Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin vs. The Hype Bros
Kickoff Match
The main purpose of the kickoff match is to get the crowd excited for the show, which usually means the good guys get the win. On top of that, Gable and Benjamin are just starting their run as a team, and The Hype Bros are on the verge of a breakup.
As far as predictions go, this one may be the easiest of the bunch to call.
Winner: Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin
Randy Orton vs. Rusev
My love for Rusev is indescribable. He’s been one of my favorite acts in WWE for the past few years. Put it this way, if I was in charge, he’d be WWE Champion sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately, I’m not in charge, so I expect to see Randy Orton get the victory on Sunday night in Detroit. I’d love to be wrong, but I don’t think I will be.
Winner: Randy Orton
Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I like babyface Bobby Roode. He’s amazing as a smug, over-confident heel, but his run as a good guy on SmackDown Live has been a joy so far.
I’m also a huge fan of Dolph Ziggler’s “gimmick infringement” gimmick. He looks like he’s having a blast every time he reenacts a legendary entrance on SmackDown Live. Some fans are over Ziggler, but Ziggler is still very much over with me.
I don’t think The Glorious One is going to lose his first match on pay-per-view, but I also don’t think this feud ends after one bout. I’ll go with Roode because I think his future with the main roster is bright, but Ziggler getting the victory wouldn’t surprise me, either.
Winner: Bobby Roode
Natalya (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
SmackDown Live Women’s Championship Match
Charlotte and Natalya have had great matches before, so my hopes are high for this one. Throw in Carmella, specifically her Money in the Bank briefcase, and you’ve got everything you need to create something special.
I really want a Charlotte//Becky Lynch feud, so I’m picking with my heart and not my head. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Carmella leave with the title in her hands, even though I’d prefer to see her hold off until 2018 to cash in.
Winner: Charlotte
AJ Styles (c) vs. Baron Corbin
United States Championship Match
Unfortunately, AJ Styles has to lose the WWE United States Championship eventually. Baron Corbin could use the victory, and the title, so it makes sense for him to get the win Sunday night.
The perfect storm is brewing for a title change and Corbin victory.
Winner: Baron Corbin
The New Day (c) vs. The Usos
SmackDown Live Tag Team Championships Hell in a Cell Match
My not-so-bold prediction? This match is going to be incredible.
The Usos and The New Day are the two best tag teams in the WWE, and their chemistry together in the ring and on the microphone is remarkable. I truly believe we will be talking about this feud in twenty years, it’s been that legendary.
This is probably going to be the teams’ final encounter, at least for quite some time. The New Day will walk away from Hell in a Cell with the titles and shake hands with the Usos after the match.
Winner: The New Day
Jinder Mahal (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE Championship Match
If WWE wants to give the fans what they want, which is an AJ Styles//Shinsuke Nakamura match for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 34 next year, then there’s only one way this match can end.
Shinsuke Nakamura has to defeat Jinder Mahal and move on from this feud, which will set us up perfectly for ‘Mania next year.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens
Hell in a Cell Match
Shane McMahon is a crazy person. He’s had no regard for his body for his entire in-ring career, which has led to some amazing and memorable moments.
Kevin Owens is one of, if not the best brawlers in WWE today. He truly thrives in this kind of environment.
On paper, this is a fantastic match. Throw in the build for this thing, which included an awesome segment where Kevin Owens beat the holy hell out of Vince McMahon, and you’ve got yourself a pay-per-view main event match.
I think Kevin Owens is about to be the guy on SmackDown Live for the next few months, and an impressive performance in this match is exactly the kind of thing he needs to get the ball rolling.
Winner: Kevin Owens
What are your predictions for Sunday night’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view special? Let us know on Twitter, @TheRumbleRamble.
