Hell in a Cell preview

Read on for how I'd book tonight's Hell in a Cell PPV.
Pre-show:
Looks like we've got to call an audible for Big E vs. Axel as Axel's hurt. I'd probably do the whole "doctor's note" thing where Axel "wants to defend his title", but isn't medically cleared to do so. Fortunately, Axel has an old friend who would be willing to step into the ring with Big E. Making his return to the ring, Axel's old tag team partner: David Otunga. Otunga takes time to do all of his poses and stuff before Big E puts a hurting on him to get the win. Big E points to Axel with the indication that he's next. Maybe another Big Ending on Otunga for good measure? Note: the point here isn't to bury Otunga or anything, just to get Big E further over as a contender to the IC Title. Otunga fits perfectly as the sacrificial lamb given his past association with Axel (McGillicutty). Fans already pretty much take him as comedy fodder, so I don't think it will really hurt him to be squashed again. I guess they could have Brad Maddox do the job if they want to protect Otunga. I can see him wanting the spotlight on himself and booking himself in the match. I suppose it's possible Otunga's training hard and can come back and make a serious impact.

HIAC:
Tamina throws AJ the Divas' Title to KO Brie with. AJ nails Brie and disposes of the evidence, but gets distracted as the referee sends Tamina away from ringside. Nikki rolls Brie out of the ring and pretends to play possum before surprising AJ for the win. The controversy protects AJ's loss and sets up a rematch at the next PPV.

Rhodes and Goldust retain. I don't see any reason to take the titles off of them yet. The faces need some momentum.

Los Matadores get the win over the Real Americans in the lighthearted match of the evening. Comedy stuff with El Torito and Zeb. This goes in between more serious segments.

Punk gets the win over Ryback and Heyman, finally cornering Heyman and giving him a beating. It's not time to tease Punk/Brock II just yet.

Honestly there have been so many instances of faces coming short in big title matches lately that they almost HAVE to give Cena the title here, clean. The World Title is lost in the shuffle right now and needs to be rescued. I don't think anyone would buy Sandow as champ right now, so it looks like we'll have to hold off on the cash-in. I might end the show with this since it's a clean ending of a face winning.

We'll go with HBK accidentally superkicking Bryan for Orton to win the WWE Title back, with the story being that HHH decrees Bryan has had more than enough chances to take the title and won't get a rematch.  HHH tries to insinuate that HBK screwed Bryan on purpose. HHH eventually sets up a big celebration for HBK with the old DX crew (minus Chyna, of course). The other members of DX jump HBK to become the new members of The Authority as "D Corporation X" - dropping the old DX colors and selling out. The Authority position is that there's no room for rebels in WWE anymore. The babyface position is that these old guys need to step out of the way and let the new guys come through. The new DX would put over guys like Bryan, Ziggler and Rhodes. I might even have them feud with The Shield at some point. The running theme is that they elevate the deserving younger guys. Road Dogg, Billy Gunn and X-Pac are all veterans who know what they're doing. They could pass on some lessons to the younger stars.

I think I'd have DX drop their old identities and just be "Jesse James, William Gunn and Sean Waltman". They'd have different tights and music and everything to get over the "Corporate DX" idea. I can just picture the following:

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages.... Sit down and shut up. D Corporation X is proud to bring to you the future Hall of Famers and best ever TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD. The Director of Live Event Coordination Jesse James. The Assistant Vice President of Talent Development William Gunn. The New. Age. Authority."

"And if you're not down with that, we've got THREE words for ya. BEST FOR BUSINESS."

I don't know. Maybe I'm just a huge DX mark and that wouldn't get over. I like it, though.

More wrestling tomorrow.