wyatt’s meteoric rise over the last few months would destroy everything Wyatt’s accomplished. The argument that it’s too soon for the Fiend to win is wrong as Bray Wyatt has been around and deserves to win the championship. WWE has shortchanged him previously, so this would be a way to make amends. Plus, a character like the Fiend carrying the title into Raw’s future would be pretty awesome.
With the arguments a draw, let’s look at the possible deciding factor: Becky Lynch.
It’s also rumored Fox wants Becky Lynch on Smackdown, and if it’ll keep them happy, McMahon will probably send his second most popular superstar there. That could also mean Rollins would go to Smackdown as well, as the WWE has put couples on the same brand as a favor, so in that case, the winner is…
“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.
Raw Women’s Championship in Hell in a Cell: Becky Lynch (c) versus Sasha Banks
Becky Lynch has been an awesome champion and has become one of the most popular stars in the WWE and she has a tremendous career ahead of her.
With that in mind, and as mentioned above, if McMahon decides to ship Lynch to Smackdown in a package deal with Rollins to keep Bray Wyatt on Raw, Sasha Banks will win the title.
Another reason is that it’s difficult to see Banks losing two consecutive Hell in a Cell matches. That just feel wrong on every level, so Banks winning the championship makes sense in that regard.
The winner is…
Sasha Banks
Smackdown Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) versus Charlotte Flair
This is another match that will be decided by Fox’s desires and how much McMahon gives them. If Lynch drops her title, she’ll move to Smackdown and leave a huge gap in the babyface area.
While there are plenty of women waiting to step up, it’s doubtful he’d keep both supreme talents at the top of one brand instead of balancing it out by moving Flair to Raw.
In short, Bayley should win.
Although, there is a chance that Flair wins, which if it happens earlier in the night, will spoil Lynch retaining her championship (Banks and Lynch will spoil this match in turn, depending in what order they will run the card) and none of this happens and the Fiend will lose and probably go to Smackdown.
McMahon wants a good relationship with Fox, and Fox has been pushing Smackdown on their networks during shows and sporting events, so having Bayley win makes more sense than not.
To borrow a sporting phrase, “This is why you play the game.”
Erick Rowan and Luke Harper versus Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan
This is going to be a time eater. There’s no other way to accept it since it’s not a Street Fight, Hell in a Cell, or some other hardcore based match.
In short nothing will be concluded here, though it should be.
As long as there’s no disqualification, no contest, or countouts, the winners should be Bryan and Reigns.
With any luck, that’ll bring an end to this and all storylines can start fresh following the draft starting on Friday 10/11.
Final Thoughts
This has so much potential to be a great pay-per-view, but things seem discombobulated and out of sync with the WWE currently in flux. It makes sense, but more than ever, the direction of this show will visibly be in Vince McMahon’s hands.
To be honest, the what ifs from behind the scene appear more interesting than the card itself. Still going to be fun to watch to see how things shake out.
What are your picks?
