WWE Hell in a Cell 2014: Biggest Talking Points for PPV Event

With just under two weeks to go until World Wrestling Entertainment's Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, only two matches have been announced for the annual October extravaganza. Still, there are several undercard bouts that have been hinted at, some of which have the potential to bring some outstanding action to the WWE Network broadcast.

History indicates that the fall pay-per-views have a tendency to disappoint or even be largely inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. WWE typically bides time until the road to WrestleMania kicks into high gear in January. While that may or may not be the case heading into the October 26 event, there is definitely a sense of the booking being somewhat lethargic.

Still, there are more than a few talking points entering Hell in a Cell—all of which you can delve into below.

Credit: WWE.com

The Rise Of The Lunatic Fringe

No one ever wants to see a Superstar or Diva undergo emergency surgery or suffer any sort of injury that will sideline them for some time. That is especially the case when the competitor suffering the injury was to be a major part of the build to WrestleMania and the guy the company sees as the future of the industry.

In Roman Reigns' absence, though, Dean Ambrose has had the opportunity to see his television time increase, his character develop into one of the most popular on WWE television and will now compete against John Cena in a high-profile PPV contest. 

Along the way, there has been more than a hint from audiences that Ambrose could be the star that not only usurps the top spot in the industry from Cena but also sends the product in a different direction. His edginess and attitude is unlike any fans have seen in, at the very least, five years. He is unpredictable, unstable and his antics make for great TV, even when the rest of the show is decidedly awful.

His match with Cena at Hell in a Cell will prove to be his most important to date. Will he defeat Cena and move on to vanquish rival Seth Rollins inside the devil's favorite structure, or will Ambrose fall just short, courtesy of The Authority, who wants nothing to do with the out-of-control young star?

Credit: WWE.com

Rusev's Next Step Up The Ladder

On the October 6 episode of Raw from Brooklyn's Barclays Center, Rusev shared the ring for a memorable and unexpected promo involving The Rock. Rusev withstood all of the Great One's trademark insults, then stood defiantly before him and called him an "American piece of garbage." It was a moment that gave the Bulgarian Brute tremendous rub and established him as a guy the company sees on the level of its most elite stars.

At Hell in a Cell, some 20 nights after his monumental moment with The Rock, the super athlete will have the opportunity take one step closer to the main event scene in what should be a singles bout against The Big Show.

The giant is still a fairly big star within the WWE Universe and a win over him, especially if it comes courtesy of the Accolade submission hold, will only further put Rusev over as an unstoppable beast of a competitor.

How he dispatches of the World's Largest Athlete will be key, however, because a pinfall victory is nothing special, given how many times Big Show has lost throughout his career.

Credit: WWE.com

A Sibling War Between Brie and Nikki?

One of the hotter undercard stories in WWE right now is that between twin sisters Brie and Nikki Bella. Since the latter's shocking betrayal at SummerSlam, the sisters have been at each other's throats. Outside of a truly awful segment involving guest star Jerry Springer, the storytelling has been surprisingly sound and solid, with Nikki forcing Brie into situations she, herself, had to endure. The only difference is that Brie has been able to emerge victoriously more often than not, which was definitely not the case for her sister.

With two quality Divas feuds unfolding on WWE television, WWE Creative has its choice as to whether or not it wishes to throw Brie vs. Nikki on the card or Divas champion AJ Lee vs. Paige. Given the amount of times fans have been exposed to AJ vs. Paige over the last few months, it is time to go ahead and give Nikki and Brie the stage.

Given the strong booking that has existed in their rivalry to this point, odds are the story and the spectacle would be enough to overcome any of their weaknesses, leading to a quality contest.