WWE Hell In A Cell 2017: Assessing The Potential Quality Of All 8 Matches
7. Randy Orton Vs. Rusev
This is a funny one.
We have no way of knowing if Randy Orton and Rusev share any chemistry; their only two televised matches to date ended in stereo squash finishes. What we do know is the following:
- Randy Orton can flat-out go, but only selectively - his performances are conditional on his opponent. Ominously, he tends to operate at his best against lighter, more acrobatic opponents.
- Rusev can flat-out go, but his portrayal as a foreign menace is at odds with both the wrestling climate and what the audience wants from him. He's a face turn waiting to happen, which isn't ideal for Sunday night, on which he's expected to generate sympathy on behalf of a man most are ambivalent towards.
As a collection of moves and sequences, this has potential as a quietly very good midcard attraction, one crucial to the flow of the card. Given the backwards character alignments, the lack of heat undermining the programme, and the ridiculous in-ring standard set elsewhere, this likely won't live long in the memory - unless the Detroit natives voice their hoarse support of the awesome Rusev and initiate a grassroots face turn.
We can but dream.
Maximum Star Rating Ceiling: ***