8 Big Concerns Heading Into WWE Hell In A Cell 2017

4. Undermining AJ Styles

Shane McMahon Kevin Owens Hell In A Cell
WWE.com

He's one of the best wrestlers on the planet, but AJ Styles hasn't had a good run as WWE United States Champion. His reign started through some unnecessary hot-shotting with Kevin Owens, then devolved into a platform for KO's feud with Shane McMahon. Styles started working with Baron Corbin (one of SmackDown's dullest performers) shortly after, and the feud has since been expanded to include Tye Dillinger in a peripheral role.

This reign should've turned AJ into SmackDown's workrate king, allowing him to put on fun, exciting bouts against a wide array of different opponents every week. Instead, it has turned into a sloppy, confusing mess, and this could well continue at Hell In A Cell.

Corbin has been written to look like a loser lately, but that doesn't mean a victory is out of the question, particularly in the land of 50/50 booking. Him walking away victorious would render Styles' reign a massive missed opportunity. It'll also mean extending this dull feud until at least the next pay-per-view, which is something nobody should be hoping for at the moment, particularly after the last few weeks.

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.