10 Early WWE Hell In A Cell 2016 Predictions

2. The HIAC Match Won't Deliver

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More than any other match format, Hell In A Cell has suffered through WWE’s PG restrictions. The company have understandably had to water-down what used to be the sport’s most dangerous match, and you have to go all the way back to 2007 and The Undertaker’s match with Batista to find a truly great HIAC.

Deah Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins (2014) was good, The Undertaker vs. Triple H (2012) was good (but not as good as Triple H would have you believe), but that’s about it. Mostly, the PG era’s HIAC matches can’t compare to Shawn Michaels & The Undertaker’s 1997 classic, or Triple H’s brutal war with Cactus Jack at No Way Out 2000, and that’ll likely continue this year.

Regardless of the participants, the Hell In A Cell match isn’t going to live up to its old standards. The PG rating prevents the wrestlings from taking the gigantic risks of old, and while that’s obviously beneficial for the wrestlers’ wellbeing, it does diminish the match’s mystique.

Shane McMahon did make a spectacular dive from the cell at this year’s WrestleMania, but the match was a slow, clunky affair that was stretched-out entirely too long. WWE won’t want to risk the long-term health of one of their full-time performers by having them perform such an act, so expect another neutered affair.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.