Hell in a Cell 2017 has the potential to be the best SmackDown Live PPV of the year. There are several matches if given the time and right finish could be very good. Here are my predictions for the show.
Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin vs. The Hype Bros (Kickoff Match)
Winners: Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin
Why: I think there’s a lot of potential for the Gable and Benjamin duo. We have only seen them in action twice, but what we saw was very good. WWE has been teasing the break up of the Hype Bros for several weeks now. I see Gable & Benjamin getting the win which will lead to the Hype Bros finally breaking up and one of them turning heel.
Randy Orton vs. Rusev
Winner: Rusev
Why: Rusev is one of the many underutilized guys on the SmackDown Live roster. He’s very entertaining on the mic and solid in the ring. After an embarrassing PPV lost to Orton at SummerSlam, Rusev reallys need a big PPV win here. I wouldn’t be surprised if Orton wins, but the right move for the future of the brand is to give Rusev the win.
Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler
Winner: Bobby Roode
Why: This Bobby Roode’s PPV debut. If he loses his first PPV match to Dolph freaking Ziggler he will fall into geek territory. This match needs to be a showcase for Roode and to help get him over as a babyface. Roode has the potential to make a big impact on the blue brand.
United States Champion AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin
Why: Corbin has been stuck in a rut since losing the Money in the Bank briefcase. He lost on this week’s SmackDown to Tye Dillinger which make you think Tye should have been added to the match. Logically you would think AJ should beat Corbin, but we know WWE doesn’t always make logical decisions. Corbin is going to cheat and beat AJ.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day vs. The Usos (Hell in a Cell Match)
Winners: The Usos
Why: I’m expecting this to be the match of the night. This feud has been one of the elements keeping SmackDown Live afloat for that last few months. Since they are no other heel tag teams that have been built up, I believe the Usos will regain the championships. Then they could feud with Gable & Benjamin and we can get the PPV matches we should have got with American Alpha.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya vs. Charlotte Flair
Winner: Charlotte
Why: I found it very odd that you would have the number one contender be submitted by the champion before the PPV. The only way that makes sense is if Charlotte wins. I think Charlotte won’t be the champion for long, as I expect a Carmella cash in.
WWE Champion Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Why: If Nakamura doesn’t win the belt here, he just needs to pack his bags and go back to New Japan. Jinder has gotten the best of Nakamura throughout their feud. It’s time for Jinder to get his comeuppance and to get off that belt.
Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens (Hell in a Cell Falls Count Anywhere Match)
Winner: Shane McMahon
Why: After the beating Shane took on SmackDown, I have a hard time seeing him losing this match. Owens is known for setting up contraptions in his matches that always end up getting used against him. I see him setting something up that he tries to put Shane through, but Shane reverses and puts him through it and gets the win.
