Hell in a Cell 2012: Latest News and Rumors Surrounding WWE's Big PPV

With WWE’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 28, the excitement over one of the company’s biggest shows is through the roof.

Add in a main event that no one has ever seen before—Ryback versus CM Punk for the WWE title—and this could be one of the most unpredictable PPVs in recent WWE history.

While Ryback versus Punk is amazing, how it will end has the WWE Universe confused.

If the plan was to keep the fans guessing about this and all the matches' outcomes, the company is doing a great job.

Despite the WWE trying to keep the fans in the dark, the dirt sheets are out in force, and we will do our best to sift through the debris and find the Hell in a Cell news and rumors you can’t miss.

Keep checking back for updates as they come throughout the week before 2012’s Hell in a Cell.

John Cena Being Considered for the Main Event

With more questions than answers when it comes to booking the outcome of the WWE Title match between defending champion CM Punk and the inexperienced Ryback, the news that John Cena has been medically cleared to return to action could change the current plans for WWE officials.

Justin LaBar of WrestleZone is reporting about the possible inclusion of Cena:

"

Cena appeared on WWE programming this past week with no brace on the elbow. We've learned since then, another medical test has revealed his elbow is doing even better. This has led to talk backstage of getting him physically involved during Hell in a Cell. No word yet on if he would be inserted into a match or just given a spot, but sources tell us this positive medical news has opened up new options for WWE in booking the pay-per-view.

"

While many fans would scoff at having Cena on the PPV without advertising it, they could announce it on the pre-show and build hype for it through the internet.

Add in the fact that Cena would be able to take the pin in the main event—saving Ryback’s streak and allowing Punk to win—and including Cena is a no-brainer.

Two Potentially Huge Spoilers

With Hell in a Cell just over 24 hours away, the rumors about how the main event of the PPV will go down and what the impact the ending will have on WWE going into their huge Survivor Series event in November are coming from every direction.

Justin Labar of WrestleZone is reporting about the outcome of the main event:

"

After asking several sources their gut feeling on who would walk out with the title, they all said they feel by the final hour, the decision will be to go with CM Punk. However, one quickly added that with Vince being a big fan of Ryback, it wouldn't surprise them if he ignored other concerns and went with the young star.

"

In that same vein, PWInsider is reporting via NoDQ.com about what is being advertised for Survivor Series in Indianapolis, the location of this year’s event:

"

Local Advertisements for the 2012 Survivor Series pay-per-view are teasing the end between John Cena and CM Punk for the WWE Title…Advertisements also implied that Ryback and Big Show would be captaining Survivor Series teams at this year's event.

"

There are so many possibilities for an ending to this match that the idea of Big Show being the Paul Heyman guy that interferes on Punk's behalf didn’t feel big enough to be the swerve ending to the WWE title match.

With Lesnar looking more and more unlikely by the day, the odds of Big Show being the man that ruins the finish of Hell in a Cell are through the roof. As lackluster as it could become, it may be WWE's only option.

Ongoing Concerns with WWE Title Finish

The most talked about aspect about Hell in a Cell has been surrounding how to book the finish to the WWE Championship match between CM Punk and Ryback. On the line are Punk's long title reign and Ryback's undefeated streak.

Marc Middleton of WrestlingInc.com states that company officials have come to a consensus on the result, but it hasn't been completely finalized yet. It appears they are leaning toward Punk walking away with the title.

While unconfirmed, it's certainly not a surprise. It would be risky for a title change to occur heading up to a major event like Survivor Series, especially when you consider the top belt would be going to the untested Ryback.

It sounds like the details might not be decided until late in the process. That adds some intrigue to the equation, if nothing else.

Another Match to Be Added?

Just by looking at the Hell in a Cell match card, it's easy to tell there probably isn't enough action to fill three hours. So it's no surprise reports are starting to come out about potential additions to the show, including one for a possible tag team match.

Justin LaBar of WrestleZone.com reports the WWE is considering pitting the Prime Time Players, Darren Young and Titus O'Neil, against Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara. Both teams lost in the No. 1 contenders tournament.

The company has been making a concerted effort to make the division more important in recent months. The charge has been led by the current champions, Kane and Daniel Bryan. Adding this match would be another step in the right direction.

Jim Ross to Call Hell in a Cell

Not that it is a huge surprise given that Jerry Lawler is not quite ready to return, and he has been doing shows for the last month, but Jim Ross announced on his personal blog that he was doing "prep for Hell in a Cell on PPV this Sunday from Atlanta."

The dynamic between Ross and Michael Cole at the announce table has been outstanding in recent weeks. The best thing that WWE could have done for Cole was tone down his annoying heel antics. 

After everything Cole did during the Lawler situation, it is nice that WWE recognized this was a guy who really deserves a chance to be someone the audience can like. 

Pairing Cole with Ross does two things. It allows the matches to feel more important, because Ross is that good at this job. It also gives Cole the chance to do what he does best, which is help set up situations that Ross can give more detail on. 

Don't be surprised if a few matches at Hell In A Cell get elevated just because of the job that Ross and Cole do calling the action. 

Another note Ross dropped in his blog was about Lawler. Ross said that, while he doesn't know exactly when Lawler will return, he "assumes" that it will happen in November or December. 

John Cena’s Hell in a Cell Role Revealed

*****SPOILERS*****

At this week’s SmackDown tapings (h/t NoDQ.com), it was announced that John Cena would be on the YouTube pre-show before Hell in a Cell to address the A.J. Lee controversy.

As much as the WWE Universe complained about the terrible matches on the pre-show, this should have been the Three-Man Band’s spot to shine. If the WWE was smart, they would have advertised Cena for the actual PPV to draw in more buys.

No one knows what to expect from this pre-show escapade, but I’m sure it won’t be worthy of the 30-minute head start on the event it will force the WWE Universe to deal with. Well done, WWE.

John Cena’s Hell in a Cell Status

After rumors were flying about John Cena’s possible inclusion in the WWE Title match at Hell in a Cell, the news from Raw is that the star has been medically cleared to compete, but will still likely not be in the actual bout.

F4WOnline is reporting via WrestlingInc.com about Cena’s status for the Hell in a Cell PPV:

"

In case you missed it on last night's RAW, John Cena announced that he has been medically cleared to wrestle. The feeling is that WWE officials will still take it easy with him over the next month or so. There are no plans to put him in the Hell In a Cell main event but he is expected to have a role. There has been talk of having Cena face the winner of Ryback vs. Punk after Hell In a Cell is over.

"

While there is a chance of Cena performing after the event, that would likely be a dark match and something not televised. Why the company would allow their injured star to risk further damage in a dark match setting is beyond explanation, and it will not happen.

With Cena immersed in the A.J. storyline, the Hell in a Cell main event will be CM Punk versus Ryback, one-one-one, for the WWE title.

The WWE Universe didn’t see this coming as of a few weeks ago.

Hell in a Cell Match Added at Raw

The only match added to the actual PPV card was WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No versus tag team tournament winners Rhodes Scholars.

While there is a legitimate uncertainty about how the WWE will play this angle and who will walk away victorious, the fans should just appreciate having these four fan favorites in the ring at the same time.

Add in the rebuilt tag team division, and there is nothing wrong with letting Team Rhodes Scholars win the titles and forcing Kane and Daniel Bryan to climb through the ranks to win the back.

It’s called long-term booking, enjoy it WWE Universe.

Which Matches Will Be in the Cell?

Despite the fact that the pay-per-view is named Hell in a Cell, the current reports circulating the internet state that the WWE is thinking about only having one match that actually takes place in the cell.

F4WOnline is reporting via Wrestling Inc. about which match will be in the Hell in a Cell:

"

Plans could change but as of this weekend, the only match scheduled to take place inside the Cell at WWE's Hell In a Cell pay-per-view is Ryback vs. CM Punk for the WWE Title.

"

While nothing the WWE does ever surprises me, the fact that the entire PPV is based off the Hell in a Cell gimmick and only one match will feature it is misleading.

There are many fans in the WWE Universe that order this secondary PPV for the structure itself and will rightfully feel ripped off by just one match in the cell.

Not only should there be at least three matches in the Hell in a Cell, there needs to be one huge bump this year to keep it fresh. Someone must go flying off the cell in 2012.

I’m looking at you Kofi Kingston and The Miz.

Backstage Issues with WWE Title Match

With CM Punk trying to hold the WWE title until at least the Royal Rumble and Ryback not trying to lose his undefeated streak, the WWE has backed itself into a corner with the outcome and can’t figure out how to make it work.

The latest rumors come to us from Wrestling Observer Newsletter via WrestleZone:

"

This should not shock anyone, as WWE Writers are having a hard time coming up with a finish for CM Punk vs. Ryback at WWE Hell in a Cell. WWE officials, including Vince McMahon himself, are very high on Ryback, and do not want him losing clean at the Pay Per View. They also have talked about keeping the WWE Championship on CM Punk's waist until Royal Rumble, where The Rock will battle for the gold.

"

The Hell in a Cell stipulation has really forced the WWE creative team to think outside the box; no pun intended. With no disqualification and the company’s desire to not have a tainted finish like they did last PPV, how they finish this match will be must-see TV.

John Cena to Be Involved in the Main Event

As much as the WWE won’t try to push its injured star John Cena into action too soon, leaving him off the Hell in a Cell PPV card altogether is foolish.

No matter what role he will fill, Cena will be on the card.

F4WOnline is reporting via WrestlingInc.com about the inclusion of John Cena in the main event:

"

Now that Ryback vs. CM Punk is set for the WWE Hell In a Cell main event, WWE officials have spent the past week coming up with creative ideas for John Cena at Hell In a Cell. He is expected to have some kind of role in the main event.

"

With so much heel heat around Punk over the last two months, allowing Cena to be the special guest enforcer would be the smartest move.

Cena wouldn’t have to get up and down on the canvas like a referee would, and the company can plan all his spots beforehand. Plus, the WWE can advertise his name and benefit from his drawing power at the live event and on PPV.

Chances Brock Lesnar Appears at Hell in a Cell

While the appearance of Brock Lesnar as the catalyst for the ending of the WWE title match would be perfect, the company has remained hesitant to pull the trigger on such an epic move.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting via WrestlingInc.com about the possibility of a Brock Lesnar appearance:

"

There has been a lot of online speculation about Brock Lesnar interfering to cost Ryback the match with the idea of Ryback vs. Lesnar at WrestleMania 29. This would create a number of issues, including messing up plans for Triple H's revenge on Lesnar and the extra cost of using Lesnar on another pay-per-view above what he is contracted for.

"

The truth is that the WWE may not have a choice after backing itself into a corner like it has. If the company wants to make Ryback strong despite a loss and allow Punk to retain the gold, the perfect answer would be Lesnar.

With Survivor Series next month, the timing for the return would be impeccable if Lesnar is scheduled to compete at the November PPV.

Dolph Ziggler Ready to Cash In?

While there are still many fans who doubt that Money in the Bank winner Dolph Ziggler will win the World title at Hell in a Cell, the show-off has said he wants to cash his chance at glory in this weekend.

Ziggler told WWE.com about his plans to cash in the Money in the Bank contract Sunday:

"

Sheamus is a strong, young, powerful opponent, and the Brogue Kick has knocked me totally senseless many times, so I’ve got to go with the kick. But it doesn’t matter who wins at Hell in a Cell. After they beat the hell out of each other, I will come and cash in my Money in the Bank contract and become World Heavyweight Champion.

"

There is no doubt that this would be the perfect time for Ziggler to infuse himself into the main-event scene right before Survivor Series, but the young star has benefited from holding the briefcase.

If the company wants to keep Ziggler’s notoriety high while still not cashing in the title, they could just have the winner of the match knock out the talented young star before he can cash it in.

We all want Ziggler to be champion, but only when the WWE is set on pushing him to the top of the card and keeping him there.

Full Hell in a Cell Card (Pre-Raw)

"

WWE Champion CM Punk vs. Ryback

Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston vs. The Miz

World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Big Show

WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No vs. Tag Team Tournament Winners

Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio

"

With so many WWE superstars yet to be announced for the October 28 PPV, this week’s go-home edition of Raw will answer all the remaining questions leading into the Hell in a Cell event.

The U.S. title-holder Antonio Cesaro, the three-man band and so many others have not been given a match yet, but will fill out the card after Monday’s Raw.

We will update the full card once it is finalized.

Check back for more on the World Wrestling Entertainment as it comes and visit Bleacher Report’s wrestling page to get your fill of WWE/TNA. For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics you just can’t miss (some language NSFW).

Follow @Donald_Wood

Follow @RingRustRadio

Listen to internet radio with RingRustRadio on Blog Talk Radio