WWE Hell in a Cell 2017: 5 potential finishes for Randy Orton vs. Rusev 

At first glance, this match seems like too big of a deal to just be on the undercard of a B-level pay-per-view. In many ways, it belongs up the card in the spot reserved for the two WWE Championship contenders.

Considering that one of the men is a former US Champion and the other is a 13-time WWE Champion, this should have been a bigger match than it is. Unfortunately, both men are in a holding pattern in a non-title program before it's their time to shine. Therefore, they've been relegated to the position that they are currently in.

This is a very significant match, despite the fact that there is no championship attached to this one. It could elevate Orton back into main event status again. It could launch Rusev and give him the push that many have felt that he always deserved. It could be a dark horse match that could really steal the show.

Let's look at 5 possible scenarios of how this match will possibly play out, this weekend, at Hell in a Cell.

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#5 Lana helps Rusev win

It would be awesome to see the two of them back together again!

Rusev has not felt the same since they made him and Lana split up just a while ago. Lana's career did not really take off either, considering that she wasn't really very good in the ring. Moreover, her short-lived alliance with Tamina Snuka did not go anywhere either.

WWE may want to bring the two of them back together again. It would be really cool to have Lana come out to ringside and interfere in the match, helping Rusev pick up a big win. Lana is far better as a valet for Rusev than a companion for Tamina Snuka. Together, they could dominate the SmackDown Live roster again.

It would also protect Randy Orton in a way, since he would not lose the match clean, in this case. Rusev would have his moment, without Orton losing any steam.

Lana's not the only person who can interfere in this big match between these two megastars, though...

#4 Aiden English helps Rusev win the match

Aiden English has unfinished business with Randy Orton

Not many fans expected Aiden English to last long in the company, especially with the departure of Simon Gotch. However, WWE has given English a real push of late, and with his singing gimmick, he's cemented his place as a mid-carder on SmackDown Live. How so? By being a thorn in the side of Randy Orton.

While Orton has gotten the best of Aiden English on most occasions, the latter got a lot of offence in, during one of their singles clashes, much to the shock of the audience. It is clear that he has some kind of business relationship with Rusev right now, and therefore, he could be in Rusev's corner and help him to pick up a big win against 'The Viper' at Hell in a Cell.

While it would be a step down for Orton, it could also lead to a program between the two men in the weeks to follow on SmackDown Live. Actually, will it be a step down for Orton? After all, he was in a program with Jinder Mahal, a man who was enhancement talent, until not very long ago!

#3 Luke Harper helps Rusev win

Could Harper be repackaged and entered into a feud with Randy Orton?

There were strong rumours that Luke Harper was going to be repackaged and introduced in a brand new avatar very soon, on the blue brand. What better way for this new gimmick to make its debut, than to take out 'The Viper' and make an instant impression.

WWE may want to go down this route, considering the classic that these two men had at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. The two men could have yet another fascinating feud running over the next few months. One could totally elevate the either.

In booking Harper in such a manner, Orton does lose this match but goes on to a very interesting feud. On the other hand, Rusev gets a much-needed win and goes on to challenge for a title, maybe?

#2 Randy Orton wins clean

Will Rusev eat a massive RKO at Hell in a Cell?

This is the most anticlimactic scenario of the lot, but definitely a very likely one too. Orton needs a big win to step back into the title picture once again. If Corbin becomes the US Champion, in particular, Orton may need some momentum to go up against the man.

Of course, Rusev does need a big win much more than Orton does, but Orton is one of the few marquee names on SmackDown Live, and WWE may want to protect his character with Cena having departed from the brand.

There's also another possibility. WWE may want to extend this program over the forthcoming months, with the two men trading wins, much in the vein of The Usos and New Day. However, we think that the following scenario is the ideal one.

#1 Rusev defeats Randy Orton

This is the best long-term booking decision in our opinion

Rusev came into the main roster with much momentum. Ever since he lost to John Cena at WrestleMania, his career has never really been the same. He has been booked in a variety of feuds since then and has always been in the mix. Sadly, he has never reached the potential that most feel that he should have.

He needs a big win against Randy Orton to recapture the momentum that he once lost, and become the monster that he was always destined to be. Ideally, by having Orton tap out to the deadly submission move, 'The Accolade'.

Rusev has all the tools to be seen as a top-level heel or babyface. He's great in the ring, has amazing comic timing and looks like an ox. All he needs is a big push, to reach the next level. He can easily get one with a big win.

That concludes our list of 5 potential finishes for this massive grudge match. Can you think of any others? Let us know in the comments below. We will see you during Hell in a Cell for results, live coverage and a post-show 'Best and Worst' analysis.

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