This Sunday (October 8), SmackDown Live hosts Hell in a Cell, the blue brand’s first gimmick-themed Pay-Per-View since Money in the Bank. While the card might not have the “WrestleMania worthy” matches like Monday Night Raw’s No Mercy event a couple weeks ago, there is still a good amount to be excited for. The two top matches at the event including Jinder Mahal defending the WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura and Shane McMahon battling Kevin Owens inside Hell in a Cell.
Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin vs. The Hype Bros
During SmackDown Live this past week, this match was announced as part of the Hell in a Cell Kickoff Show. This match might not mean anything other than getting the fans energized for the show. However, it could also further the tensions between Zack Ryder and Mojo Rawley, who have had trouble finding success as of late.
Prediction:
For the sake of starting the show with a happy crowd as well as developing a story, it is time for Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin to get a win after they made a big deal out of their pairing. Winners: Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin
The Fashion Files Returns
After weeks of notable absences, it seems like Tyler Breeze and Fandango might finally get the payoff to their hilarious TV parody segments and find out who their attackers have been. Rumors have it that Luke Harper and Erick Rowan are getting back together as a team and this would be a perfect place for their return.
Randy Orton vs. Rusev
At SummerSlam, Randy Orton embarrassed Rusev by defeating him in just ten seconds. Rusev would then get some revenge a couple weeks later by defeating The Viper in just nine seconds (with the help of Aiden English). The following week, Orton ruined Rusev’s Pride of Bulgaria Celebration and the inaugural Rusev Day. This should be their blowoff match before they move on to better things.
Prediction:
Rusev needs this win to revitalize his career after a rough couple months but knowing WWE, this is going to Orton. Winner: Randy Orton
Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler
For weeks, Dolph Ziggler has been complaining to the WWE Universe that instead of appreciating his in-ring ability, they wanted over-the-top entrances and characters. To prove his point, he copied famous entrances for weeks on end until he was interrupted by a man known very well for his “glorious” theatrics. Roode simply laid out a challenge to Ziggler and he accepted.
Prediction:
This is Bobby Roode’s first Pay-Per-View match as a member of the main roster. Winner: Bobby Roode
AJ Styles (c) vs. Baron Corbin – United States Championship
Baron Corbin has not had a good run for the past couple months. After winning the Money in the Bank contract, he failed to successfully cash it in, then he lost to John Cena five days later at SummerSlam. Corbin has been trying to get into the United States Championship title picture but he can’t keep momentum, especially after losing to Tye Dillinger just this week.
Prediction:
Constant failure has made Corbin a more interesting character and continuing that could help him out in the long run. Also, AJ Styles makes for a great US Champ. Winner, and STILL United States Champion: AJ Styles
Natalya (c) vs. Charlotte Flair – SmackDown Women’s Champion
At SummerSlam, Natalya seemingly came out of nowhere and captured the SmackDown Women’s Championship from two-time champion Naomi. After successfully retaining the belt a few weeks later, Natalya found a new challenger in Charlotte Flair. Charlotte earned the opportunity by defeating Tamina, Becky Lynch, and Carmella. Speaking of Carmella, she is still Ms. Money in the Bank and will definitely be keeping a close eye on this match.
Prediction:
Since Carmella didn’t cash in her Money in the Bank briefcase at SummerSlam, this seems like the perfect time to do it. Things will be even more interesting, though, if three women are vying for the title. Winner, and NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion: Charlotte, then Carmella via cash-in
The New Day (c) vs. The Usos – SmackDown Tag Team Championships (Hell in a Cell)
After battling for months, this is the last match in the epic saga between The New Day and The Usos. Throughout the course of their rivalry, the SmackDown Tag Team Championships have changed hands several times and every match seems to be an instant classic. This time they compete inside of the Cell and if The Usos win, The New Day will not be able to use their rematch clause.
Prediction:
This is a very tough call. Both teams deserve to be the face of the SmackDown Tag Team Division, which doesn’t have many teams. Also, every member of the New Day could easily be a credible WWE Champion, which might be good to feud with Jinder Mahal if he retains the WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura. Winners, and NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions: The Usos
Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon – Hell in a Cell
For a couple months, Kevin Owens feuded with AJ Styles over the United States Championship. For one reason after another, it seemed like Shane McMahon was always at fault for Owens losing the title. Owens had enough and wished that Shane O’Mac had died before being attacked by the Commissioner of SmackDown Live. The following week, Vince McMahon made a guest appearance which ended with Owens assaulting the 72-year old Chairman in the middle of the ring. This very personal rivalry reached its boiling point this week when Owens powerbombed Shane through a merchandise table.
Prediction:
There is no benefit to having Shane McMahon win here. He is facing a man is one of only four WWE Universal Champions (the others being Finn Balor, Goldberg, and Brock Lesnar) who has held numerous other titles and has had arguably the best WWE career possible so far. Owens needs this to boost him back to a main event star, while McMahon would only need this for his ego. Winner: Kevin Owens
Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – WWE Championship
At SummerSlam, Jinder Mahal continued to surprise the WWE Universe by successfully retaining the WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura, thanks to the help of the Singh Brothers. Nakamura has been given a second chance at the title after defeating Randy Orton in a #1 Contender’s Match, but all that has happened since is that Mahal tries to insult Nakamura’s face. That’s pretty much it. The top title on the show’s build has been extremely bad jokes for weeks on end.
Prediction:
What’s even sadder than the build is the probable result. WWE just announced a tour of India this upcoming winter and odds are they will want Jinder Mahal to be the WWE Champion during it. If it has to happen, Nakamura will hopefully move on to a program with AJ Styles. Winner, and STILL WWE Champion: Jinder Mahal
