8 Big Concerns Heading Into WWE Hell In A Cell 2017

5. Rusev Gets Squashed... Again

Shane McMahon Kevin Owens Hell In A Cell
WWE.com

Randy Orton and Rusev will go one-on-one for the third time at Hell In A Cell, and with their two previous matches lasting a cumulative total of 20 seconds, there's a chance it could be the shortest bout on the card.

'The Viper's' quick SummerSlam squash of Rusev was a destructive move, and undermined 'The Bulgarian Brute' greatly. Fortunately, Rusev gained a measure of revenge by reversing the outcome a few weeks later on SmackDown, though Randy had just worked a seven-minute match with Aiden English, which kept him protected.

The squashes are likely over, but there's still an outside chance WWE could repeat SummerSlam this Sunday night. This is a terrible idea, and would cement Rusev's status as the most under-utilised and underappreciated wrestler in the company today, but it's definitely something that Vince McMahon would do.

WWE will always find ways to keep Randy Orton in the spotlight, no matter how listless his performances become. He's one of the company's golden geese, and while Orton might be among SmackDown's least inspiring performers at the moment, the promotion may put a bullet in Rusev's skull with another 10-second RKO.

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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.