WWE Hell In A Cell 2015: REVIEW

With WWE's weekly product putting me to sleep, I went into the Hell In A Cell with quite low expectations. Considering this is a show that has a history of underwhelming, the consensus was this show would be a predictable, throwaway show leading up to Survivor Series, with the main event being the only. Thankfully, we got a night that was anything but that.

SPOILERS AHEAD: IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE THE RESULTS RUINED, DON'T READ ON!

If you've never seen The CC Network's video reviews of WWE events before, then my review system will be new to you. Matches are given star ratings in accordance with an average, accumulated score of 5 rating factors: Psychology (In-ring story), Move Variety, Crowd Reaction, Match Length and Pacing, as well as my overall enjoyment as a result of those factors. 

Now time to get into the show. As I don't review the Pre-Show Match as part of the whole televised package, here's the result of that match

Dolph Ziggler, Neville & Cesaro def Rusev, King Barrett & Sheamus in a 6-Man Tag Team Match (11:34)

------------

ALBERTO DEL RIO def JOHN CENA TO WIN THE WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP (7:47)

PSYCHOLOGY: 3

MOVE VARIETY: 1

CROWD REACTION: 2

MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 2

MY ENJOYMENT: 2

CORRECT PREDICTION?: ALMOST (picked the outcome but not the opponent)

FINAL RATING: **1/4

Who predicted Del Rio? Seriously. I sure didn't, and the clean way at which he went about disposing of John was a nice move, especially on retrospect knowing Del Rio did the same thing to Cena at this event 2 years ago. Seeing him with Zeb Colter on a scooter was kind of odd, but that will be explained in the coming weeks.

The match was a solid in-ring affair with Del Rio dominating from bell to bell. Cena looked out of his element and it came through in the way he was physically directed, with Del Rio working the arm for the Cross Armbreaker (that wasn't needed) as well as the back for the Backstabber (which thankfully was). Add Cena limping and losing clean as a result, this match told a great story for the relatively short time it got. While the match did flow slower than I expected due to the focus on mat wrestling with Del Rio's offence, but it worked considering Cena mentally didn't expect it. While it could have gone a bit longer, and after the shock of the his arrival the crowd died down until the pop for the finish; it still came through as a very solid opener.

I can say this, my usual theory of a fast-paced match opening the show to excite the crowd was debunked last night. Especially when you have surprises like this, it really doesn't matter as the crowd got their fill from it.

ROMAN REIGNS def BRAY WATT IN A HELL IN A CELL MATCH (23:05)

PSYCHOLOGY: 3.5
MOVE VARIETY: 3
CROWD REACTION: 3.5
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 3.5
MY ENJOYMENT: 4
CORRECT PREDICTION?: YES

FINAL RATING: ***3/4

Well, this match sure exceeded my expectations. Here I thought Reigns would breeze his way to victory. What we got was anything but that. It was a physical, intense match, just what I wanted, but was lacking in confidence to believe WWE would deliver. Also, with no Wyatt Family members or Dean Ambrose at ringside, my theory of an Ambrose heel turn went out the window. This was a straight one on one contest, and benefitted because of it.

Reigns dominated in the early going, throwing Wyatt around like a rag doll, showing his intentions while maintaining a mediated slow pace. Once weapons were added to the fray, the entire match sped up and kept it consistently paced throughout. Wyatt was so beaten up by this offence, that only a weapon could suffice, which was fantastic, not only that but Reigns smiling at the prospect of being the tar out of Wyatt with said weapons was the icing on the cake. What I love about Wyatt's character, is the desire he has to break a person mentally, which was perfectly show with him sitting in a chair instead of hitting him with it, poking Reigns with a kendo stick to goad him up for the guillotine kendo stick shot in the corner of the cell, which was lovely. Sure, Wyatt ate the set up chair move, but it was good karma as the match was constantly shifting momentum. As a result, it was difficult to tell who would win, which for a match like this was a godsend. The multiple table spots along with the variety of weapons got the crowd on their feet, with both men hitting one each to devastating effect. Both men though, still showed each other they were resistant to pain, with their offence being shaken off easily, which suspended disbelief but made sense considering the characters. Seriously, if you were having your head rammed into a steel post by a man of Wyatt's size with his knees & forearms, I'd be showing some battle scars. Regardless, Reigns showing fatigue going into the Sister Abigail was great, which made Wyatt go back to weapons knowing conventional moves wouldn't beat him. It backfired allow a quick, rushed spear to get Roman the win.

While the match did go a LITTLE long, it was paced well enough that it wasn't boring and kept me into it the whole way through in what was the longest match of the night. Both men looked good, and even without a huge amount of body selling and big in-ring spots; the match came through for itself and surprised me. It was a PG Cell Match that actually delivered on itself... while only a few have, this is one that will stick out for sure. One question does have to be asked though, would kendo stick shots to the back and chest really effect Reigns knowing he has a bulletproof/protective jacket on? Just an astute observation I made.

THE NEW DAY def THE DUDLEY BOYZ TO RETAIN/WIN THE WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (8:26)

PSYCHOLOGY: 2.5

MOVE VARIETY: 1

CROWD REACTION: 1.5

MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 1.5

MY ENJOYMENT: 1.5

CORRECT PREDICTION?: NO

FINAL RATING: *1/4

Just when I think WWE have set up the predictable win, they throw a swerve at us and keep the over heel team with the belts. I didn't think they'd do it, but WWE actually kept their current "it" team from being fed to the legendary dogs (a term I don't use loosely in the case of the Dudley's). While the match was nothing special and much better than their previous encounters, it certainly felt better as an overall match. Mostly as a result of no Xavier Woods at ringside adding intrigue to the predictable notion of the result and how it would be executed.

The match was standard tag fair that I expect from these guys, Bubba & D-Von dominate in the early going, with Big E coming into the match to shift momentum. D-Von plays the Dudley in peril before the hot tag to Bubba swings the match back in the Dudley's favour. Hell, The New Day attempted the WAZZUP, but were dispatched of easily. While I was wholly expecting this match to follow its course, what this match did right was be creative in its psychology, making The New Day look a lot smarter than they are perceived. They decided, while Woods wasn't there, he'd still have an impact: through his trombone.

By throwing some Eddie Guerrero-esque tactics, of feigning injury, it woke the crowd up, chanting Eddie as well as marvelling that the heel team could get out of the match winning again. Sure, the ref didn't buy it, which again cemented the idea of the Dudley's winning. I didn't expect Big E to deck Bubba with the trombone, dispose of D-Von and allow The New Day a shading but unexpected victory. While the psychology was the only high point of this otherwise poor match, with the crowd only getting into its latter stages, having no distinct move variety and it being rather slow for the time allotted, it did the bare minimum to get me into it: TELL A STORY! Which is all I could ask for.

Also... King, while you did say unicorns don't exist, I wish you could have mentioned that friendship wasn't magic. Simply put, as a Brony, I would've marked out at that. Meanwhile, I need to check my wallet, I NEED that New Day T-shirt. Salutations to my unicorn brethren, keep believing in the positivity!

CHARLOTTE def NIKKI BELLA TO RETAIN THE WWE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIPS (10:40)

PSYCHOLOGY: 3.5

MOVE VARIETY: 3

CROWD REACTION: 1.5

MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 3

MY ENJOYMENT: 3.5

CORRECT PREDICTION?: YES

FINAL RATING: ***1/2

Once again, Charlotte & Nikki Bella put on a great psychology based match. Sure, while it look and feel like a carbon copy of their Summerslam match (which got a QUARTER less than this), it still felt fresh. Primarily because of the body part chosen to be directed and how Charlotte sold it.

Choosing the back as the focal point of the match was a smart move, as not only did it allow a variety of ways in which it could be attacked, but it also meant that when the Figure 8 had to be applied, Charlotte wouldn't have the strength execute it properly with the arch hurting it. Low and behold, it made the end of the match not feel as rushed as their Summerslam encounter, which was a good thing. The amount of moves that Nikki hit to Charlotte's back just like Summerslam, made her look much more technically proficient than she ever looked before, with: Apron and barricade ramming, an arched chin lock & suplex, a half Boston crab with the knee to the back, a jumping spine buster, a rope slingshot backbreaker and an Alabama Slam to the apron. When you couple that with the fact that not only Charlotte couldn't arch the Figure 8 but she couldn't even do a suplex without it buckling. It was a joy to watch. Charlotte also hot a lovely second rope neck breaker as well. While the flip move from the top rope looked sloppy, this match certainly has more different moves than its predecessor, showing quality at every turn. While the crowd weren't into it until that flip and the aforementioned Alabama Slam, it was a better match in-ringwise because Charlotte didn't rush to victory and the physicality of the match prolonged itself just enough for it to work. However, recovering as quickly as she did from the Alabama Slam was still irritating.

Was it better than the Night Of Champions match? Marginally, with the crowd not being as into it, the match had to make itself a better in-ring contest. Thankfully both women delivered, not to forget... NONE of the assorted teams were out there. This match was solely about both women and their fight for superiority. Which, when compared to the repetitive multi-women tag matches we see weekly on RAW, it's worth the wait each time if this is the consistent quality we're going to see on PPV from now on.

SETH ROLLINS def "DEMON" KANE TO RETAIN THE WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (14:37)

PSYCHOLOGY: 1.5

MOVE VARIETY: 1.5

CROWD REACTION: 1.5

MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 1.5

MY ENJOYMENT: 1.5

CORRECT PREDICTION?: NO

FINAL RATING: *

While I was excited about this match finally happening after months of build, maybe I should have lowered my expectations considering what we actually got. Instead of an intense match with a lot going on, we got a slow, plodding match that did little to excite. While it did is job, it broke the momentum of the night and showed that sometimes, adding some spice would definitely help matches like this. Sadly, it didn't have too much flavour anyway.

I will give Kane credit for putting on a solid showing, with his age and everything, but Rollins is where in subtlety this match had its shining moments. Proclaiming that he's not afraid of Kane, and that he's just a man before having the taste slapped out of his mouth got the match off to a wild start. His resiliency in attacking Kane's head after the sloppy table spot was nice, especially with those direct moves to the head. He was determined to win and prove to the Authority that he could take Kane down, which he did with a clean victory. Which I surely didn't see coming. While that table spot was sloppy, the sidewalk slam to the the table that proceeded it was the his sole highlight move wise, enough make me happy. Rollins also hit a lovely frog splash, which again broke out more Eddie chants. Kane did get most of the offence, which in near 15 minute match didn't help, considering what it did to the crowd. Minus the signature moves of Kane, that frog splash and the table spot, the crowd were pretty apathetic throughout. I wouldn't blame them either. Hell, the even booed the prospect of Kane going for the Tombstone to end it, which is a testament to how much they wanted Rollins to win.

While this match did what it had to do, it needed more to really have it come alive. While Rollins VS Sting last month didn't need a ref bump, this match SORELY needed one. Sure it would have made Rollins look weak but it at least would have added more. My assumptions about this match having a DQ finish were unfounded, but it would have really given this match that 'spice' I mentioned earlier to make it more than just a basic pushover match for Rollins to retain the title. While this has to be the worst match of Seth's title reign so far, he has a few more in him of better quality I'm sure. As long as WWE picks the right opponent for him, we're sure for something that will make me much happier in the long run.

KEVIN OWENS def RYBACK TO RETAIN THE WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP (5:35)

PSYCHOLOGY: 1.5

MOVE VARIETY: 1

CROWD REACTION: 1

MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 1.5

MY ENJOYMENT: 1.5

CORRECT PREDICTION?: YES

FINAL RATING: 1/2

Here's something I didn't think I'd see, a POOR Kevin Owens PPV match. Well, here it was. With a lack of time and relatively no story being applied like the Night Of Champions match, it was the maker of its own downfall by the placement of it on the card.

I will give it some credit though, it did have both men brawl out of the ring at the bell which was a nice way to start, showing that both men wanted to hurt each other, with multiple near falls to bring some excitement. However it felt incredibly rushed, which considering what both of these guys could do, didn't feel good to watch at all. Ryback hit a nice straight powerbomb, which surprisingly for a 'big guy' is rarely seen, a good showing of his strength as Owens isn't a small guy weight wise.

Overall, I'm happy that Owens won and that this feud is over. Like I said in my predictions, this needed to be the final curtain on this. While I enjoyed their Night Of Champions match, I wish they'd built their return match better so its placing on the card and the resulting match didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth. Sure, it wasn't terrible but knowing Kevin Owens and his quality, I like many expect far better. Hopefully his next opponent, whomever it may be can give us that.

BROCK LESNAR def THE UNDERTAKER IN A HELL IN A CELL MATCH (18:08)

PSYCHOLOGY: 4.5

MOVE VARIETY: 2

CROWD REACTION: 4.5

MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 4

MY ENJOYMENT: 4

CORRECT PREDICTION?: NO

FINAL RATING: ****1/4

This match had a lot to live up to. Their Summerslam match (which got a ****1/2 rating) was a fantastic spectacle. With WWE's record at PG Hell In A Cell matches already exceeded earlier on in the evening, Taker and Lesnar had to knock the ball out of the park here. With a massive amount of blood, some inventive psychology and a hot crowd, they surely did. Well... almost.

One thing we got instantly from this match was the intensity, whether it be through the methodical brawling, hard-hitting moves or Lesnar resorting to bare fists to take Undertaker down, it really showed that these two wanted to destroy each other. With Lesnar and Taker both bleeding, it was amplified tenfold. Taker showed his resiliency by kicking out of an F5 after 3 Germans, which was the highest amount we got all match, because thankfully this match relied on more than German suplexes to sell itself. The doctor coming in to clear up the blood did halt momentum briefly, but it was satisfying seeing Lesnar throw him out and unload on Taker. He didn't care for his or Taker's safety, which again gave the win at all costs mentality. Lesnar also tried to break Taker's leg with the steps after all avenues had been used, which was countered, but really cemented the story into this match as well as opening another albeit smaller wound on Lesnar's head. Then this match went into a territory unseen before, Lesnar ripped the ring canvas up, exposing the wooden supports. Still believe wrestling rings are trampolines haters? Anyway, this made the match feel incredibly special, with both men taking finishers on the exposed canvas. These moves took the crowd, who were already eating this match for all three meals and made them graze all through the night. By the time Lesnar hit the low blow and hit the final F5, they were drained, I was drained and the unexpected result didn't matter. Lesnar 'cheated' to win, but in such a way that it made story sense. Can't fault it. Then you have The Wyatt Family coming out after the match, to carry Taker away like they did his brother after Summerslam 2013. What will happen now with Taker's 25th Anniversary at Survivor Series being 4 weeks away? Hopefully RAW can make it exciting.

While this match delivered almost everywhere, it wasn't perfect. The Lesnar blade job was easy to see (despite reports it wasn't a hard bleed, someone explain the hitting of the glove or swiping it across the face), it could have gone on longer and it could have had a few bigger spots to emphasise the lengths at which both would go to win. While this match had more move variety than the Summerslam match, it was only due to the ring canvas moves and the chair guillotine, which we haven't seen Taker pull out for years. Also, it ended right when I expected Taker to pull out one final momentum shifting run... it didn't feel like it had reach a NATURAL conclusion for my liking.

Overall, was it better than the Summerslam Match? No, but only by a small amount. I enjoyed that one more, it was paced better and had longer to really tell its story. Was it better than the No Mercy 2002 match that WWE didn't want to acknowledge? Of course not. However, with that being said, WWE have no set the standard bearer for which their Hell In A Cell Matches going forward will strive to be. These are designed to be feud enders for a reason, if they don't feel like this, then the match and therefore the booking aren't doing their job. This match was fantastic, and while it wasn't the out and out classic that was expected, it was definitely a ride worth taking.

FINAL THOUGHTS

With the LA crowd on their side, swerves & unexpected results littered around the card, a return we didn't see coming and consistent match quality almost the entire way through, WWE gave us a Hell In Cell event worth watching for once. It feels like WWE have had this unintentional pattern going since February where they have one show that's quite poor (Fast Lane, Extreme Rules, Elimination Chamber, Battleground and Night of Champions) and follow it up with a PPV that delivers (Wrestlemania, Payback, Money In The Bank and Summerslam). While that kind of record is detrimental to the product in the long term, its good to see that a PPV associated with low quality throughout the years actually came through for us tonight. Sure, matches that bridged the Women's match and the main event sucked the life out of it but thankfully Taker and Lesnar knocked six bells out of each other to rectify for that. With the Wyatt Family setting up the build for Survivor Series in a big way to close the show, it did everything a PPV is supposed to: end feuds, put on good matches and start the preparations for the next show.

When a PPV gets 3 out of 7 matches at *** or above, with one other coming close to the average mark with a **1/4 rating, it has the look of a pretty good show as a whole. I would put it on a similar level to Summerslam, but this show ranks up with Money In The Bank as Summerslam had way too many matches to bog its rating down from what it could have been. While some matches didn't deliver, for the most part we got enough to keep us entertained and had a good showing of what WWE is capable of when they hit the ground running. It's definitely a sign that if they keep putting on events like this, we can forget the weekly doldrums that RAW has become, because this is what I personally watch WWE for: seeing the PPV's provide ground for what RAW has built up to. This event was that and more. Definitely worth watching if you didn't see it, and with 3 matches worth watching again... you know this was a good night for a company that is doing poorly in other aspects. Which was just what they needed right now.

HELL IN A CELL 2015 GETS A 6.75 OUT OF 10!

In relation to other 2015 events, it lines up as follows:

WRESTLEMANIA 31: 8.75/10

HELL IN A CELL: 6.75/10
MONEY IN THE BANK: 6.75/10

SUMMERSLAM: 6.5/10

PAYBACK: 6/10
ELIMINATION CHAMBER: 4.5/10

ROYAL RUMBLE: 4/10

NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS: 3.5/10

EXTREME RULES: 3.5/10

BATTLEGROUND: 3/10

FAST LANE: 2.5/10

(WWE Network Specials and the NXT Takeover Events aren't taken into consideration).

I've been Freddy Thomas, you've been people reading, this has been the Hell In A Cell 2015 Review for The CC Network Blog, and I'll see you next time.

WWE Hell In A Cell 2015: PREDICTIONS

Sometimes, a wrestling fan will ask this question to themselves: why do I watch anymore?

Post-Summerslam, this has been the case more often than not. The storylines are so bereft of excitement, viewers index fingers are permanently rooted to the channel button, which as a result, means that RAW's ratings are sinking faster than a Cold War submarine. When you couple these elements with Vince struggling to understand that kayfabe is dead in the internet age (thanks Lana & Rusev), it's no wonder that many fans aren't overly excited for Hell In A Cell this Sunday. Hell, if the appearance of some of the WWE's greatest stars couldn't hype people up enough... then there is obviously a problem. RAW's ratings and general fan reaction are a sign of the times... WWE is stale and needs to be given a platform to shift itself into gear. While PPV events are supposed to be a place for storylines to come to a head, in most cases this year, they've not delivered with decent matches due to poor build-up. It means that these events feel as they're worth just as much as the lacklustre product we see weekly and want to avoid them as a result. It's easy to just shrug the shoulders do that, however it is also possible to believe that the next PPV event could be the turning point for the product. Hell In A Cell 2015 is no different. I always say that any PPV card has the potential to surprise, and with a return of the match that delivered a ****1/2 rating at Summerslam with a match type added for good measure, there's reason be a bit more optimistic than you're currently feeling about it.

On a related side note, Shinedown's "Cut The Cord" is the theme song for this years event. The band have done better, and WWE has picked better over the course of this year.

-------------

PRE-SHOW MATCH: Dolph Ziggler, Neville & Cesaro VS Rusev, King Barrett & Sheamus

It's a match that was hastily booked to replace Ambrose and Orton VS Strowman and Harper due to Orton's unexpected shoulder dislocation. The rematch of this past RAW's sole in-ring highlight will be taking place to kick off the event. Wrestling 101 will dictate that those looking strong on the RAW before a PPV will lose at the big show. For this match, that ruling is in effect. I see no reason why the good guys shouldn't be able to get one over on those who defeated them 6 days earlier.

PREDICTION: Ziggler, Neville & Cesaro to win.

DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Charlotte (c) VS Nikki Bella

When looking at this match on paper, a simple conclusion can be reached. Charlotte will retain. She's only held the title for a month, surely she couldn't lose it quickly considering how big of a deal WWE made her win look, as a statement for the 'Divas Revolution'. However, to counteract that, think about the one thing that could easily put that predictable idiom into problematic territory: PAIGE

Simply put, Paige will be the entity that will decide where this match goes. She can screw Charlotte out of the title, building for a multi-diva match or a one on one with Charlotte for Survivor Series, or screw Nikki out of the title so her ambiguous placement in this gigantic team based rivalry remains in question. Whatever happens, the winner of the match will most likely face her in some form, and therefore we must anticipate that this seemingly predictable match isn't going to be what it seems. We may expect Charlotte to easily retain, but the way this story has been woven, there's more to it than meets the eye.

That being said though... seeing Nikki win the title so soon after losing it would make many question what the point of her losing was in the first place? It means that no matter what thoughts go through my head, the inevitable is overall the best option. How it actually ends up happening though... that's still up for debate, which can't be a bad thing.

PREDICTION: Charlotte to retain.

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: The New Day (c) VS The Dudley Boyz

Why they didn't pull the trigger on the title change at the MSG Event? It was the perfect time, as The Dudley's were over and it would have made sense in storyline. There's one thing that makes Hell In A Cell look like the worst possible place for The New Day to lose: they're over with pretty much everyone.

No matter what can be said, The New Day have been the lone highlight in a slew of lacklustre RAW's since they won the titles back at Summerslam, especially since Xavier Woods brought that trumpet into play. While in contrast, the momentum The Dudley's had since returning after Summerslam has diminished, especially since the MSG show. The Dudley Boyz' inevitable victory couldn't be done at a worse time, when The New Day are currently at their strongest. While it does make sense for The Dudley's to win, as they were cheated out of two big opportunities at two consecutive events, but to have it happen at a time when the fans want to see New Day, and want them to remain in their position, having them lose the titles will make both teams worse off in the long run.

The matches between these two teams at Night Of Champions and the MSG Event were uninspiring affairs with very little going on to entice and excite. Hopefully something will be sprinkled in to ensure that this match isn't as predictable as it seems to be... but no matter what happens, we will see a standard tag match with a title change occurring. No matter how wrong it is for both teams. While I personally want The New Day to retain, as it is rare for a heel team to have a clean sweep over a face team in this modern age of pro-wrestling; you can't avoid the inevitable for too long, or it just becomes a sad farce. I wouldn't want the WWE to do that.

PREDICTION: The Dudley Boyz to win the titles.

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Kevin Owens (c) VS Ryback

One thing in this matches' favour is that the preceding match at Night Of Champions was surprisingly entertaining. Owens won in a match where he dictated the story through his working of Ryback's arm and raking his eyes to roll up the Big Guy to claim his first singles title on the main roster. It got **1/2, which is my halfway house rating. It was average, which for a Ryback match was more than I could ask for. The question I have to ask going into the rematch, is what could they do better? Based on what I've seen, there hasn't been much on RAW or Smackdown to really add fuel to the existing fire that had me intrigued for their Night Of Champions encounter. So what else can be said? Well, I would expect a match of similar quality from them. They've proven to have good chemistry, so hopefully the match happening for a second time can be just as satisfying.

However the result is, like all the matches on this card so far: seemingly obvious. Owens retaining is the best option. It's time for Ryback to go after someone else, as this feud has run its course. Sure, it seems weird to have a feud end after two matches, with the face not getting his win, but the WWE needs to think about the long term. Owens is the guy who, with good matches, can bring prestige to this title. So for the benefit of the strap, Owens needs to retain.

PREDICTION: Kevin Owens to retain.

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: John Cena (c) VS TBD

John Cena has done two things over the past year that have arguably proven why he is WWE's most valuable asset:

1. He's been able to make a mid-card title worth something after 7 years of neglect (by their own hand admittedly).

2. He's consistently put on the best matches of pretty much every RAW since he won (and regained) it, as well as some PPV's. Showing to many that he CAN wrestle and put on entertaining matches that make him must-see every time it happens.

Now, whether this claim is true or not is something that many could debate for hours on end; but there's no doubt that the average fan is excited for this match. Not only because of what we've come to expect from the United States Open Challenge in the last 7 months, but the inclusion of a mystery opponent for Cena to face on PPV for the first time adds even more intrigue. The result of this match is a foregone conclusion, with Cena rumoured to be on leave until late December/early January at the latest. Which means SOMEONE has to come along and take the title off of him. There are four names that come to mind: 

Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe, Braun Strowman and Dean Ambrose. 

While there is many a name who could take this belt off Cena, these four all have a case to answer for. Both Ambrose and Strowman don't have a match on the card as a result of Randy Orton's injury, so seeing them both make a surprise appearance would be an interesting scenario. It could set up a future feud with Orton if Ambrose wins, and with Strowman it puts Cena up against an opponent that he COULDN'T easily beat. He could then resume the feud upon his return. Seeing Joe storm in and defeat Cena would put a smile on many a face in the crowd and at home. He's a veteran who can dissect another wrestler en pointe. For WWE's superman to believably win against him isn't likely, because there would be no suspension of disbelief and it would make no sense (like Cena defeating Lesnar despite being beaten to a pulp for example). Finally, we have a returning Daniel Bryan, who has a winning record against Cena and admittedly, would be the only opponent who would beat Cena and he'd be happy with it (in character of course). The fans would love it, we'd see another great match from both of them and it would make this show feel greater because of it.

Overall, Cena is losing no matter what. If I was to pick one of the four I've noted above, I'd choose Bryan. Primarily because WWE wouldn't forcibly deny him a return through medical reasons if they weren't waiting for the opportunity for him to be brought back, especially when it's at a time that they need him. Plain and simple.

PREDICTION: Daniel Bryan to challenge and win the title.

HELL IN A CELL MATCH: Roman Reigns VS Bray Wyatt

Looking at how this feud has panned out since Money In The Bank, I'm surprised at one notable thing: Roman Reigns hasn't won yet.

While this statement is technically incorrect as he won with Ambrose at Summerslam, he hasn't won in singles competition in this feud with Bray Wyatt. I can understand WWE's logic, by having Wyatt win at Battleground and getting the upper hand further down the line (with the introduction of Braun Strowman), when Reigns gets his win, it will mean something and be on a stage that would make him look strong. Fast forward to Sunday and you will have your answer. While I have no doubt of Roman's victory, as it will even the score (on the singles match front as well as the tag front), it baffles me to wonder why this is in the Cell in the first place? Sure, it has the intensity but if they're still technically even after Reigns wins, that means one more match is needed. The Cell therefore isn't the feud ender. Which makes me wonder, are WWE making these two look even, so both men look strong in relation to each other in anticipation for another match in 2015 or even 2016 to finish it off on a bigger stage? Or, with this are they setting something much up that's of a larger magnitude? Here's where I think this match has the potential to become really interesting if executed right.

With what I've just stated about this match potentially not being the feud ender, let me remind you that Dean Ambrose faced Seth Rollins at last years event inside the Cell. It wasn't the end of their feud, as they've now finished it almost a year after it started. So there's a chance that a similar event could take place once more, because a former Shield member is once again being involved with Bray Wyatt in the Cell, just like last year. Roman winning won't end the feud, and with Dean Ambrose not in a match now... its sets up something great:

An Ambrose Heel Turn.

It's been rumoured for months, and this match allows it to be set in stone in a way where it all comes together with a good reason. With Roman on the cusp of winning, Ambrose could step in and stop him. The notion of "ANYONE BUT YOU" would make fuller sense, with Ambrose's turn showing that he's jealous of the attention Roman has been getting and the push he's had since the year began, while Ambrose being relegated to lower status by having to wrestle on pre-shows, (potentially) not being on the card at all & having his title matches be unrecognised for what they were by the company. Ambrose stopping Reigns achieving his personal nirvana would be great in setting both men up for a winter feud, although it could easily happen with Reigns winning anyway. Which is why I'm still going for Reigns to win. Wyatt will have Harper, Strowman and the recently returned Rowan by his side, Ambrose will most likely not be out there as Reigns will need to look strong by himself. So regardless of whether Reigns wins or not, that scenario I have mentioned can happen. If it does... then this match will get my utmost approval, because outside of that it looks to be a predictable mess. Lets hope its not for the sake of our sanity.

PREDICTION: Roman Reigns to win.

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Seth Rollins (c) VS 'Demon' Kane 
If "Demon" Kane loses, "Corporate" Kane is fired as Director Of Operations

So... here's a match that should've happened months ago, when the idea of the feud was fresh and made sense. In fact, any main event from Battleground to Night Of Champions could have been occupied by this match. Which makes it even crazier when you consider why it had been delayed in the first place. It mostly stemmed from WWE wanting to ensure the WWE Title Match got people watching The Network due to free month offers. Which explains why Lesnar, Cena & Sting all got the spot before the only NATURAL rivalry that Rollins has had since finally laying waste to Dean Ambrose at Money In The Bank. I am relieved to finally see this match is taking place, considering how much time was spent into building it, and with Kane now sporting a split personality gimmick, it makes it even better than it was before. With a stipulation added to the mix though... it takes what this match can do and causes a problem.

Any match that has a stipulation attached always has the result becoming linear and predictable, therefore meaning WWE has to throw the cat amongst the pigeons and come up with something to ensure us as fans don't see it coming and react with disdain. I'm one of the few who are actually EXCITED for this match, others are either indifferent or irritated. Especially with the idea that Kane could actually win. The stipulation has coded that Kane will win, because this split personality gimmick has only just begun, and for it end would be a travesty, because I find Corporate Kane through this guise hilarious and genuinely entertaining. However, Kane being the one to knock Rollins off the perch he's been cockily sitting on seems underwhelming... which many fans would attest to believing. They wouldn't want to see a reversal of fortune, with Rollins chasing a 45-year old Kane as champion for weeks on end. Which is why, I have come to a simple conclusion to satisfy both camps, and it involves one man:

Sheamus.

With Sheamus making it clear at Night Of Champions that he could and would cash in if Rollins was incapacitated, it seems right to have him do the deed, especially knowing he's got a long time to rest up after the pre-show match. If I were booking this smart, I'd have Kane destroy Rollins just enough, resulting in Rollins being desperate to cause a DQ finish, Kane takes Rollins out after having won the match (but not the title) and leaves him for Sheamus to pick the carcass of its championship. I could also see Kane winning the title outright, only to have Rollins in a fit of rage destroy him with a steel chair, leading to the aforementioned Sheamus picking of the carcass. Regardless of how its done, it will result in the same outcome, as far as I'm concerned. Kane won't be the champion when the night ends, which makes many fans happy, and with Kane in legitimate terms "winning the match", even though not in the conventional sense, his gimmick and role as Director Of Operations remains in tact, which makes me happy. As a result, everyone gets what they want. What's not to like? While many would like Rollins to win clean, to ensure he doesn't look weak and prove he's a credible champion, it is a storyline point that has already been done in his Ladder Match with Ambrose. So they need something different to happen to prevent Rollins himself from becoming stale. So that's where my prediction will stand.

PREDICTION: Seth Rollins retains by DQ, only for Sheamus to cash in.

"THE FINAL ENCOUNTER" HELL IN A CELL MATCH: The Undertaker VS Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman)

It's a match that has a lot to live up to. Not just on their Summerslam match, but the Hell In A Cell match held at No Mercy 2002. WWE may have selective amnesia and try to hype this match up as being the epic final confrontation, without mention of the fantastic bloody brawl that happened 13 years ago this month, but it will be the candle to which this match is held up to. Which is an unfair comparison due to what can be achieved in the PG-rated Cell matches we've become accustomed to since 2009.

This match needs to be what their Summerslam match was but kicked up a notch. Their Wrestlemania match was too slow and methodical, which minus the result and the psychology that was prevalent on repeated viewings, was nothing special. The Summerslam match was fast, intense, had momentum and offence shifting on a whim and told a fantastic story. With it being inside the Cell this time, that needs to be amplified. The brawling needs to be more vicious, more risks need to be taken, and blood will need to be spilled. While we can expect that from Lesnar, seeing it from Taker (hopefully not on the level seen in 2002) would add immense value to the quality of this long-running feud and have it be a testament to what constitutes as good in-ring storytelling. Something that Undertaker has been the champion of in recent years.

When it comes to picking a winner, this is genuinely difficult. If we were to believe this is the "final encounter" as advertised, then I would give the win to Taker. As Taker likely wouldn't be making an appearance again until the build-up to Wrestlemania 32 in Texas; having him look strong going into that event would be the ideal scenario, especially if he puts over someone in what looks to be his final in-ring bout. However, if my assumption based on my predictions video from Summerslam proves to be correct, with ONE MORE match happening as a result of what occurs in this match: I would pick Lesnar. I predicted for Summerslam that Taker's win would lead to both men having their rematch at Survivor Series, which would be the 25th Anniversary of Undertaker's debut. With the ensuing match resulting in Lesnar "burying" Taker for good, either in a one on one contest or more likely, a Buried Alive Match. The latter is where I could see this feud going if Lesnar were to win inside the Cell. Taker would be so angry at the prospect of not being able to get his avenge his streak, and have a desire to bury Lesnar with his now deceased streak. It would make for sweet poetic justice, and a very entertaining build-up as a result. It would especially make sense if Lesnar were to cheat like Taker did in August, to further rub salt into the wound. However, just like I said earlier, Lesnar would still walk out, Taker buried, shovel in hand.

Weighing up those scenarios doesn't make it any easier, but it does limit it to two simple choices: Do I choose what I want, or what I believe WWE will do.

On that note, WWE wouldn't have moved their third match to this PPV from Survivor Series if they wanted to continue it. So I will go with The Deadman to reign supreme in his yard, and avenge not only his streak, but the 2002 loss as well.

PREDICTION: The Undertaker to win.

-------------

The Hell In A Cell PPV has gotten a quite negative reputation from me since it was first held in 2009. With very few matches or whole cards delivering on any anticipated premonitions. This year however, just like last year was, it could be something worth the time. The matches all have their own elements of intrigue and if done right, could get many excited for Survivor Series. If anything, this event needs to do that, because if this event tanks and crumbles under the weight of the sterile, negative RAW product... then what hope does Survivor Series have to regain our interests in the product? We'll have to wait and see.

I've been Freddy Thomas, you've been people reading. This has been the Hell In A Cell 2015 Predictions for The CC Network Blog, and I'll see you next time.