October 27, 2012|By Adam Testa and Arda Ocal
Adam: A victory for Rhodes Scholars would make the number-one contendership tournament more meaningful. It's also the right call. Kane and Bryan have been tremendous in their roles, but it's time for something to change. I'd love to see new champs crowned, leading to Kane and Bryan refocusing and beginning to work together to regain the titles. It seems obvious that Kane and Bryan would split, but I think it would be more compelling to see them put personal pride aside and learned to be a team. That might be too in-depth for WWE's standard fare, though.
Prediction: Rhodes Scholars
World Heavyweight Championship
Sheamus (c) vs. Big Show
Arda: Dolph Ziggler is in the mix in this match by virtue of holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. I think, more than ever, mostly because so many people want him to win the gold, it is assumed that when he cashes in, he will win the World Heavyweight championship. Wouldn't it be interesting if Sheamus won the match, Dolph cashed in but somehow lost? We all know eventually Dolph will be champion anyway, whether its because of the MITB briefcase or not. Give me Sheamus retaining. But if Show wins the gold, he loses it somehow in less than 45 seconds.
Prediction: Sheamus
Adam: The whole story of the build to this match has been whether Sheamus is even capable of hitting the Brogue Kick on a giant like Big Show. Logically, that would mean the match ends with Sheamus hitting the move and beating Big Show with it. I don't see Ziggler cashing in, simply because he's been saying he will. I think he'll try and get close again, but not actually cash it in. Sheamus' reign will continue.
Prediction: Sheamus
WWE Championship
Hell in a Cell
CM Punk (c) vs. Ryback
Arda: A lot of people are predicting Brock Lesnar interferes in this match, costing Ryback the victory. I like the idea of interference, but not Brock Lesnar. I like the idea of someone new joining Paul Heyman's fold -- whether it's a guy like Seth Rollins or Colt Cabana or someone tied to CM Punk in some way -- and showing they are also a "Paul Heyman guy." I do believe Brock Lesnar will one day interfere in a CM Punk title match, but I see that day coming at the Royal Rumble, costing The Rock the title against Punk and setting up Rock vs. Brock at WrestleMania. In the meantime, Ryback looks strong, having beaten up CM Punk every which way in the cell, but loses cheaply due to interference. Ryback then has a palpable rivalry with the man who cost him the gold. I still look for CM Punk to hold the championship until WrestleMania, where he will have held it for 505 days.
Prediction: CM Punk
Adam: WWE has seemingly backed itself into a corner with this match. It's unconceivable they would want to end Punk's major run or Ryback's undefeated streak. There have been a number of theories thrown out there, from interference to a time-limit draw. I don't know which route WWE will go, but I don't see this having a clean ending, and I see Punk walking out with the gold still around his waist -- or at least in Paul Heyman's arms.
