Hell in a Cell Match: CM Punk vs. Ryback - WWE Championship
The unstoppable force vs. the immovable object. The undefeated streak vs. the near year-long champion. Or dare I say it.. Big Hungry (oh dear) vs. the Best in the World. However, you wish to describe this encounter, there's no doubt it's caused plenty of buzz within the WWE and its fans. After the double pin draw at Night of Champions, most were expecting CM Punk to defend against John Cena inside the cell in attempt to gain the respect he so craves. Legends Bret Hart, Mick Foley & Jim Ross all told Punk he must accept Cena's challenge and it was presumed he'd eventually cave in and set the match in motion. But the arm injury to Cena with a 4-6 week recovery estimation meant plans had to be scrapped, or put on hold at least. Enter Ryback. Vince McMahon's newest muscular pet project has been tearing through local jobbers and wrestlers we forgot were even employed in handicap bouts for months now and it was only recently he pinned anybody with recognition. Victories over Tensai, The Miz and Dolph Ziggler have given his shot at the title some credibility but it still seems month too soon to have him in the title picture, never mind having a realistic chance inside what used to be the most feared match in the company. There are many possible scenarios that people are mulling over: a cheap Punk roll-up, a run-in from a fellow 'Paul Heyman guy' (such as Brock Lesnar or Big Show), a bizarre non-finish or even the unthinkable Ryback victory. In fact, how the match will finish seems to be the only excitement it is garnering. I'm not expecting a good match but I'll be happy to be proved otherwise.
Prediction: CM Punk retains thanks to outside interference. Despite the fan-punching incident and low Raw ratings, I'm not expecting a knee-jerk reaction to take the belt away from Punk and ruining their long-term planning of Punk vs. Rock at the Royal Rumble.