WWE Hell in a Cell 2016

​Pre-Show:
​Cedric Alexander, Lince Dorado, and Sin Cara vs Drew Gulack, Anthony Nese, & Ariya Daivari
There's really no better way to start a pay-per-view than with Cruiserweight division action, and these six should be able to get the crowd going which is what a pre-show match should do. As far as who wins the match I am going to go with Cedric, Lince, and Cara.

Bayley vs Dana Brooke
​At this point Dana's momentum is nowhere to found and her status on TV is that of well a jobber, because she doesn't win at all. Consistently coming up short against the likes of Bayley and Sasha it is pretty clear that we aren't suppose to take Dana seriously, and if that is in fact the case why keep her on TV. Oh yeah the depth in the women's division isn't the best so it's difficult to replace her with someone. So even though Dana needs the win a lot more then Bayley does I am going with Bayley getting the win.

Enzo and Big Cass vs Anderson and Gallows
​The tenure for both teams thus far in the WWE have been practically polar opposites due to the success that one has had and the lack of success the other has had. I am one of the people that believe Anderson and Gallows should have been the team to end the New Day's tag title run, but obviously I was alone in that department because they are still the champions. Also considering I really don't know where they are going with either team after this feud I think it would be best if Anderson and Gallows win to keep the feud going and both teams busy and not just because I don't remember the last time they won a big tag match.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match:
​(c) TJ Perkins vs Brian Kendrick
​After the questionable ending to Kendrick's match on Monday night I think it would be only fair to add Rich Swann to the match tonight. Unless of course Swann will be the #1 Contender for the title after tonight's PPV event and will face the winner at Survivor Series. The cruiserweight division is still in it's early stages so it's very hard to know how they are going to operate the division right now but we will learn in time. Its really a toss up who would win this one so I will just go with TJP retaining the title.

WWE United States Championship Match: Hell in a Cell
(c) Roman Reigns vs Rusev
​The only match of the supposed triple main event that shouldn't be called a main event because the United States champion shouldn't be held in as high a regard as the World Champion or why do you have to separate titles for the people then. Roman and Rusev are having one of the better feuds in WWE right now and they don't need to have the Main Event moniker for people to care about the match, because at this point either people do or they don't and there is no changing things for them. I think it is pretty clear though that Roman will retain the US title.

WWE World Tag Team Championship Match:
​(c) New Day w/ Xavier Woods vs Sheamus & Cesaro
​For the last 400+ days the New Day have been the WWE Tag team champions and the end doesn't seem to be insight for most people. But I think it maybe the time to put the New Day on the hunt for the gold rather than have them continue holding onto it. As hearing them talk about how they want the titles back would be a breath of fresh as compared to the promos with them having the titles. Though most would say it's too soon for Sheamus and Cesaro to win I think it might be the right type of shock for them right now and it would make fans happy to see Cesaro hold a title again.

​WWE Women's Championship Match: Hell in a Cell
​(c) Sasha Banks vs Charlotte
​ I have heard a lot people saying that they are tired of Sasha and Charlotte as it has been shoved down our throats for months at this point and people want something new. I can agree with the idea that since these two women have been feuding since January for the title that it might be time to change things around and have them both face someone new. But this is a big step for two deserving women who will take their place in history tonight as the first women to compete inside Hell in a Cell. As long as everything goes well I see Banks retaining the Women's title tonight.

​WWE Universal Championship Match: Hell in a Cell
​(c) Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins
​This will be a good match and better then Clash of Champions was especially because tonight we will have a decisive winner considering the match stipulation and Cell being involved. As far as this feud goes I think overall this match alone shows the need to the repackage this PPV and take a break from the Hell in a Cell concept. But ask for tonight I don't see the company taking the title off Kevin Owens just yet as it is far too soon to make another switch especially since they are still developing the prestige of the new Universal title. So I think Kevin gets the win.

Back in the mid to early 1990's the WWF at the time made the move to being a PG product and even to the point where they had gimmicked jobbers. They had talents with gimmicks like baseball player, hockey player, crocodile hunter, magician, garbage man, and a variety others. But either way the WWE began appealing to the younger audience like they are doing it now; things were worse or actually around the same as it was back in the 1990's because the one commonality and that is that business was down then and is on the down now or at least changing. But the one question we should all be asking is why did the WWE chose to go back to appealing the younger audience well I try and shed some light on that question below:


For the last number of years many fans of pro-wrestling have had numerous arguments and criticized many a decision based on the childish nature of the event. Most fans have hated the change from TV-14 to PG as it pertains to the WWE TV content rating. Once again let’s take a trip back in the wrestling time machine to a simpler time in wrestling and many ways a time like we are in now in terms of the environment of the overall industry. In the early 1990’s WWE cut back the tires and started appealing to kids and by 1993 they almost a G rated TV show with the over top gimmicks for talent and matches.


​But if you were watching at this time did you ever think why they would appeal to kids instead of the teenagers. The answer is if you can get a kid hooked on wrestling when they are young they are very likely to stay hooked well into adulthood. Also think about this a lot of the older demographic of wrestling didn’t the WWE product so even though the company they watched like AWA, World Class, UWF, etc may have went under doesn’t mean that you automatically go & watch the WWE as the products were too different.

Back on July 19 we not only saw the first episode of Smackdown Live, but it was also the return of the WWE draft. This time around the word has it that their will be three traditional survivor series elimination match on the night of the annual event. The three elimination match will include one for the singles, one for the women, and one of the tag team division. On this night it will also be the first time since July 19, that both brands will be on the same event on the same night.

​However, with certain names still starting to hit their strides on the new brands and some names are still struggling to get going. I will say that thus far the split has done wonders for a few names most of all for those on the Smackdown brand. James Ellsworth and The Miz are two names that I don't think would've have been doing what they are doing right now had the Draft not happened. Ask for Monday Night Raw I would think that Kevin Owens wouldn't be achieving right now what he is achieving on Raw. I'm not saying that Owens wouldn't have been World Champion without the draft it's just that their is no way he would be Champion right now had it not been for the draft.

​The reason for my opinion on Survivor Series is, because of the lack of depth that the WWE has on both Raw and Smackdown to make three elimination matches meaningful. I don't think this will hurt the brand split or anything like that but it may make the lack of depth all the more clear. But this my take and I am only one person who doesn't mind being proven wrong.

It's been 12 years and all signs pointed this sight never actually happening ever again, but once again the WWE has proven why "Anything can happen in the WWE." It is fair to say that I am not the only that never thought I would ever see Goldberg back in a WWE ring, but things change. Originally I was going to put this post up earlier but I chose to wait until I knew things were confirmed and ready to go.

Much like the last few years with Ultimate Warrior and Sting as the featured athletes for the games it was fitting that with Goldberg in that position this year he would make a comeback. Though a match hasn't been officially announced as of yet there have been rumors to insist when the match will take place. For once I will say that for once the WWE did something nice and respectable for a WCW legend. In my book a lot has changed for the WWE in the last 12 years and in a way Goldberg is the last big name from WCW to make his presence felt in the New Era.

​With the past these two men have a lot of fans may not be excited to see the rematch between these guys; if you don't know what I am talking about then check out WrestleMania 20 on the WWE Network. Seeing how well Goldberg still held himself in the ring and on the microphone I will say that I can't wait until Goldberg goes face to face with Brock for the first time in 12 years. "Brock Lesnar your are not just Next..... but your are Last!!!"
​

With Halloween right around the corner I figured brining back this seasonal series would be a great idea. In pro-wrestling there are sometimes when we see perfect match for a gimmick like Curt Hennig and Mr. Perfect. However, for every Mr. Perfect we have a Red Rooster and good, bad, or indifferent their are some gimmicks though creepy fit the person like a velvet glove. With that being said I think you know were we are going:

To have a series like this fail to mention the legendary figure in the WWE known as The Undertaker would be a crime, because very few if anyone fits that build better then him. Originally debuting as Texas Red down in World Class Championship Wrestling you may not have been able to see his potential in his first against Bruiser Brody, but he stuck with it. World Class took him to Memphis and then to WCW as a member of the Skyscrapers with Danny Spivey for a short time. Shortly after his team with Spivey ended Mark would become one of the first "Paul Heyman Guy's."

Now we have arrived at November 1990, and even though there are plenty of stories about what may have been and who Mark Calaway could've been. It was at this time that history was made, because when Ted DiBiase took the ring at Survivor Series 1990 to announce his mystery partner we were treated to the debut of The Undertaker, and the rest as they say his history. For the next 25 plus years he would keep his ghostly presence over the WWE and step up when needed as the leader of the company. Now we look, but some still remember:

The WWE Intercontinental Championship was brought into the company in 1971 when the WWWF at the time decided to unify the North and South American Championship titles. Even though nobody really knows why they chose Pat Patterson to become first champion there is no doubt that Pat didn't great things for the championship title in it's early days. See the reason I say is because Pat was neither the North or South American champion and the suppose to tournament he won never actually happened. But either way the title was a hot topic and the breading for future World Champions in it's early years.

Fast forward to the modern era and the Intercontinental title had fallen on some hard times to say the least as I believe the importance of the championship got so low that the WWE could've retired it and nobody would have cared in the slightest. That before the most recent title reign though, because in my opinion not only did The Miz resurrect his career, but he also resurrected the Intercontinental championship in the process as well. Over the 187 days or so The Miz has been in many ways the top heel on WWE TV and right now is in the prime of his career and he should that with his title run.

Seeing how successful his title reign had been it gave me an idea to now move the spotlight to those who gave importance and meaning this legendary championship. For the first time in a while we have a new series ready to kick off with an interesting concept and though you don't know what I mean yet, you'll find out when this series returns, because its a surprise.

Pre-Show:
Baron Corbin vs Jack Swagger
Character development is exactly what is missing in this feud between Jack and Baron in my book, because though Baron has the exterior of a bad ass he doesn't show it and Swagger to me just seems like someone they call upon when they need a credible loser. For that reason alone is why they are on the Pre-Show. How can things change, well do something different and stop being a cookie cutter or just like everyone else. Corbin wins as he needs the win more.

WWE Tag Team Championship Match:
(c) Slater & Rhyno vs The Uso's
The brand split has done wonders for the career of Heath Slater and he has moved from a jobber to actually someone who people want to see and look forward to seeing what he is going to do next. I mean who would have thought that Heath would have been the only surviving member of the original Nexus at a point in time. Either way that's beside the point as the WWE have done a great job in building Rhyno and Heath and I don't know that their reign should end tonight even though they may not be long term champions I still think they deserve a longer run. With that being said Slater and Rhyno win, but the feud doesn't end tonight.

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match:
(c) The Miz w/ Maryse vs Dolph Ziggler
You want to talk about helping a championship and doing wonders for a legacy that is exactly what the last 188 days have done for The Miz. This title run has been by far one of if not the best singles championship reigns in recent memory which should tell you something. It is also fair to say that Miz is in the prime of his career right now with the run he is having as IC champion and is bring importance and meaning back to the title like Cena did with US title last year. With all the rumors surroundings Dolph's future with the company in the ring it is fair to say that Miz will once again leave victorious tonight and remain the Intercontinental champion.

Nikki Bella vs Carmella
This match is perfect indication as to why the WWE should only have one PPV a month because I feel like this feud should have ended on Smackdown and if they didn't have two PPV's a month then that is exactly what would have happened. Nothing against the talent in the ring as I also feel like this is a perfect showing of the "New Era" vs "Old Guard" but they have been seen together so much on TV that excitement is gone so I think this match is just filler. I would have Carmella get the win as she has more to gain.

Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt
The match that should have happened last month, but due to outside circumstance didn't which saw Bray get the win via forfeit. Now the match will happen and it is the biggest test of Bray's career as he can defeat a "Viper." As I mentioned last month I do believe that it has reached the point where the company need not invest in Randy anymore due to his seemingly inability to stay healthy. With that being said this feud would be the best time to give Bray the spotlight and allow him to start really being pushed to fulfill the potential we all know he has. Bray NEEDS the win!

WWE Women's Championship Match:
(c) Becky Lynch vs Alexa Bliss
It is fair to say that the recent work by Alexa Bliss is displaying to world exactly why she was not just highly touted prospect, but an underrated pick in the draft. Alexa has been amazing in the build up to this match and it seems like this feud will get more time due to some outside circumstances. Last month it was Randy and now rumors behold that Becky Lynch isn't medically cleared to wrestle tonight so that will put her match in doubt. No Winner with the fact that their will be no match!!

WWE Championship Match:
(c) AJ Styles vs John Cena vs Dean Ambrose
I always say that Cena's match will be the highlight of the show and to be fair sometimes it isn't but a lot of the time it is the match of the night. With the talent in this match there is no doubt in my mind that they will put on display exactly what the WWE title means to them and why it is the richest prize on Smackdown. Now jump into reality Ambrose was a good temporary champion and Cena is likely going to disappear again which leaves one man. This is why I believe that AJ Styles retains the WWE Championship tonight.

It is fair to say that we have a lot of change in the WWE this year and most of the change we have seen has been good and has given the company a much needed shot in the arm that it has needed for a long time. We have seen so many big changes this year that it is tough to pick which is the biggest moment. The two biggest changes that come to mind is the amount of roster turnover the company went through earlier in the year with the mix of releases and talent asking for releases. Then seeing the big return of Shane McMahon prior to WrestleMania has given the company huge shot in the arm and allowed for a fresh face to be in the role of authority after 3 years of seeing the same names in that role.

​If the list of changes wasn't already long it's about to get longer because as the title mentions two long time veterans have been given new roles outside of the ring for the company. Since both names haven't been given the same role and one of them is actually out of the ring completely. Right now it is official that Mark Henry has retired from the ring and has become an office or public relations role for the company. Mark still does a few live events here and there for the company, but hasn't been seen on TV since August 1st. The other veteran will still wrestle at least one more high profile match unless plans have changed as he will be working at WrestleMania next year. It is official that The Big Show has entered the twilight of his career and will be transitioning to more of a public relations role much like Mark the only difference is that Show will be at WrestleMania next year and Mark wont be. However, Big Show does still appear on some Live events he hasn't been seen on TV since July 4th with this being the case one can see his career is near the end.

​Though both men have had glorious careers and incredible runs in the WWE as both men have been in the company for over 15 years. But all good things must come to an end also as I mentioned earlier about roster turnover taking place in the spring of this year. This would be just another form of roster turnover as retirement is inevitable especially in wrestling but it's great when you can see two veterans go out on their terms and not be forced out. Thank you to both Mark Henry and Big Show for all they have done for the WWE and pro-wrestling as a whole over the years they both have given us a whole host of memories that we will never forget and it's only a matter of time before both men enter the Hall of Pain.... oh wait I mean the "Hall of Fame"

​Congrats to both men on two fantastic careers!!!

At this point it was a few months ago that the most legendary tag team decided to hang this up after a 20 plus career together as a tag team and a total of 22 tag team championships. Bubba Ray and D-Von may not have had the best run or the type of run that most of us thought they would but at this point in their career they were in a league of their own and could take some loses and sparse wins and still be relevant.

​When the Dudley's first came around in the WWE they were one of the many new and fresh faces that the WWE was positioning towards the top of the company and giving the opportunity to become superstars. Though the Dudley's did make there names first with ECW it wasn't until they came to the WWE that they would be headliners and excessively known superstars. Not long after they arrived the Dudley's helped the WWE bring the Tag team division into the new generation with the Hardy Boys and Edge and Christian leading the charge. But then 2005 came along and the Dudley's would end up walking away from the company and headed to TNA Wrestling for the following 10 years.

​Now I will not go into their most recent WWE run as in my book I think it could've been better and they could have been given one more run with the tag team titles. However, I will say this that in pro-wrestling it is very difficult to find two guys who can work so well together and just have that chemistry with each other. Thank you to Bubba Ray and D-Von for all the memories and great matches you two are by far one of the my favorite tag team combinations. Let me just explain that one thing has changed since the retirement announcement a few months ago. Since then D-Von has apparently accepted a position as an agent with the company while Bubba seems to have take a position as a trainer and will still be competing on the Indies, but without D-Von. With that being said it is only a matter of time before the Dudley Boys join the elite of the elite in the WWE Hall of Fame.