Ziggler, Cesaro, Neville vs. Barrett, Sheamus, Rusev
Predicted Winner: Ziggler, Cesaro, Neville
This match is the result of creative having no ideas for these men, and Vince says “Get them on the card!” This is essentially a congealed mishmash of multiple storylines. That being said, these men consist of some of the most talented and underutilized members of the main roster. As far as six man tag matches go, this will be filled with good spots, and may actually be one of the better kickoff matches in recent history. Don’t expect a long match, but hopefully we can see each man highlight some of their specialties. Neville to pin Barrett.
Kevin Owens vs. Ryback (Intercontinental Championship)
Predicted Winner: Kevin Owens
Although one of the better feuds for Ryback, this is far from the best Kevin Owens feud thus far. Kevin Owens was given a simple task here, elevate Ryback without losing the title. So far, he looks about the same, regardless of the outcome of this. The match itself will be something we have seen before. Ryback does tend to try new things on PPVs, so we may get a slightly more elevated match than usual. Other than that, this will be a relatively normal upper midcard match. Kevin Owens to win.
Charlotte vs. Nikki Bella (WWE Divas Championship)
Predicted Winner: Charlotte
This is essentially the blow-off of this feud. After this, Charlotte should hopefully be onto bigger and better things, and we can continue to rebuild the division. Although Nikki has improved greatly, this match will still be a floundering, average match. Charlotte to win clean.
The New Day vs. Dudley Boyz (WWE Tag Team Championship)
Predicted Winner: Dudley Boyz
The New Day remain one of the most entertaining acts in the WWE. Adding the Dudleyz has added a nice spark to the division, but it has created a bit of a gap between these two teams and the other teams. Regardless, with the athleticism vs. experience factor, this will be one of the better showings. The Dudleys winning sets up a bit of a fresh(ish) change going into Survivor Series. It is only a matter of time before we see a tables match between these two teams (which will come during TLC in mid-December), so expect these men to be involved for another few months. 3D win.
Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt (Hell in a Cell match)
Predicted Winner: Bray Wyatt
This feud seems to be dragging, so we are lucky that this seems to be the final meeting between the two men for a while (unless they decide to do a Wyatt Family vs. Team Roman Survivor Series match). Both men have their talents in multiple areas, but none of them truly shine in one on one matches. That being said, the addition of the cell may provide some good bumps between the two men. Roman and Bray are both no stranger to falling victim to high spots, so we may luck out with one out-of-cell high spot (because there is zero chance that Lesnar and Undertaker will take a bump like that). With the reintroduction of the Wyatt Family, Bray needs the win here.
John Cens vs. ??? (WWE U.S. Championship)
Predicted Winner: ???
Not knowing the challenger is one of the best parts of this show. Most of us are under the knowledge that John Cena plans on taking some time off after HIAC. This will likely lead to a new champion, whoever it is. Some of the more ideal picks include: Sami Zayn, Tyler Breeze or Samoa Joe. Dean Ambrose, or any of the missing Wyatt members are also possibilities. The worst case scenarios would be The Miz or The Big Show, as they are both not on the card. The outlier here would be Carlito. Provided he signed a contract in secrecy, this would be the ultimate way to reintroduce him to the company (considering this is how he was introduced to Smackdown back in 2004). Let us cross our fingers that WWE decides to not play it safe, and give the audience something a little different.
*Interestingly enough, if John Cena was to hold the title for another few weeks, he would pass MVP and become the longest reigning (combined reigns) US champion since the reincarnation of the title. Currently, Rick Rude, MVP, Blackjack Mulligan, Greg Valentine, Flair, and Luger are in front of Cena. MVP has a combined reign of 419 days, and Cena is at 403 as of October 21st.
Seth Rollins vs. Kane (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
Predicted Winner: Seth Rollins
Throughout the many changes the WWE has gone through since the mid-90s, Kane has been one of the few consistent forces. He has been one of the most loyal full-time members of the roster in history, which is a very rare thing in wrestling that pre-dated the acquisition of WCW. Although the ratings did take a dip, Kane does deserve one final shot at the title. This may very well be his last main event match, so take it in and celebrate the man that has given so much to this industry. This would be a fitting PPV and month to go out on, as the Kane character made its debut on October 1997 at Bad Blood.
Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar (Hell in a Cell)
Predicted Winner: Brock Lesnar
Much like the matches before it, this one will be entertaining, and more of a physical brawl than a technical masterpiece. This “should” be the final meeting between the two men, so hopefully it will topple the other matches. Brock Lesnar going over makes sense on two fronts. The first is that he will be more of a presense in the WWE, so it is smarter to keep him dominant. The second is that it gives Taker a reason to disappear again and not show up until before WrestleMania. Other than that, Brock to win clean.
