Smackdown Live has been know for exciting matches and feuds because of the way the talent is utilized and the matches are usually the focus compared to Raw which has always been known for it’s gripping and compelling storylines. So, with that being said, Hell in a Cell should produce some thrilling moments. With two traditional Hell in a Cell matches slated for the PPV along with a few title matches, the balanced card is capable of exceeding expectations.

1.) Kickoff Match

Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin vs. Hype Bros

Kyle Boris: The fact that this match is taking place on the Kickoff show should give Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin a decent amount of time to show off some of their chemistry. The Hype Bros have been teasing a break-up for a few weeks now and expect to see that culminate at Hell in a Cell as they the animosity grows. I wouldn’t be surprised to See Zack Ryder leave Mojo hanging as he looks for the hot tag.

Prediction: Gable & Benjamin by pinfall

Jason Zoblin: The kickoff match should be a great way for Shelton Benjamin to get back into the spotlight. It is great to see him back in WWE and his new partnership is a great addition to the tag division. On the other side, the Hype Bros are a great mix of fun and this match will do what it’s supposed to do; get the crowd HYPE. I think because of his experience and the roll they are on, Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable will pick up the win.

Prediction:  Gable & Benjamin by pinfall

2.) Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler

KB: GLORIOUS! Following in Nakamura’s footsteps of working with Dolph Ziggler for his first program on Smackdown Live, look for Bobby Roode to make his presence known as he picks up his first big win on the main roster. I’d love to see this match open the show so a hot crowd can really get behind Roode. Another loss for Ziggler will really leave him in no man’s land and maybe the only answer is a move to RAW.

Prediction: Roode by pinfall

JZ: Dolph Ziggler has always been an underrated superstar in WWE. His in-ring abilities and mic skills are uncanny, but it always seems like something is missing. Bobby Roode is the best new superstar on Smackdown Live and has easily transitioned after his successful career in NXT. Roode is incredibly talented, and no matter what Ziggler says, Bobby has the best entrance in the business. I ultimately think this match will be a stepping stone for him to move up on the roster and Bobby Roode will have a GLORIOUS win over Dolph Ziggler.

Prediction: Roode by pinfall

3.) Randy Orton vs. Rusev

KB: Can handsome Rusev get a big PPV win? The man is one of the more talented members of the Blue Brand, but has gotten lost in the shuffle along with the likes of Sami Zayn. Randy Orton recently appeared on Edge and Christian’s podcast and stated he knows where he is in his career and wants to help put over some of the younger guys. Maybe he does that this Sunday, though I expect some shenanigans from Aiden English to help Rusev pick up the huge victory over The Viper.

Prediction: Rusev by pinfall

JZ: This feud has been brewing ever since SummerSlam. Both of the matches between these two have been quick and we really haven’t seen how well these two can fight each other. At the end of the night, because of Orton’s experience, he should come up with the win thanks to an RKO outta nowhere!

Prediction: Orton by pinfall

4.) Women’s Championship

Natalya(c) vs. Charlotte

KB: Is anyone enjoying Natalya’s reign as champion? I know she’s been in the business for a while now and this is a great milestone for her, but it’s disappointing that we still haven’t gotten a feud between Charlotte and Becky Lynch. That’s the feud everyone wants to see and hopefully we get that sooner than later. It can begin to take shape with a championship win for Charlotte at Hell in a Cell.

Prediction: Charlotte by submission

JZ: Natalya has been a successful champion as of late and she has proven herself to be an absolute force. With all the competition in the division, it has made her look stronger because she is the one holding the belt. However, this is no question Charlotte’s time to shine. The second she became a Smackdown Live superstar she has wanted the title and now as a babyface, she’ll have the crowd behind her and I think she will conquer the women’s division on the Blue Brand. 

Prediction: Charlotte by pinfall

5.) United States Championship

AJ Styles(c) vs. Baron Corbin

KB: The Phenomenal One can make anyone look good so I’m looking forward to seeing some of Corbin’s best work, yet. Styles will bring out the best in Corbin to make him look like a formidable opponent, but at the end of the day Corbin will be no match for Styles and his extensive offensive arsenal. Styles should eventually move onto bigger things and enter the WWE Title picture, but Corbin shouldn’t be the one to take the belt away from him.

Prediction: Styles by pinfall

JZ: AJ Styles has been a perfect addition to not only Smackdown, but to WWE in general. He is easily one of the best athletes in the business and is extremely exciting to watch. At this point, I think Baron Corbin is essentially a waste after he lost his Money in the Bank cash-in against Jinder.

Eventually, good heels become great when they get some fan recognition, but unfortunately Corbin hasn’t reached that level, yet. I really think this match should have been a Triple Threat with Tye Dillinger thrown in the mix but unfortunately it did not happen. This will be a quick match where AJ will retain, and hopefully it will get Corbin out of the title race, because he is not as deserving as Dillinger.

Prediction: Styles by pinfall

6.) Tag Team Championship – Hell in a Cell

New Day(c) vs. The Usos

KB: This match, like it seemingly always does, will probably steal the show. These two teams put on great match after great match and now they’re heading into Hell in a Cell. In what should be the final match of their feud, I’m preparing to see a back and forth affair between two fantastic teams. I think the hot potato with the belts will come to an end, however, as the New Day get the win and move onto new competition.

Prediction: New Day by pinfall

JZ: This feud has become personal throughout the weeks and it has progressed into probably the most brutal stipulation to date, Hell in a Cell.

The Usos are brash, raw and they can flat out wrestle. The New Day’s gimmick can get tired at times, but they have always remained relevant and they can seriously work a crowd. I feel this will be the last match between them for awhile and another tag team will be waiting for the winner. I see the New Day ultimately retaining.

Prediction: New Day by pinfall

7.) Hell in a Cell

Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon

KB: Kevin Owens precisely said he was going to throw Shane McMahon off the Hell in a Cell. I don’t think he’ll actually do that… I mean, he can’t, right?

Either way, we all know these two are capable of performing some crazy stunts and will probably lead to some of the best moments of the night. I really do believe that Owens is going to do what he said and just beat down Shane until he can’t anymore.

Prediction: Owens by pinfall

JZ: With Kevin Owens destroying Vince and insulting Shane’s family, this rivalry has gotten so vindictive that this match will be brutal. Something will big happen whether Shane jumps off the cell again or someone goes through it, but because of the circumstances of the feud and how personal it has become, Shane will be victorious and be the hero for the company.  

Prediction: McMahon by pinfall

8.) WWE Championship

Jinder Mahal(c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

KB: Nakamura has wrestled all over the world against some of the best competitors in the world. That being said, I can’t see a wrestler of that nature losing to Jinder Mahal twice. No offense to the Modern Day Maharaja, but the Jinder Mahal project isn’t working and it needs to come to an end. This reign has built him up enough that when the WWE goes on their India tour, it won’t matter if he has the belt or not. Shinsuke is where the money is and it’s time for the belt to change hands.

Prediction: Nakamura by pinfall

JZ: To be honest, I think this whole fiasco with Jinder should end soon. WWE really wanted to grow their fanbase in India so this experiment was plausible, but I did not think it would last this long. Shinsuke is a great competitor and is absolutely flawless in the ring. He deserves to win, but I’m afraid this Jinder Mahal reign might last a little longer.

Prediction: Mahal by pinfall

 

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Twitter: @KyleNoStyle