It completely slipped my mind that Hell in a Cell was this Sunday. Since Night of Champions just occurred two weeks ago, I figured I wouldn’t be writing another predictions article for another three or four weeks. Lo and behold, I forgot that WWE goes ballistic during the fall season with PPV’s, having one every two weeks. At least this will keep me busy.
Let’s get these predictions out of the way! Before I know it, I’ll be typing up my Vengeance predictions.
Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship
John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk
It seems the reason Cena defeated Alberto for the WWE Championship at Night of Champions was to be able to set this triple threat match up. They could have simply had ADR cheat to win, giving Cena another shot, while Punk gets his deserved rematch. It’s pointless to complain about the results of that match now. Time to focus on this one.
This, just like many current Hell in a Cell matches, doesn’t deserve to be in the Cell. Admittedly, most of the contests that take place at this watered-down PPV don’t deserve to be in it (outside of Kane/Taker and possibly DX/Legacy). At least this one knows it and is aiming for a more entertaining match. I would have loved had they added another three entrants and made it a 6-Pack match, like at Armageddon 2000. Still, this will do.
With Cena winning the title at Night of Champions, this match has become harder to predict. My first instinct is to choose Cena, as he just won the title. Granted, so did Del Rio and he lost it pretty quickly. Then there’s Punk, who only lost the belt so he could face Triple H at Night of Champions, it seems. Maybe this is why they had Cena win; to make it harder to predict.
Since Wrestlemania XXVIII is drawing closer and it’s been announced that Rock & Cena will team up at the Survivor Series, I’m inclined to go with my gut and predict Cena to leave New Orleans with the title. They were hinting at their match at Wrestlemania being for the WWE title. I see them going back into that direction, with Cena most likely losing it at Elimination Chamber.
Winner: John Cena
Hell in a Cell Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton
To my surprise, Mark Henry soundly defeated Randy Orton at Night of Champions to win the World Heavyweight Championship. I was expecting a count-out or DQ victory for Orton, leading to this match, where Henry would win. Instead, we’ve got a more intriguing premise of Henry being dominant over Orton, with the latter’s rematch clause taking place in the devil’s playground.
With the way it’s being built, I have a fear that Orton is winning the title back. Not that there’s anything wrong with Randy being the champion (though I know many will disagree), but I don’t want him to cut Henry’s reign short. I may not be the World’s Strongest Man’s biggest fan, but I feel he’s earned the title and has proven so by bumping Smackdown’s ratings.
Since he beat Orton clean two weeks ago, I can see Henry doing it again inside the Cell. Orton could feud with Cody Rhodes while Henry and Sheamus pick up where their feud left off, this time with the World title in the mix. Maybe even throw Christian into the fracas. Really shake the World title picture up, instead of having the same old/same old.
Winner: Mark Henry
Potatoes, Cheese & Whine
Sheamus vs. Christian
Speaking of Sheamus and Christian, they’ve been crossing paths ever since Christian has gone on a temper tantrum. Tired of hearing him running his mouth, Sheamus is going to simply shut it. This hasn’t set well with Christian, leading to this match. Somewhere in the midst of this, Sheamus ate an Idaho Potato.
Out of all the matches on the card, this one has me the most intrigued. When these two faced off in the past, they gelled well together. Now that they have a storyline behind them, I see them stealing the show. The outcome of the match also plays a huge part in the main event scene, as the winner will most likely receive a World Heavyweight Championship match.
Since this seems to be the general consensus, I see Sheamus picking up the victory. Christian could sneak one out, as the Celtic Warrior has been pretty dominant the past few weeks (which usually means he’ll lose). Both men need the victory, with Sheamus needing to reinsert himself into the title picture and Christian needing to stay in it. Since the latter held the World title twice already, I think it’s the former’s time to step up to bat.
Winner: Sheamus
Divas Championship
Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix
Why is this match happening on PPV for the third time in a row? It’d make sense if Beth had won the title on one of the two past matches, granting another rematch. That didn’t happen though, making this third outing pointless. This is the divas equivalent of Christian vs. Randy Orton. Maybe their next contest will have Kelly going berserk and getting herself disqualified, giving Beth the title.
The only logical outcome for this match is for Beth to win. If not, there was no reason Kelly couldn’t have faced somebody else. Better yet, maybe give her the PPV off. I don’t mean this in a sexist way. Both the Intercontinental and United States Championships have missed a PPV or two this year (both missed Money in the Bank). The Divas Championship has been featured on PPV since Over the Limit (Extreme Rules was between Layla & McCool without the title on the line, since neither held it).
If Kelly wins here, it will have to be dominantly. The only reason I can conceive of this match taking place is for her to prove she’s better than Beth and not winning by fluke. I have a feeling this is what’s going to happen, but I know if I predict K2 as the winner, Phoenix will win. Hence why I’m giving the edge to Beth.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Double Trouble
Sin Cara vs. Sin Cara
Instead of giving you a few paragraphs breaking down my prediction, I’m just going to simply announce it. I guarantee you I will be right!
Winner: Sin Cara