Well the RAW weekly shows have largely been stinkers, but the brand has a pretty damn solid lineup for this PPV, including three Hell in a Cell matches (which is undoubtedly too many). But what's noteworthy about this show is the inclusion of the first-ever Women's HIAC match, and for me that's the big draw. I'm hoping WWE puts that one on last since neither of the other Cell bouts is likely to top it, and it involves by far the best of the three feuds. But anyway, let's get to the predictions.
***I lead Dan 46/74 to 45/74, thanks to an abysmal 2-for-6 showing at No Mercy***
PreShow: Cedric Alexander, Lince Dorado & Sin Cara vs. Tony Nese, Drew Gulak & Ariya Daivari
This is just a way to get more cruiserweights on the show. We haven't been given much of a reason to care about any of them beyond the Cruiserweight Classic tournament unfortunately. Here's an idea, add Neville to the division instead of jobbing him out to Bo Dallas. Dopes. This'll be a fun match but nothing terribly memorable.
Justin's pick: Alexander, Dorado & Cara
Dan's pick: No clue who any of them are, so the other guys
Enzo & Cass vs. The Club
Not a ton of interest in this feud if I'm being honest. Anderson & Gallows still feel very flat as heels and I'm not sure what's missing, other than the fact that they were separated prematurely from their leader AJ Styles. Maybe they should be moved to Smackdown. Enzo & Cass are still doing their schtick and the crowd still likes it. The match should be fine, I'm just not invested.
Justin's pick: Enzo & Cass
Dan's pick: Enzo & Cass
Bayley vs. Dana Brooke
These two had a pretty bad match on RAW a couple weeks ago that ended with Dana pinning Bayley clean, only because Dana was too short to get her legs on the bottom rope for a cheap win. Ooops. I like Dana as a character but her in-ring skills need a lot of work. She really should still be in NXT. Bayley on the other hand should be pushed to the moon because she's awesome.
Justin's pick: Bayley
Dan's pick: Bayley
WWE Cruiserweight Championship: TJ Perkins vs. Brian Kendrick
It's a rematch from Clash of Champions. Kendrick makes a good heel, while Perkins is pretty devoid of personality and I'm honestly not sure why he was chosen as the inaugural Champion (aside from their first choice Kota Ibushi being unwilling to sign a contract). But I could get behind a lengthy Kendrick run. The match should be solid.
Justin's pick: Kendrick
Dan's pick: I like Kendrick. But the whole Cruiserweight division is severely lacking in story lines. Maybe a new heel champ will help.
WWE Tag Team Championship: The New Day vs. Sheamus & Cesaro
I like the pairing of Sheamus & Cesaro and wouldn't mind seeing them win the tag belts and eventually gel as a team like Daniel Bryan & Kane did. However I'm not sure it'll happen this time because The New Day is so close to breaking Demolition's longevity record. 'Twould be stupid to take the belts off them before then. Maybe have New Day lose by DQ or countout?
Justin's pick: New Day retains
Dan's pick: Ditto
US Championship Hell in a Cell match: Roman Reigns vs. Rusev
This feud is fine but I don't wanna see it anymore. I wasn't terribly impressed by their Clash of Champions match, but the bells & whistles of a HIAC should make this an improvement. I'd put this match on early. I can't see Reigns losing the US Title so soon unless they're planning on an Owens vs. Reigns feud (which is possible). But presumably they'll both be involved in the 5-on-5 Survivor Series match next month.
Justin's pick: Reigns
Dan's pick: Yup
Universal Championship Hell in a Cell match: Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins
Mechanically their match at COC was quite good, but emotionally it was missing something. Rollins still isn't clicking as a babyface and I think the company really dropped the ball by not turning him right when he came back in May. It also doesn't help that Owens and Jericho are such a funny act, they've become more likable than the resentful Rollins. Kinda tough to root against someone who makes you laugh. It's also a stretch to say this match warrants a Cell - it's not like this is a blood feud yet. But it'll be a good bout. Owens ain't losing yet.
Justin's pick: Owens
Dan's pick: Our picks suck this week
Women's Championship Hell in a Cell match: Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte
This has to go on last. It's Sasha in her hometown, and it would be historic - the first women-headlined main roster PPV. Not to mention this is the only feud that's at all earned a Cell match. I'm really excited to see what Sasha and Charlotte can do with this format. We should be in for something really special. Presumably this will blow off this feud and Sasha will move on to Nia Jax for a while until Bayley makes a run at her for WrestleMania.
Justin's pick: Sasha
Dan's pick: Booooooooring
That's what we're lookin' at for Hell in a Cell, folks. The storylines may suck, but there's a whole lotta talent looking to make an impression, and we should see a fine PPV. Thanks for reading!
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