10 Early WWE Hell In A Cell 2016 Predictions
3. Rusev Loses... Again
It’s a troubling time to be a Rusev fan, but this was always WWE’s likely direction when The Bulgarian Brute started tangling with Roman Reigns. Reigns unseated Rusev to become WWE United States Champion at Clash of Champions, and when a lengthy rematch ended in a double count-out on Raw, the seeds were sown for another PPV showdown.
In all likelihood, Rusev will take another clean loss to Reigns at HIAC. Roman remains one of the company’s most highly-protected acts, and with no signs of a heel turn or character switch-up in the future, that’s not going to change any time soon. They won’t have him lose the belt on his first defence, and he’s likely headed for a long reign before eventually being thrust into the Universal Title scene.
WWE must be very, very careful in how they handle this one. Rusev is one of their most effective heels, and they can’t afford to bury him in the manner they did while feuding with John Cena last year. Reigns might be their priority, but Rusev is a great villain, a tremendous wrestler, and must be protected if he’s to realise his full potential.
Let’s be honest, though: this is WWE, and they’ll be more than happy to bury The Bulgarian Brute at Roman Reigns’ expense. It’s a worrying idea, but one that’s almost certain to come to pass.