Weekend Wristlock: 5 Predictions For Hell in A Cell 2018
I want to start with an apology for my two week absence. I'm now back to my usual schedule.
Hell in a Cell is upon us on Sunday, and when you look at the card, there are more interesting matchups coming from the Smackdown side in my opinion. We have potential title changes and character changes aplenty at the event, and I'm much more excited than I thought I'd be.
With Evolution and Super-Showdown coming up, this pay-per-view is being overlooked by many, but there is still a lot of intrigue when it comes to this match card. Per usual, we will only be going through five predictions, rather than the entire card.
5. Becky/Charlotte Double Turn
I hated Becky's heel turn at Summerslam at first, but it's honestly growing on me. Her attack on Charlotte from the crowd was fantastic, and she has the look of a badass who doesn't care, and just wants what's rightfully hers.
The last few episodes of Smackdown, however have begun to weave the web of a potential Charlotte heel turn. After the post-Summerslam edition of Smackdown, Becky has yet to diss on the fans (the surefire way to draw heel heat). Flair hasn't done that either, but her arrogance is starting to show up again.
I can see the champion retaining, but through nefarious means. Whether it's via something like a thumb to the eye, using the ropes during a pinfall or more obvious like hitting Lynch with the belt, I think Charlotte will cheat to win, thus giving us even more reason to cheer for the Irish Lasskicker over The Queen.
4. Brie Bella Defeats Maryse
To me, the feud between Daniel Bryan and The Miz isn't boring, but ever since they've added Brie and Maryse, it's been feeling like we're stuck in a rut. I've expressed my feelings on Bryan and the Bellas in the past, and these last few episodes of Smackdown have not helped that cause.
I'm sorry for being pessimistic, but I'm just not excited for this match. I will say that I don't think Miz and Bryan will be involved in the final decision of the match. This will simply be a way of promoting their match at Evolution. Brie will beat Maryse, and all we'll hear about is their match at the first ever all-women's pay-per-view, WWE Evolution.
Which match are you most excited for?
3. Orton Pins Hardy... After A Legendary Moment
I'm legitimately worried for this match. I heard that all Jeff Hardy wanted for the rest of his career was a hell in a cell match. He also tweeted that he will give us a moment we'll never forget. The obvious conclusion is aj attempted Swanton Bomb off the top of the cell.
Unfortunately, I think this will happen. Sure, it'd be an awesome sight, and a moment that will live forever in WWE history (not to mention a great way to end his career), but I don't want to witness anything horrific. I think he'll miss the move, giving Randy the easy pin.
2. New Day Turns Heel
Smackdown had a bittersweet moment for me, as we saw Rusev Day earn a tag team title match, but I'm a big fan of The Bar, so I was still rooting for them. I am happy for Rusev, Aiden English, and Lana, and hope (as well as predict) they capture gold on Sunday.
The most intriguing possible ending is what happens post-match. I think the challengers win the match to create this great feel-good moment. The New Day come up to shake hands and raise their arms, before the assault begins. Turning New Day heel does a few things.
It freshens their character, since many fans have gotten bored with the same over-the-top pancake shtick (I'm not one of them). It also gives Smackdown a much needed heel tag team, since Sanity and The Bar are the only options since the Bludgeon Brothers aren't active. A New Day heel turn would be great for all parties involved, especially if it means giving the titles to Rusev Day.
1. Mick Foley Helps Reigns Retain
Braun Strowman cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase in advance didn't really seem like a heel move at first, but we soon saw it was indeed the beginning of a character change. I really like the stable of Braun, Dolph Ziggler, and Drew McIntyre (aka the "Dogs of War"). It's just a shame they're likely building everybody up just to feed Strowman to Roman Reigns (to make him look more credible).
I think this will be the first of many meetings between the two in the upcoming months. I also think the addition of Mick Foley as the special guest referee is a great way of celebrating the 20 year anniversary (albeit not down to the day, or even the month) of Mankind's legendary match with Undertaker at King of the Ring.
After what Strowman said about Foley on Raw (Braun will deliver pain to him if he gets in his way), I believe Roman will kick out of a Powerslam at a 2.99999 count, which will make Braun snap and grab the legend. This distraction will allow Reigns enough time to recover and hit Braun with a bunch of Superman Punches and Spears until Strowman stays down for the three count. It's either that, or Braun gets pinned after a Mr. Socko.
Note: Can somebody please tell me what Roman's finisher is? He uses the Superman Punch and Spear about 759 times during every pay-per-view match, and it confuses the hell out of me.
Which title is most likely to change hands?
Thank you guys so much for reading! Please give me some feedback in the comments section and let me know what you think of my predictions! What are some of your own? I appreciate you guys, and let's hope Hell in a Cell is a great show!