WWE Hell in a Cell 2015: Final Picks and Predictions for All Matches on the Card
On Sunday, the seventh edition of the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view will emanate live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
While the buildup to the show might have seemed a little rudderless at times, a great card has been assembled. With five scheduled title matches, as well as a truly blockbuster main event, this is looking like an unmissable event.
Brock Lesnar versus Undertaker is the bout many will be most excited about, but this is far from a one-match show. Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns should impress in the other contest set to take place inside the Cell, and John Cena's Open Challenge adds a real sense of unpredictability to proceedings.
The only questions that matter this close to the pay-per-view relate to who's winning and who's losing. Here are up-to-date predictions for every single match on the card.
Pre-Show: Dolph Ziggler, Cesaro and Neville vs. Rusev, Sheamus and King Barrett
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With Randy Orton being written off television via an attack by the Wyatt Family, the scheduled pre-show bout has given way to this intriguing six-man contest.
Admittedly, it's a matchup that wouldn't be out of place on an episode of Raw—in fact, we saw it play out on Monday—but that shouldn't detract too much from its appeal. These six competitors are all amazing athletes and should provide a lively start to the show.
Dolph Ziggler, Cesaro and Neville are three fan favourites united by their top-tier in-ring abilities. Whether it's the Swiss Superman's feats of strength or the Jumpin' Geordie's high-flying offence, we should be in for a treat.
However, that shouldn't detract from the trio across the other side of the ring. Rusev has been on the ropes in recent weeks, but a strong performance here could turn that around. Meanwhile, the often-teased tag team of Bad News Barrett and Sheamus are poised to deliver an attention-grabbing showing.
Given it's been added to the card at the very last minute, it's difficult to say which way this one will go. Either outcome has its advantages and drawbacks—and the result will likely inform who's set for a showcase in the months to come.
Prediction: Rusev, Sheamus and King Barrett
King Barrett and Sheamus are the ones to watch in this bout, and you can expect the two of them to pick up the win by working as a unit.
John Cena's Open Challenge
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John Cena's opponent for Hell in a Cell remains a mystery, but that hasn't stopped rumours circulating about the Superstar who will answer the Open Challenge for the United States Championship.
Optimists might be hoping for Daniel Bryan; pessimists will be anticipating the Big Show. We simply won't know who's set to challenge until their music hits, adding a real sense of unpredictability to the show.
However, the result of the bout seems to be fairly certain. With John Cena reportedly set to take some time off following the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, it seems very likely we'll see a new champion crowned.
That being said, there's always room for a twist on a WWE pay-per-view. There's a slim chance the title change could come on Monday night's Raw broadcast rather than at Hell in a Cell.
Prediction: New Champion
While there's some uncertainty regarding who will be champion at the end of the night, it seems unlikely to be John Cena. Dean Ambrose and Tyler Breeze seem to be the most probable challengers waiting in the wings.
Ryback vs. Kevin Owens
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At Night of Champions in September, Kevin Owens managed to snatch the Intercontinental Championship from Ryback thanks to a well-timed eye gouge. At Hell in a Cell, we'll see if the Big Guy can gain a measure of revenge.
Owens has enjoyed the opening stretch of his reign, seeing off Chris Jericho at the recent Madison Square Garden show broadcast on the WWE Network. However, Ryback seems to have some momentum behind him as he re-enters the title hunt.
While the Sin City Silverback had something of an uneven title reign, it's difficult to pin the blame entirely on his performance. A lengthy feud with the Miz and the Big Show did him no favours, and a subsequent injury added yet another obstacle in his path.
On the other hand, Owens has settled into his role as champion quite comfortably. NXT viewers will know that KO shines with gold around his waist, and it's great to see him finally become a champion after failing to capture the United States Championship earlier in the year.
Prediction: Kevin Owens
Owens is simply the right man to hold the title at this point in time. There are plenty of contenders for him to square off with, and he's completely at home with the gold. Unfortunately for Ryback, he doesn't have a chance.
The Dudley Boyz vs. the New Day
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Having beaten the New Day by disqualification at Night of Champions, the Dudley Boyz will be looking to take the titles home as they make another challenge for the belts on Sunday.
However, it certainly will not be easy. Whichever combination of Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods turns up to defend the championships, you can be sure the third member will choose to interject himself into the bout as well.
The Dudley Boyz have two solutions to this problem. The first is to bring back Spike Dudley to even up the numbers—not to mention offer up a perfect foe for one Xavier Woods.
The second is to put their trust in wood and let a table settle the score. Indeed, it's something of a surprise there isn't a furniture-based stipulation to this one, as it seemed like the questionable finish of the Night of Champions match was leading to just that.
Prediction: The New Day
The New Day are the perfect team to build the tag division around at present. There's always the chance WWE might choose to put the straps on the legendary team of Bubba Ray and D-Von, but this just doesn't seem like the right time to do so.
Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt
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The first of two Hell in a Cell matches has the same job to do as the second: end a feud that's been running for a very long time.
Roman Reigns may not have been battling Bray Wyatt for more than a decade, but it has certainly seemed like it during parts of this rivalry. Sunday seems like a prime opportunity for one man to come out on top with some finality.
While Reigns isn't quite the main event player he's destined to be just yet, it's Wyatt who's in greater need of a win. Much like his lengthy series with Dean Ambrose, the New Face of Fear has spent most of the last several months picking up losses.
Despite having considerable backup in the form of his Family, Wyatt runs the risk of becoming a villain who can never get the job done. A win over Reigns would counteract that somewhat, and as the Juggernaut rises through the ranks, it'll only become more of a point of pride.
Prediction: Bray Wyatt
If WWE has any stock in the Wyatt Family going forward, this is a must-win match for Bray. However, it has to be said Reigns has an ability to overcome the odds second only to John Cena—expect to see the Family heavily involved in the finish.
Nikki Bella vs. Charlotte
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It's no secret the Diva's Revolution has its fair share of critics. If the strategy behind the division's reboot was to emulate the gripping storyline and stellar ring work we see from the women of NXT, it hasn't hit the mark.
However, it's worth remembering we're only a few months into the attempt to resurrect a division that was stagnant for years. Overnight change is rare for a promotion as large as WWE, so continued progress over the coming months is about the best we can hope for.
Sunday's Diva's Championship match should be a method of removing the Bellas from the title picture for the time being. Charlotte's next challenger should perhaps be someone else who needs to establish themselves as a potent singles competitor—Becky Lynch would seem like a wise choice.
As the longest-reigning champion in history, Nikki Bella deserves to have a strong showing here. That being said, she doesn't hold the belt any more. Charlotte is ready to lead the division into the future, and that journey begins in earnest at Hell in a Cell.
Prediction: Charlotte
The Diva's Revolution needs to hit high gear, and to do that, Nikki needs to be removed from title contention for a little while.
Kane vs. Seth Rollins
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The Big Red Machine is a wrestler who splits opinion—especially as of 2015—but he's been excellent in recent weeks as he prepares for a rare championship opportunity.
In recent years, Kane has been at his best when he's paired with a top prospect. His time teaming with Daniel Bryan as Hell No was terrific, and his slow-burn feud with Seth Rollins has been similarly entertaining.
However, it's difficult to say his matches are the most enjoyable part of his output. Kane excels when he's giving an in-ring beatdown or putting his surprisingly capable comedic skills to use in a backstage skit, but his ability to put on a main event calibre title match is more easily questioned.
On the other hand, Rollins has demonstrated time and again he has the work rate to cover for an opponent's weaknesses. His strengths, paired with Kane's, have the potential to produce a great match—but the result seems fairly obvious.
Prediction: Seth Rollins
Lesnar versus Undertaker is the top program—there should be no doubt Rollins is set to retain.
Brock Lesnar vs. the Undertaker
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On Sunday, a feud with more than a decade of history comes to an end inside the confines of Hell in a Cell. Whoever comes out on top, expect to see a very violent contest.
The last time the Beast and the Deadman met in this sort of match was way back in 2002—and that bout left its mark on the careers of both men. That match was as brutal as they come, with even Paul Heyman finding himself covered in blood by the time all was said and done.
It remains to be seen whether we'll see that level of carnage, but all signs point toward this being closer to Hell in a Cell matches of years gone by than the tamer outings it's seen more recently. Lesnar's matches typically see someone busted open, so don't be surprised if there's blood on the canvas by the end.
The build to this main event has been strangely unfocused, but there's an argument it's a match that doesn't need much promotion. Lesnar versus Taker is a bout that demands attention, and the stipulation only sweetens the deal.
This is being billed as the last encounter between the pair, and both men will be looking to ensure this lengthy rivalry ends on a high note. Expectations are high, but a huge bout like this should be able to live up to the hype.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Lesnar broke the streak at WrestleMania 30, and he had Undertaker tap out at this year's SummerSlam. A win won't come easy, but the Beast has to be the favourite going in.
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