WWE Hell in a Cell 2017: 5 things that should not happen at Hell in a Cell 2017

All geared up for the big pay-per-view this weekend?
All geared up for the big pay-per-view this weekend?

It's almost become a weekly occurrence now! During every episode of SmackDown Live, a new picture emerges from the arena in which the show is taking place, showing empty stands and a disappointing turnout.

With the highly talented roster that SmackDown Live has and the wealth of possibilities that emerge from such a talent pool, it is disappointing to see just how far this show has fallen, since its glory days. This is not just a qualitative assessment, but a quantitative one too, based on falling viewership numbers and declining ratings.

This problem is easily mended, and as a fan of many a performer in the roster, we have a list of 5 suggestions that could make their upcoming pay-per-view event, Hell in a Cell, a very big success, if done right. However, make no mistake; this is a list of don't dos.

Avoiding these critical errors might just yield some great long-term benefits.


#5 Carmella cashing in her contract

Charlotte Flair needs a dominant win
Charlotte Flair needs a dominant win

No disrespect to Naomi or Natalya, but one glance at the SmackDown Live Women's Division and it is clear who the MVP of the brand truly is. Unfortunately, Charlotte Flair has been kept away from the title picture for far too long and is not seen in the same light as she had been during her run on RAW.

While Carmella looms in the background and there is always the threat of her cashing in her contract, we believe that she should not do it at the pay-per-view because it may just distract from having Charlotte Flair picking up a dominant win over Natalya. Yes, we believe that Natalya should not retain her championship.

In all likelihood that is the plan as well, considering that the result of the go-home show (Natalya defeating Charlotte Flair with the sharpshooter) is usually the opposite of what happens at the actual pay-per-view. Charlotte Flair needs to be seen as the greatest ever once again, and if booked right, WWE can absolutely make it happen.

#4 Still keeping the title on Jinder Mahal

It's time for a brand new champion
It's time for a brand new champion

When Jinder Mahal first picked up the WWE Championship, we lauded WWE for the move calling it bold, unexpected and fresh. Since then, his championship run has been quite underwhelming.

It is for no fault of his own really because he does the best with the material that he is given. It's just that the lines that he has been served during his segments are lacking in creativity and sound like they belong to a bygone era (apologies to The Vaudevillains). It's time to freshen up the product once again, and that can be achieved with a brand new champion.

We are torn with respect to whether or not Shinsuke Nakamura is the right candidate for the job, as WWE still hasn't been able to identify what makes the man a unique character. However, he's in the match, and by default, that makes him the man best suited for the job.

What about the just-announced India Tour then, you ask!? The answer is quite simple, really. Mahal could recapture the title at home to get a massive hometown pop and make the tour an even bigger success.

#3 Postponing another episode of The Fashion Files

Let's hope that WWE does not disappoint fans once more
Let's hope that WWE does not disappoint fans once more

Many fans groaned in dismay when they realized that the highly anticipated Fashion Files episode on SmackDown Live had been postponed to Hell in a Cell. Considering how the last run of the Fashion Files did not translate into a program for Breezango, it is quite possible that WWE may choose to postpone yet another episode of the show, scheduling it to air after the event.

In our estimation, this would be a big mistake. The Fashion Files are a nice change of pace during a wrestling show and can get certain fans, whose attention may be drifting over three hours, hooked to the program. Let's hope this actually translates into a storyline for Breenzango, over the long haul.

#2 Having Paige make her big return

Paige will just get lost in the shuffle
Paige will just get lost in the shuffle

This is not a knock on Paige, who we think is an incredible talent. SmackDown Live's talent pool can be best defined as 'more supply than demand'. This has led to performers such as Luke Harper, Erick Rowan and Breezango being absent from the show, on a weekly basis. Paige may suffer the same fate.

Even Lana and Tamina, who were in the midst of a storyline that was headed somewhere, had the plug pulled on them. Sure, Paige may thrive in the adulation of the audience for a few months. However, she is bound to become just another one of the girls, if brought back so soon, when the championship scene is already this crowded. Having a role to play in the title match would be a risky move as WWE should build up her comeback

To make her big return, Paige needs the right stage (yes, we know that rhymed). Having her make her comeback here just seems a tad too premature, right now.

#1 Having Rusev lose once again

Remember that 'Rusev Number 1'
In life, please always remember that 'Rusev Number 1'

Rusev is one of those superstars, who's always on the cusp of something big, but then has the rug pulled from under his feet, every time. He has great comic timing, and also has the support of the internet wrestling community.

If WWE chooses to do something with him, they could make him into the superstar that he was always destined to be, when he signed with WWE. To make this happen, they have to allow him to pick up a clean win over Randy Orton.

Orton, unlike Rusev, will not be affected too much with a loss. He's a 13-time world champion and is already seen as someone who belongs to the main event picture of WWE. A loss will not necessarily stall his momentum.

Rusev, on the other hand, could benefit greatly from a win, on a stage like this. As can we, by hearing your valuable comments, in the section below. Let us know what you think of our assessment of the pay-per-view. Join us this weekend, for live coverage and a 'Best and Worst' analysis of the event, as well.


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