Ahead of tonight’s Hell in a Cell, we preview the card and predict what may happen.
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
In my view, this angle has been well-booked, well executed and the ‘visionary’ was the perfect pairing to introduce Cody Rhodes back into WWE. The match on the night of Cody’s return at Wrestlemania 38 was possibly not given enough credit, given the focus on the enormity of the story of the return of the prodigal son. However, it did exactly what it needed to do- gave Rhodes a challenging match in which ultimately, he was able to use the signature moves- Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes, to carve out a hard earnt victory. The subsequent promos transitioned form humour and seemingly some respect into a much more personal and serious feud. The match at Wrestlemania Back-Lash reflected this and was at times a more even encounter but Rhodes again scored the victory, sending him on a winning streak which will presumably lead to a charge for the Tribal Chief later down the line.
Prediction- Cody to win- I feel they don’t want him to lose yet and want to get a real charge of momentum behind him, they will need to build Seth back up though as it is almost unthinkable for a talent of his calibre to lose three times in a row to the same opponent.
Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lunch
Bianca Belair has been a breath of fresh air as RAW Champion; she’s brought a fresh energy to the title and great individuality to boot. She’s impressed both in the ring, for example against Sonia Deville, but also on the mic as well and as such has kept a good level of interest around her crown. A showdown with Becky Lynch would be enough to make this an intriguing encounter, especially given Lynch’s excellent promo on this week’s RAW leading up to the match. However, adding the unique imitable Asuka into the mix means this is an even more exciting championship clash, as again this week’s RAW teased so well.
Prediction- Bianca to retain, it wouldn’t surprise me if this three way rivalry continued in some form for some time to come.
Theory vs. Mustafa Ali
Since his Wrestlemania 38 angle with Pat McFee and his mentor Mr McMahon, Theory (formerly Austin Theory) has had some momentum behind him. He captured the WWE United States title against Finn Balor and has went onto feud against Mustafa Ali. Again, I feel these two are a great pairing and have an enjoyable chemistry together. The booking of the angle, including the involvement with Miz and Veer Mahaan, have helped to create a perception of Theory as perhaps scared to take on Mustafa on a level playing field. Will the reduced likelihood of interference in Hell in a Cell create the opportunity for Mustafa finally to win the United States title? Or will Theory silence his critics?
Prediction- Theory to win clean, to help ‘legitimatise’ for doubters what Mr McMahon sees in his protégé.
Kevin Owen vs. Ezekiel
This feud seems to have been going on for a while now and it will be interesting to see if there is a payoff/what it is here. There has been some memorable moments to it and particularly enjoyed were the two ended up involved in the eight-man tag team picture with other stars RK-Bro, Cody, Seth and the Usos on Randy Orton appreciation night. It will be interesting to see where Ezekiel goes next with his new alter-ego if tonight does end the feud.
Prediction- Ezekiel to win.
Finn Bálor, AJ Styles, and Liv Morgan vs. The Judgment Day (Edge, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley)
Some wonder if Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley were split up prematurely but it has allowed a good feud to develop between the new Judgement Day faction that Ripley has now joined against Morgan, Finn Balor and AJ Styles. This I feel has been good for all concerned. Balor come off the back of a couple high-profile losses and I really like the pairing of him alongside AJ Styles and now Morgan to. A considerable amount of TV time has also been allocated to the Judgment Day faction which has helped to revitalise Edge, give Priest a clear sense of direction and bring a new dimension to Ripley’s character. There’s also plenty of opportunity for either Ripley vs. Morgan in the women’s division or either/both teams to challenge each other or more widely in the tag team picture.
Prediction- Judgement Day to win.
Bobby Lashley vs. Omos and MVP
This road to this one started in earnest on the RAW after Bobby Lashley’s victory over Osmos at Wrestlemania 38. MVP, then Lashley’s manager, then turned on Lashley and aligned himself with Osmos and later helped him to beat Lashley at Wrestlemania Backlash. A steel cage match ten followed and Lashley then challenged Osmos to a match where the winner would choose a stipulation for Hell in a Cell. Osmos won that one and as a result here we are with a 2-on-1 handicap match.
Prediction- Bobby Lashley to win.
Madcap Moss vs. Happy Corbin
In a pay-per view which seems to be dominated by RAW superstars in many way, this no-holds barred match will be of much interest to fans of SmackDown. The road here has been brewing for weeks on the blue branded show and all started with Madcopp Moss winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. The pair subsequently turned on each other and the rivalry has grown ever since. Again there’s been a mixture of humour and violence and it is unclear in some ways who will walk out the victor here.
Prediction- Madcap Moss to win.
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