World Heavyweight Championship: Sheamus (c) vs. The Big Show
Sheamus will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against The Big Show in a battle of fierce giants and devastating finishers.
The road to Hell in a Cell
Sheamus has been on an amazing streak since winning the Royal Rumble in January. He defeated Daniel Bryan in 18 seconds at WrestleMania 28 to become World Heavyweight Champion, and has not let go of the title since. He has successfully retained in a rematch against Bryan, a match against Dolph Ziggler, and multiple challenges from Alberto Del Rio. Sheamus has looked virtually unstoppable as the top Superstar on SmackDown.
The Big Show has been on a roller coaster this past year. He defeated Mark Henry for the World Heavyweight Championship at TLC: Tables, Ladders, and Chairs 2011, only to lose it 45 seconds later to Daniel Bryan. He would then have a short run as Intercontinental Champion, followed by being John Laurinaitis muscle against John Cena. He most recently was in the WWE Championship picture, but failed to take the strap off of CM Punk.
The Big Show now has his sights set on Sheamus after winning a No.1 Contenders Match against Randy Orton on the Sept. 28 episode of SmackDown. Sheamus and Show have been at each other's throats since then, engaging in a political debate, a video game contest to measure how much force their respective finishers have, and a good old-fashioned stare down on Friday's (Oct. 26) SmackDown.
Both men have immense strength and devastating finishers. Sheamus' Brogue Kick can come from out of nowhere and has laid out many a fella wrestler. The problem is, he has to reach his opponents head for the Brogue Kick to be an effective finisher. With Show standing at 7 feet 1 inch tall, this will prove to be quite a challenge. Show's KO Punch may prove to be the better finisher. A shorter windup, and the ability to use his height to his advantage, could give "The World's Largest Athlete" the edge.
Waiting in the wings, however, is Dolph Ziggler. Having won the Money in the Bank briefcase in July, he has one year to cash it in for a championship match at any time and place. If Sheamus and Show manage to take each other out, don't be surprised to see his bleached blond hair come flying into the ring to steal the title.
What's at stake?
This is Sheamus' opportunity to prove that he deserves the World Heavyweight Championship. While he's had the strap for 209 days, there are some who say his competition has been less than elite. A decisive win against The Big Show, and he can prove all the doubters wrong.
Show, on the other hand, has been bouncing up and down the card for a while now. A victory to win the World Heavyweight Championship would give him some stability moving forward. By taking out Sheamus, he looks to dominate the SmackDown landscape. A loss would force him back down the card, perhaps leaving him to chase the United States Championship.
Then there is Dolph Ziggler. The key to a successful MitB cash-in is picking the perfect spot. Waiting for the right opportunity will give him championship gold. Fail to do that, and he might as well go back to his old job of cheerleading.
Who will leave Atlanta with the World Heavyweight Championship? Turn into Hell in a Cell tonight to find out or just check back here for all the coverage you'll need!