With WWE's weekly product putting me to sleep, I went into the Hell In A Cell with quite low expectations. Considering this is a show that has a history of underwhelming, the consensus was this show would be a predictable, throwaway show leading up to Survivor Series, with the main event being the only. Thankfully, we got a night that was anything but that.
SPOILERS AHEAD: IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE THE RESULTS RUINED, DON'T READ ON!
SPOILERS AHEAD: IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE THE RESULTS RUINED, DON'T READ ON!
If you've never seen The CC Network's video reviews of WWE events before, then my review system will be new to you. Matches are given star ratings in accordance with an average, accumulated score of 5 rating factors: Psychology (In-ring story), Move Variety, Crowd Reaction, Match Length and Pacing, as well as my overall enjoyment as a result of those factors.
Now time to get into the show. As I don't review the Pre-Show Match as part of the whole televised package, here's the result of that match
Dolph Ziggler, Neville & Cesaro def Rusev, King Barrett & Sheamus in a 6-Man Tag Team Match (11:34)
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ALBERTO DEL RIO def JOHN CENA TO WIN THE WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP (7:47)
PSYCHOLOGY: 3
MOVE VARIETY: 1
CROWD REACTION: 2
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 2
MY ENJOYMENT: 2
CORRECT PREDICTION?: ALMOST (picked the outcome but not the opponent)
FINAL RATING: **1/4
Who predicted Del Rio? Seriously. I sure didn't, and the clean way at which he went about disposing of John was a nice move, especially on retrospect knowing Del Rio did the same thing to Cena at this event 2 years ago. Seeing him with Zeb Colter on a scooter was kind of odd, but that will be explained in the coming weeks.
The match was a solid in-ring affair with Del Rio dominating from bell to bell. Cena looked out of his element and it came through in the way he was physically directed, with Del Rio working the arm for the Cross Armbreaker (that wasn't needed) as well as the back for the Backstabber (which thankfully was). Add Cena limping and losing clean as a result, this match told a great story for the relatively short time it got. While the match did flow slower than I expected due to the focus on mat wrestling with Del Rio's offence, but it worked considering Cena mentally didn't expect it. While it could have gone a bit longer, and after the shock of the his arrival the crowd died down until the pop for the finish; it still came through as a very solid opener.
I can say this, my usual theory of a fast-paced match opening the show to excite the crowd was debunked last night. Especially when you have surprises like this, it really doesn't matter as the crowd got their fill from it.
The match was a solid in-ring affair with Del Rio dominating from bell to bell. Cena looked out of his element and it came through in the way he was physically directed, with Del Rio working the arm for the Cross Armbreaker (that wasn't needed) as well as the back for the Backstabber (which thankfully was). Add Cena limping and losing clean as a result, this match told a great story for the relatively short time it got. While the match did flow slower than I expected due to the focus on mat wrestling with Del Rio's offence, but it worked considering Cena mentally didn't expect it. While it could have gone a bit longer, and after the shock of the his arrival the crowd died down until the pop for the finish; it still came through as a very solid opener.
I can say this, my usual theory of a fast-paced match opening the show to excite the crowd was debunked last night. Especially when you have surprises like this, it really doesn't matter as the crowd got their fill from it.
ROMAN REIGNS def BRAY WATT IN A HELL IN A CELL MATCH (23:05)
MOVE VARIETY: 3
CROWD REACTION: 3.5
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 3.5
MY ENJOYMENT: 4
CORRECT PREDICTION?: YES
FINAL RATING: ***3/4
Well, this match sure exceeded my expectations. Here I thought Reigns would breeze his way to victory. What we got was anything but that. It was a physical, intense match, just what I wanted, but was lacking in confidence to believe WWE would deliver. Also, with no Wyatt Family members or Dean Ambrose at ringside, my theory of an Ambrose heel turn went out the window. This was a straight one on one contest, and benefitted because of it.
Reigns dominated in the early going, throwing Wyatt around like a rag doll, showing his intentions while maintaining a mediated slow pace. Once weapons were added to the fray, the entire match sped up and kept it consistently paced throughout. Wyatt was so beaten up by this offence, that only a weapon could suffice, which was fantastic, not only that but Reigns smiling at the prospect of being the tar out of Wyatt with said weapons was the icing on the cake. What I love about Wyatt's character, is the desire he has to break a person mentally, which was perfectly show with him sitting in a chair instead of hitting him with it, poking Reigns with a kendo stick to goad him up for the guillotine kendo stick shot in the corner of the cell, which was lovely. Sure, Wyatt ate the set up chair move, but it was good karma as the match was constantly shifting momentum. As a result, it was difficult to tell who would win, which for a match like this was a godsend. The multiple table spots along with the variety of weapons got the crowd on their feet, with both men hitting one each to devastating effect. Both men though, still showed each other they were resistant to pain, with their offence being shaken off easily, which suspended disbelief but made sense considering the characters. Seriously, if you were having your head rammed into a steel post by a man of Wyatt's size with his knees & forearms, I'd be showing some battle scars. Regardless, Reigns showing fatigue going into the Sister Abigail was great, which made Wyatt go back to weapons knowing conventional moves wouldn't beat him. It backfired allow a quick, rushed spear to get Roman the win.
While the match did go a LITTLE long, it was paced well enough that it wasn't boring and kept me into it the whole way through in what was the longest match of the night. Both men looked good, and even without a huge amount of body selling and big in-ring spots; the match came through for itself and surprised me. It was a PG Cell Match that actually delivered on itself... while only a few have, this is one that will stick out for sure. One question does have to be asked though, would kendo stick shots to the back and chest really effect Reigns knowing he has a bulletproof/protective jacket on? Just an astute observation I made.
THE NEW DAY def THE DUDLEY BOYZ TO RETAIN/WIN THE WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (8:26)
PSYCHOLOGY: 2.5
MOVE VARIETY: 1
CROWD REACTION: 1.5
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 1.5
MY ENJOYMENT: 1.5
CORRECT PREDICTION?: NO
FINAL RATING: *1/4
Just when I think WWE have set up the predictable win, they throw a swerve at us and keep the over heel team with the belts. I didn't think they'd do it, but WWE actually kept their current "it" team from being fed to the legendary dogs (a term I don't use loosely in the case of the Dudley's). While the match was nothing special and much better than their previous encounters, it certainly felt better as an overall match. Mostly as a result of no Xavier Woods at ringside adding intrigue to the predictable notion of the result and how it would be executed.
The match was standard tag fair that I expect from these guys, Bubba & D-Von dominate in the early going, with Big E coming into the match to shift momentum. D-Von plays the Dudley in peril before the hot tag to Bubba swings the match back in the Dudley's favour. Hell, The New Day attempted the WAZZUP, but were dispatched of easily. While I was wholly expecting this match to follow its course, what this match did right was be creative in its psychology, making The New Day look a lot smarter than they are perceived. They decided, while Woods wasn't there, he'd still have an impact: through his trombone.
By throwing some Eddie Guerrero-esque tactics, of feigning injury, it woke the crowd up, chanting Eddie as well as marvelling that the heel team could get out of the match winning again. Sure, the ref didn't buy it, which again cemented the idea of the Dudley's winning. I didn't expect Big E to deck Bubba with the trombone, dispose of D-Von and allow The New Day a shading but unexpected victory. While the psychology was the only high point of this otherwise poor match, with the crowd only getting into its latter stages, having no distinct move variety and it being rather slow for the time allotted, it did the bare minimum to get me into it: TELL A STORY! Which is all I could ask for.
Also... King, while you did say unicorns don't exist, I wish you could have mentioned that friendship wasn't magic. Simply put, as a Brony, I would've marked out at that. Meanwhile, I need to check my wallet, I NEED that New Day T-shirt. Salutations to my unicorn brethren, keep believing in the positivity!
CHARLOTTE def NIKKI BELLA TO RETAIN THE WWE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIPS (10:40)
PSYCHOLOGY: 3.5
MOVE VARIETY: 3
CROWD REACTION: 1.5
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 3
MY ENJOYMENT: 3.5
CORRECT PREDICTION?: YES
FINAL RATING: ***1/2
Once again, Charlotte & Nikki Bella put on a great psychology based match. Sure, while it look and feel like a carbon copy of their Summerslam match (which got a QUARTER less than this), it still felt fresh. Primarily because of the body part chosen to be directed and how Charlotte sold it.
Choosing the back as the focal point of the match was a smart move, as not only did it allow a variety of ways in which it could be attacked, but it also meant that when the Figure 8 had to be applied, Charlotte wouldn't have the strength execute it properly with the arch hurting it. Low and behold, it made the end of the match not feel as rushed as their Summerslam encounter, which was a good thing. The amount of moves that Nikki hit to Charlotte's back just like Summerslam, made her look much more technically proficient than she ever looked before, with: Apron and barricade ramming, an arched chin lock & suplex, a half Boston crab with the knee to the back, a jumping spine buster, a rope slingshot backbreaker and an Alabama Slam to the apron. When you couple that with the fact that not only Charlotte couldn't arch the Figure 8 but she couldn't even do a suplex without it buckling. It was a joy to watch. Charlotte also hot a lovely second rope neck breaker as well. While the flip move from the top rope looked sloppy, this match certainly has more different moves than its predecessor, showing quality at every turn. While the crowd weren't into it until that flip and the aforementioned Alabama Slam, it was a better match in-ringwise because Charlotte didn't rush to victory and the physicality of the match prolonged itself just enough for it to work. However, recovering as quickly as she did from the Alabama Slam was still irritating.
Was it better than the Night Of Champions match? Marginally, with the crowd not being as into it, the match had to make itself a better in-ring contest. Thankfully both women delivered, not to forget... NONE of the assorted teams were out there. This match was solely about both women and their fight for superiority. Which, when compared to the repetitive multi-women tag matches we see weekly on RAW, it's worth the wait each time if this is the consistent quality we're going to see on PPV from now on.
Choosing the back as the focal point of the match was a smart move, as not only did it allow a variety of ways in which it could be attacked, but it also meant that when the Figure 8 had to be applied, Charlotte wouldn't have the strength execute it properly with the arch hurting it. Low and behold, it made the end of the match not feel as rushed as their Summerslam encounter, which was a good thing. The amount of moves that Nikki hit to Charlotte's back just like Summerslam, made her look much more technically proficient than she ever looked before, with: Apron and barricade ramming, an arched chin lock & suplex, a half Boston crab with the knee to the back, a jumping spine buster, a rope slingshot backbreaker and an Alabama Slam to the apron. When you couple that with the fact that not only Charlotte couldn't arch the Figure 8 but she couldn't even do a suplex without it buckling. It was a joy to watch. Charlotte also hot a lovely second rope neck breaker as well. While the flip move from the top rope looked sloppy, this match certainly has more different moves than its predecessor, showing quality at every turn. While the crowd weren't into it until that flip and the aforementioned Alabama Slam, it was a better match in-ringwise because Charlotte didn't rush to victory and the physicality of the match prolonged itself just enough for it to work. However, recovering as quickly as she did from the Alabama Slam was still irritating.
Was it better than the Night Of Champions match? Marginally, with the crowd not being as into it, the match had to make itself a better in-ring contest. Thankfully both women delivered, not to forget... NONE of the assorted teams were out there. This match was solely about both women and their fight for superiority. Which, when compared to the repetitive multi-women tag matches we see weekly on RAW, it's worth the wait each time if this is the consistent quality we're going to see on PPV from now on.
SETH ROLLINS def "DEMON" KANE TO RETAIN THE WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (14:37)
PSYCHOLOGY: 1.5
MOVE VARIETY: 1.5
CROWD REACTION: 1.5
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 1.5
MY ENJOYMENT: 1.5
CORRECT PREDICTION?: NO
FINAL RATING: *
While I was excited about this match finally happening after months of build, maybe I should have lowered my expectations considering what we actually got. Instead of an intense match with a lot going on, we got a slow, plodding match that did little to excite. While it did is job, it broke the momentum of the night and showed that sometimes, adding some spice would definitely help matches like this. Sadly, it didn't have too much flavour anyway.
I will give Kane credit for putting on a solid showing, with his age and everything, but Rollins is where in subtlety this match had its shining moments. Proclaiming that he's not afraid of Kane, and that he's just a man before having the taste slapped out of his mouth got the match off to a wild start. His resiliency in attacking Kane's head after the sloppy table spot was nice, especially with those direct moves to the head. He was determined to win and prove to the Authority that he could take Kane down, which he did with a clean victory. Which I surely didn't see coming. While that table spot was sloppy, the sidewalk slam to the the table that proceeded it was the his sole highlight move wise, enough make me happy. Rollins also hit a lovely frog splash, which again broke out more Eddie chants. Kane did get most of the offence, which in near 15 minute match didn't help, considering what it did to the crowd. Minus the signature moves of Kane, that frog splash and the table spot, the crowd were pretty apathetic throughout. I wouldn't blame them either. Hell, the even booed the prospect of Kane going for the Tombstone to end it, which is a testament to how much they wanted Rollins to win.
While this match did what it had to do, it needed more to really have it come alive. While Rollins VS Sting last month didn't need a ref bump, this match SORELY needed one. Sure it would have made Rollins look weak but it at least would have added more. My assumptions about this match having a DQ finish were unfounded, but it would have really given this match that 'spice' I mentioned earlier to make it more than just a basic pushover match for Rollins to retain the title. While this has to be the worst match of Seth's title reign so far, he has a few more in him of better quality I'm sure. As long as WWE picks the right opponent for him, we're sure for something that will make me much happier in the long run.
I will give Kane credit for putting on a solid showing, with his age and everything, but Rollins is where in subtlety this match had its shining moments. Proclaiming that he's not afraid of Kane, and that he's just a man before having the taste slapped out of his mouth got the match off to a wild start. His resiliency in attacking Kane's head after the sloppy table spot was nice, especially with those direct moves to the head. He was determined to win and prove to the Authority that he could take Kane down, which he did with a clean victory. Which I surely didn't see coming. While that table spot was sloppy, the sidewalk slam to the the table that proceeded it was the his sole highlight move wise, enough make me happy. Rollins also hit a lovely frog splash, which again broke out more Eddie chants. Kane did get most of the offence, which in near 15 minute match didn't help, considering what it did to the crowd. Minus the signature moves of Kane, that frog splash and the table spot, the crowd were pretty apathetic throughout. I wouldn't blame them either. Hell, the even booed the prospect of Kane going for the Tombstone to end it, which is a testament to how much they wanted Rollins to win.
While this match did what it had to do, it needed more to really have it come alive. While Rollins VS Sting last month didn't need a ref bump, this match SORELY needed one. Sure it would have made Rollins look weak but it at least would have added more. My assumptions about this match having a DQ finish were unfounded, but it would have really given this match that 'spice' I mentioned earlier to make it more than just a basic pushover match for Rollins to retain the title. While this has to be the worst match of Seth's title reign so far, he has a few more in him of better quality I'm sure. As long as WWE picks the right opponent for him, we're sure for something that will make me much happier in the long run.
KEVIN OWENS def RYBACK TO RETAIN THE WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP (5:35)
PSYCHOLOGY: 1.5
MOVE VARIETY: 1
CROWD REACTION: 1
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 1.5
MY ENJOYMENT: 1.5
CORRECT PREDICTION?: YES
FINAL RATING: 1/2
Here's something I didn't think I'd see, a POOR Kevin Owens PPV match. Well, here it was. With a lack of time and relatively no story being applied like the Night Of Champions match, it was the maker of its own downfall by the placement of it on the card.
I will give it some credit though, it did have both men brawl out of the ring at the bell which was a nice way to start, showing that both men wanted to hurt each other, with multiple near falls to bring some excitement. However it felt incredibly rushed, which considering what both of these guys could do, didn't feel good to watch at all. Ryback hit a nice straight powerbomb, which surprisingly for a 'big guy' is rarely seen, a good showing of his strength as Owens isn't a small guy weight wise.
Overall, I'm happy that Owens won and that this feud is over. Like I said in my predictions, this needed to be the final curtain on this. While I enjoyed their Night Of Champions match, I wish they'd built their return match better so its placing on the card and the resulting match didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth. Sure, it wasn't terrible but knowing Kevin Owens and his quality, I like many expect far better. Hopefully his next opponent, whomever it may be can give us that.
I will give it some credit though, it did have both men brawl out of the ring at the bell which was a nice way to start, showing that both men wanted to hurt each other, with multiple near falls to bring some excitement. However it felt incredibly rushed, which considering what both of these guys could do, didn't feel good to watch at all. Ryback hit a nice straight powerbomb, which surprisingly for a 'big guy' is rarely seen, a good showing of his strength as Owens isn't a small guy weight wise.
Overall, I'm happy that Owens won and that this feud is over. Like I said in my predictions, this needed to be the final curtain on this. While I enjoyed their Night Of Champions match, I wish they'd built their return match better so its placing on the card and the resulting match didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth. Sure, it wasn't terrible but knowing Kevin Owens and his quality, I like many expect far better. Hopefully his next opponent, whomever it may be can give us that.
BROCK LESNAR def THE UNDERTAKER IN A HELL IN A CELL MATCH (18:08)
PSYCHOLOGY: 4.5
MOVE VARIETY: 2
CROWD REACTION: 4.5
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 4
MY ENJOYMENT: 4
CORRECT PREDICTION?: NO
FINAL RATING: ****1/4
This match had a lot to live up to. Their Summerslam match (which got a ****1/2 rating) was a fantastic spectacle. With WWE's record at PG Hell In A Cell matches already exceeded earlier on in the evening, Taker and Lesnar had to knock the ball out of the park here. With a massive amount of blood, some inventive psychology and a hot crowd, they surely did. Well... almost.
One thing we got instantly from this match was the intensity, whether it be through the methodical brawling, hard-hitting moves or Lesnar resorting to bare fists to take Undertaker down, it really showed that these two wanted to destroy each other. With Lesnar and Taker both bleeding, it was amplified tenfold. Taker showed his resiliency by kicking out of an F5 after 3 Germans, which was the highest amount we got all match, because thankfully this match relied on more than German suplexes to sell itself. The doctor coming in to clear up the blood did halt momentum briefly, but it was satisfying seeing Lesnar throw him out and unload on Taker. He didn't care for his or Taker's safety, which again gave the win at all costs mentality. Lesnar also tried to break Taker's leg with the steps after all avenues had been used, which was countered, but really cemented the story into this match as well as opening another albeit smaller wound on Lesnar's head. Then this match went into a territory unseen before, Lesnar ripped the ring canvas up, exposing the wooden supports. Still believe wrestling rings are trampolines haters? Anyway, this made the match feel incredibly special, with both men taking finishers on the exposed canvas. These moves took the crowd, who were already eating this match for all three meals and made them graze all through the night. By the time Lesnar hit the low blow and hit the final F5, they were drained, I was drained and the unexpected result didn't matter. Lesnar 'cheated' to win, but in such a way that it made story sense. Can't fault it. Then you have The Wyatt Family coming out after the match, to carry Taker away like they did his brother after Summerslam 2013. What will happen now with Taker's 25th Anniversary at Survivor Series being 4 weeks away? Hopefully RAW can make it exciting.
While this match delivered almost everywhere, it wasn't perfect. The Lesnar blade job was easy to see (despite reports it wasn't a hard bleed, someone explain the hitting of the glove or swiping it across the face), it could have gone on longer and it could have had a few bigger spots to emphasise the lengths at which both would go to win. While this match had more move variety than the Summerslam match, it was only due to the ring canvas moves and the chair guillotine, which we haven't seen Taker pull out for years. Also, it ended right when I expected Taker to pull out one final momentum shifting run... it didn't feel like it had reach a NATURAL conclusion for my liking.
Overall, was it better than the Summerslam Match? No, but only by a small amount. I enjoyed that one more, it was paced better and had longer to really tell its story. Was it better than the No Mercy 2002 match that WWE didn't want to acknowledge? Of course not. However, with that being said, WWE have no set the standard bearer for which their Hell In A Cell Matches going forward will strive to be. These are designed to be feud enders for a reason, if they don't feel like this, then the match and therefore the booking aren't doing their job. This match was fantastic, and while it wasn't the out and out classic that was expected, it was definitely a ride worth taking.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When a PPV gets 3 out of 7 matches at *** or above, with one other coming close to the average mark with a **1/4 rating, it has the look of a pretty good show as a whole. I would put it on a similar level to Summerslam, but this show ranks up with Money In The Bank as Summerslam had way too many matches to bog its rating down from what it could have been. While some matches didn't deliver, for the most part we got enough to keep us entertained and had a good showing of what WWE is capable of when they hit the ground running. It's definitely a sign that if they keep putting on events like this, we can forget the weekly doldrums that RAW has become, because this is what I personally watch WWE for: seeing the PPV's provide ground for what RAW has built up to. This event was that and more. Definitely worth watching if you didn't see it, and with 3 matches worth watching again... you know this was a good night for a company that is doing poorly in other aspects. Which was just what they needed right now.
HELL IN A CELL 2015 GETS A 6.75 OUT OF 10!
In relation to other 2015 events, it lines up as follows:
WRESTLEMANIA 31: 8.75/10
HELL IN A CELL: 6.75/10
MONEY IN THE BANK: 6.75/10
MONEY IN THE BANK: 6.75/10
SUMMERSLAM: 6.5/10
PAYBACK: 6/10
ELIMINATION CHAMBER: 4.5/10
ELIMINATION CHAMBER: 4.5/10
ROYAL RUMBLE: 4/10
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS: 3.5/10
EXTREME RULES: 3.5/10
BATTLEGROUND: 3/10
FAST LANE: 2.5/10
(WWE Network Specials and the NXT Takeover Events aren't taken into consideration).
I've been Freddy Thomas, you've been people reading, this has been the Hell In A Cell 2015 Review for The CC Network Blog, and I'll see you next time.
I've been Freddy Thomas, you've been people reading, this has been the Hell In A Cell 2015 Review for The CC Network Blog, and I'll see you next time.
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