The Hell in a Cell pay-per-view is almost upon us, and heading into WWE’s October classic, dozens of questions remain on the collective mind of the WWE Universe.

Can Shawn Michaels make good on his guarantee that a new WWE Champion will definitively be crowned? How will John Cena fare in his quicker-than-expected return from injury? And just how far will CM Punk go when he’s locked in Hell inside a Cell against Ryback and Paul Heyman?

How to watch Hell in a Cell |  Watch Cena's road to recovery

None of these questions, however, trump the most fundamental query: Who will win and who will lose? Check out these predictions offered by WWE.com’s editorial staff, and add your voice to the conversation by listing your picks in the comments section below.

Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel vs. Big E Langston (Kickoff Match)

John Clapp: You just get the sense that Big E is waiting for his big moment to break out, and this could be it. Curtis Axel has all the technique in the world, but Langston’s brute force — coupled with an intense desire to prove he’s more than a “marginal rookie” — might be too much for the third-generation grappler. WINNER: Big E Langston

Alex Giannini: Okay, confession time: Big E scares me. Terrifyingly strong and shockingly agile, the big man is going to be a major contender for the WWE Title at some point in his career. His road to greatness starts at WWE Hell in a Cell, and unfortunately for Curtis Axel, the third-generation Superstar will prove to be a (moveable) roadblock. WINNER: Big E Langston

Jake Grate: After defending his title against R-Truth and Kofi Kingston in recent weeks, Curtis Axel finds himself with a “big” challenge at WWE Hell in a Cell. The monstrously strong Big E Langston might be the most powerful Superstar in WWE, and he figures to be particularly fired up for his first Intercontinental Title Match. The “Heyman Guy” loses, and we have a new champion on Sunday. WINNER: Big E Langston

Anthony Benigno: Big E Langston talks a fearless game and walks the walk to back it up, so he’s certainly rugged enough to wallop Axel into defeat. That said, to beat a “Heyman Guy” means one must also outsmart Paul Heyman himself, and Langston’s still too new to the game to pull that one off. WINNER: Curtis Axel

Mike McAvennie: Curtis Axel will start out strong this Sunday, but expect the WWE Hell in a Cell Kickoff Match to have a Big Ending, and a new Intercontinental Champion in Langston. WINNER: Big E Langston

Big E Langston: 4, Curtis Axel: 1

Divas Champion AJ Lee vs. Brie Bella

John Clapp: AJ Lee has appeared head-and-shoulders above most of her contenders in recent months, but there’s no questioning Brie Bella has ratcheted up the intensity and fine-tuned her arsenal. Unfortunately, that might not be enough to counter the presence of Tamina at ringside. WINNER: AJ Lee

Alex Giannini: I find any match with Divas Champion AJ Lee tough to predict, mostly because the pint-sized titleholder herself is so unpredictable. This time, however, I have a gut feeling that the not-so-stable champion is due for a loss. After her WWE Battleground defeat, Brie Bella has racked up the wins over AJ, and I think the trend will continue at WWE Hell in a Cell. WINNER: Brie Bella

Jake Grate: During her impressive title reign, Divas Champion AJ Lee has looked dominant and unbeatable. With Tamina Snuka by her side, WWE’s most erratic Diva should be able to continue rolling. A game effort from the vastly improved Brie Bella falls short, and WWE’s “Black Widow” retains. WINNER: AJ Lee

Anthony Benigno: No two ways around it: Brie Bella has been on fire lately, while the Divas Champion is stuck in a bit of a funk. The “Black Widow” can conceivably right the ship in time for Sunday, but based on her post-Raw meltdown, that seems somewhat unlikely. WINNER: Brie Bella

Mike McAvennie: AJ Lee has established herself not just as a great Divas Champion, but a great champion, period. Arguably, there’s no one on the present roster who knows how to press buttons and play mind games better than she. Brie will definitely make it interesting this Sunday, but at this time, I’d say that AJ, of all the current champions in WWE, will enjoy the longest title reign. WINNER: AJ Lee

AJ Lee: 3, Brie Bella: 2

WWE Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Goldust vs. The Shield vs. The Usos (Triple Threat Match)

John Clapp: On a lineup replete with surefire thrillers, the WWE Tag Team Championship Triple Threat Match has show-stealing potential. Look not only for fantastic action, but for The Usos to finally win the championship they’ve long been waiting for. The brothers Rhodes and The Shield will be too busy warring with each other to consider the sizable threat of Jimmy & Jey Uso. WINNERS: The Usos

Alex Giannini: As much as I love Cody & Goldust, I think their tag title dreams are about to be shattered. The Shield is too good to go without the titles for much longer, and I think Rollins & Reigns are going to run through the brothers Rhodes and Uso. WINNERS: Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns

Jake Grate: Despite being fairly new as a tandem, there’s just something about WWE Tag Team Champions Goldust & Cody Rhodes. Although The Usos have been on a hot streak recently and The Shield are always a dangerous duo, the champions will retain as the Rhodes family continues its return to glory. WINNERS: Cody Rhodes & Goldust

Anthony Benigno: The tag team fracas has become the most incendiary subplot of this particular dive into Hell, and the race for the twin titles is at a dead heat. Momentum goes ever so slightly to the Rhodes brothers, who should knock off the reeling Shield and steady Usos to retain their prizes … but it’ll be close. WINNERS: Cody Rhodes & Goldust

Mike McAvennie: Honestly, any one of these teams is worthy of holding the WWE Tag Team Championship, and this is a tough call. My head tells me The Shield’s cunning will prevail. My heart wants The Usos to win what has been long overdue them. And then there’s my gut, which has the feeling that Cody Rhodes & Goldust will stay golden this Sunday. Since I’m kinda hungry now, I’m foregoing insightful analysis and going with the gut. WINNERS: Cody Rhodes & Goldust

Cody Rhodes & Goldust: 3, The Shield: 1, The Usos: 1

CM Punk vs. Ryback & Paul Heyman (Handicap Hell in a Cell Match)

John Clapp: Even though CM Punk’s chosen stipulation of a 2-on-1 Hell in a Cell Match could conceivably work against him if he falls victim to Paul Heyman’s distractions, The Second City Saint seems entirely committed to executing on his strategy. This Sunday, Ryback goes to sleep and Heyman comes dangerously close to meeting his maker. WINNER: CM Punk

Alex Giannini: So who, exactly, is at a disadvantage in this Handicap Match? Sure, it’s 2-on-1, but Ryback may have to spend more time watching Heyman’s back than his own. Let’s face it, guys: Punk knows what he’s doing, and getting both men inside Hell in a Cell is exactly what The Second City Saint wanted all along. WINNER: CM Punk

Jake Grate: As much as Punk would love to get his hands on Paul Heyman, he’ll have to worry about The Human Wrecking Ball, Ryback, first. The “anti-bullying” powerhouse has already shown that he has what it takes to take down The Best in the World. Add to that Heyman’s notorious strategies and trickery, and Punk could find himself in for a long night. WINNERS: Ryback & Paul Heyman

Anthony Benigno: If Paul Heyman could finagle a way for Punk to beat Ryback at last year’s Hell in a Cell, he can certainly pull off the reverse. The Straight Edge Superstar leaves denied yet again. WINNERS: Ryback & Paul Heyman

Mike McAvennie: Why does everyone think Punk’s inimitable skill or Ryback’s brute strength will determine the winner of this Hell in a Cell Handicap Match? The guy to watch out for is Paul Heyman. He’s the ultimate cockroach, and if the past three decades should teach us one thing, there hasn’t been a shoe made big enough that can stomp him out of existence. WINNERS: Ryback & Paul Heyman

Ryback & Paul Heyman: 3, CM Punk: 2

World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena

John Clapp: For John Cena, this bout is the very definition of “high risk.” Yet, how many times before has the Cenation leader proven his doubters wrong? Alberto Del Rio is double-tough and as unforgiving a competitor as there is in WWE, but when it comes to comebacks, Cena’s never before failed his legion of fans. WINNER: John Cena

Alex Giannini: The biggest question on everyone’s mind heading into Sunday’s pay-per-view is whether or not John Cena has decided to return to action too early. A torn triceps is nasty business, but if anyone can rise above such an injury, it’s the Cenation leader. Still, Del Rio is at the top of his game, and I just don’t see him relinquishing his title. Sorry, Cenation. WINNER: Alberto Del Rio

Jake Grate: It’s tough to pick against the inimitable John Cena, whose staggeringly quick return from a torn triceps reinforces just how tough and durable he is. Against Del Rio, though, he’ll be facing a well-entrenched champion with a penchant for capitalizing on opponents’ weaknesses. If Cena shows any ring rust or lingering effects of injury, he could find himself in a world of trouble against the brutally efficient World Heavyweight Champion. WINNER: Alberto Del Rio

Anthony Benigno: The Cenation leader rode the #EvenStronger hashtag express all the way to a World Title Match, but can he overcome his shoddy history at WWE Hell in a Cell to claim “Big Gold” from Alberto Del Rio? All signs point to yes … which is exactly when Del Rio operates best. WINNER: Alberto Del Rio

Mike McAvennie: Alberto Del Rio’s Cross Armbreaker is the one move that should concern John Cena and his surgically repaired triceps this Sunday. However, it’s a hold that forces Del Rio’s opponents to quit. Sorry, but you can’t see that in Cena’s DNA. Del Rio has never been better, but after WWE Hell in a Cell, Cena can once again proclaim, “The Champ is Here!” WINNER: John Cena

Alberto Del Rio: 3, John Cena: 2

Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan (WWE Championship Hell in a Cell Match)

John Clapp: Neither The Viper nor the WWE Universe has ever seen Daniel Bryan in an environment as brutal as the Hell in a Cell structure, and that unknown quality will work to The Beard’s advantage. Expect to see a new, more dangerous, side of Bryan that will ultimately earn him the WWE Title in Miami. WINNER: Daniel Bryan

Alex Giannini: Shawn Michaels is my favorite grappler of all time, and the idea of once again seeing him under the bright lights of a pay-per-view is pretty cool. As for my take on the match itself? The Showstopper will be unbiased and impartial, and Daniel Bryan will win a fair-and-square barnburner of a bout against Randy Orton. WINNER: Daniel Bryan

Jake Grate: The WWE Championship contenders have consistently proven to be evenly matched, so this bout promises fireworks. With special guest referee Shawn Michaels promising to call it down the middle, Bryan is finally able to capture the most illustrious title in WWE for a lengthy — and well-deserved — reign. WINNER: Daniel Bryan

Anthony Benigno: No one’s naïve enough to think this match won’t come down to Shawn Michaels’ partiality as the guest referee, but will The Showstopper truly call the bout down the middle? It’s hard to imagine HBK going against Triple H, but Michaels’ former pupil Bryan seems to have truly earned the respect of “Mr. WrestleMania,” which evens the playing field. Lots of moving parts in this one, but it seems like Bryan’s about to hit the three-peat. WINNER: Daniel Bryan

Mike McAvennie: Daniel Bryan’s incredible talent and determination should overcome just about anyone at any time, and I don’t rule him out completely in this Hell in a Cell contest. But let’s face it: Randy Orton’s never been more devious, The Authority can change the rules at a moment’s notice, and Triple H in a suit may be even more cunning than he ever was in a ring. The outcome didn’t matter when Shawn Michaels officiated his best buddy against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVIII; it won’t matter when his former pupil falls to The Viper this Sunday. WINNER: Randy Orton

Daniel Bryan: 4, Randy Orton: 1