Hell in a Cell Preview & Predictions

At the time of writing we are less than 12 hours away from the Hell in a Cell PPV. The spate of gimmick PPV's has divided opinion, some like the idea some not so much. Hell in a Cell provides an odd viewing experience. Whereas TLC has a few more match choices (table match, ladder match, chairs match or a TLC match) Hell in a Cell only has one. On Wrestleview's International Desk hosted by Darragh O'Connor and Coire McCrystal we discussed some of the short comings of the gimmick and the PPV so I won't go through them again, if you haven't heard the programme yet head over to Wrestleview.com later on and it should be up on the site.

Tonight's card has 6 confirmed matches-
1. Kofi Kingston v The Miz for the Intercontinental Championship
2. Team Hell No v Team Rhodes Scholars for the Tag Team Championships
3. Eve v Layla v Kaitlyn for the Divas Championship
4. Alberto Del Rio v Randy Orton
5. Sheamus v Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship
6. CM Punk v Ryback for the WWE Championship

What is interesting to note is compared to last years Hell in a Cell PPV as of right now there is only match scheduled to take place in the cell, CM Punk v Ryback. Last year had 2 cell matches. So there is a possibility another cell match could be added during the broadcast. So to the predictions-

1. Kofi Kingston v The Miz. A match up that seems to have been thrown together, it appeared that a Miz-Ryback feud was on the horizon until Ryback was thrust into the main event picture. Kofi came on the scene after the break up of his tag team with R-Truth. Kofi picked up the championship at Main Event in a very good match. Miz and Kofi always work well together but feud does seem to be thrown together, it's clear Miz will be moved up to the main event scene and for that reason I see Kofi retaining tonight.

2. Team Hell No v Team Rhodes Scholars. Looking forward to this one. Team Hell No are on fire at the moment, they are focal points of both Raw and Smackdown and get a lot of TV time. As for Rhodes Scholars, they are proving to be a good foil for Hell No. They've left the champs lying a few times getting the upper hand. I believe Team Hell No still has some mileage and they need the belts to carry on as a team, when they lose the titles I think that will be the end of the team. I could see a return match at TLC in a gimmick match with possibly adding one or two more teams. I'm going with Team Hell No to retain.

3. Eve v Layla v Kaitlyn. I can't see any other outcome than Eve retaining. Eve is in the spotlight and getting media exposure and from a business stand point it makes sense for her to have the belt when she is doing the media aspect. Ideally it'd be Kaitlyn but can't see it happening. Sad face.

4. Alberto Del Rio v Randy Orton. This is a match that has potential to stink the place out. Del Rio has plateaud and Orton just doesn't seem interested anymore. Del Rio is just out of the title picture so I can see Orton winning to try and build some momentum for him to move back up into the title picture. Realistically though I'd rather see someone like Barrett move up instead of Orton. As for Del Rio he'll probably hang in and around the upper mid card.

5. Sheamus v Big Show. This is where the title will change hands I believe. But will Show leave with it? Dolph has been hinting of a cash in of the Money in the Bank. At every PPV I hope Dolph does cash in and tonight will be no different. The time is right for him to be champ and to hold it for a while, through Mania. The focus will be on others and having him as champ won't be seen which will suit him. As for tonight, Show picks up the win, they have been building the KO punch as more powerful than the Brogue Kick and Sheamus has had a good run and it would be good to see him as a challenger again. Having something similar to happen to Show as what happened last year when D Bryan cashed in would be interesting to see how they develop the character with another set back. I will go for Show to win either way. Dolph to cash in.

6. CM Punk v Ryback. This was a match that was also discussed on the aforementioned Wrestleview International Desk and once again whatever I write about now will only be a repeat from the show. What will happen? Will Ryback win? Will Punk escape? In all honesty, who knows? This is a match that has piqued the interest of people and it will be the most interesting match to see how it plays out. As of right now, I'd say Punk retains, somehow. But my mind will change as the day progresses.

Those watching tonight do enjoy it and as always thanks for reading. For those who listened to the show also thank you.

Take it easy,
Gar