WWE Hell In A Cell 2017: Predictions, Match Card For SmackDown PPV

The first “SmackDown Live” exclusive pay-per-view in two and a half months is set for Sunday night in Detroit. Eight matches are scheduled for WWE Hell in a Cell 2017, including the pre-show, and four titles will be on the line.

Below are predictions for every match on the WWE Hell in a Cell card.

Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens (Hell in a Cell Falls Count Anywhere Match)

This has certainly been a feud worthy of a main-event match, with the story building slowly ever since Owens joined the blue brand in May. Anything can happen when there are no disqualifications, but the logical decision is to have the actual wrestler win. Shane had the biggest moment of WrestleMania 32 before losing to The Undertaker, and he held his own with AJ Styles before getting pinned at WrestleMania 33. Owens could do a lot of damage to Shane, setting up a match between himself and Triple H at WrestleMania 34.

Prediction: Kevin Owens

WWE Champion Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

The unfortunate truth is that Jinder’s title run probably isn’t ending anytime soon. At the very least, it should last through early December, when WWE is reportedly scheduled to have two shows in India. Nakamura has remained popular with the live crowds, even during such an underwhelming feud, but the Singh Brothers will likely get involved and help keep the belt on Jinder like they always do.

Prediction: Jinder Mahal

SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya vs. Charlotte Flair

The best female performer on “Monday Night Raw” currently holds the Raw Women’s Championship. It only makes sense for the case to be the same on “SmackDown Live.” Don’t expect Charlotte to tap out to Natalya for the second time in five days. Carmella could potentially get in the mix since she still holds her Money in the Bank Briefcase.

Prediction: Charlotte

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day vs. The Usos (Hell in a Cell Match)

The only thing that seems to be certain about this match is that it will be one of the best on the card. The two tag teams have swapped the titles and stolen the show three times in the last three months, and Sunday could finally mean the end of their feud. The New Day should be the favorites after winning the belts back on “SmackDown Live” a few weeks ago, though another championship reign for The Usos can’t be ruled out.

Prediction: The New Day

United States Champion AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin

Corbin became one of the few wrestlers to unsuccessfully cash in his Money in the Bank contract, and he subsequently lost his SummerSlam match with John Cena. That probably means WWE isn’t quite ready to make him a champion. Maybe Tye Dillinger will factor into the finish after feuding with Corbin over the past month.

Prediction: Styles

Bobby Roode vs. Dolph Ziggler

It wouldn’t make much sense for Roode to lose his first PPV match on the main roster. WWE probably has big plans for the former NXT Champion, and the company never seems to have big plans for Ziggler.

Prediction: Bobby Roode

Randy Orton vs. Rusev

It’s time for Rusev to get some momentum and move toward winning a title. He’s one of the most underutilized wrestlers in all of WWE, and he hasn’t done much of anything since it looked like he might get a WWE Championship opportunity in the summer. Orton doesn’t need the win, especially since he beat Rusev in just a few seconds at SummerSlam, and it’s probably only a matter of time before he has another heel turn.

Prediction: Rusev

Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin vs. The Hype Bros (Kickoff Match)

The Hype Bros are heading toward either a full heel turn or a breakup with only Zack Ryder turning heel. The latter is more likely, and it should help lead to a win for American Alpha 2.0.

Prediction: Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin