Hell in a Cell came to us live from the TD Garden in Boston. It was an event advertised with 3 main events, as incorrect as that sounds (hey we didn’t say it).
Ideally, one should have said that this was an event with 3 Hell in a Cell matches, something that sounds like overkill at first glance. And while the show did drag on for a bit more than we’d have liked, there were some enjoyable moments through the show for sure. Let’s revisit the PPV and glance at what worked and what did not.
#1 Best: The Women Made History
The Four Horsewomen have been making history since they were in NXT. And they continue to raise the bar for women’s wrestling, by making it relevant with better action and more ‘important’ matches. This was not only the first ever WWE Hell in a Cell match with women, it was also the first time that women had closed a show on the main roster.
There was enough to enjoy in the match, with more table/chair spots than one is accustomed to, with the women’s division. If the two of them have to appear on Raw tomorrow night, we’re afraid they’ll be rather bruised and sore from this event.
With the finish being so abrupt, there is also a possibility that Banks may have been legitimately injured, and could be out for a prolonged period of time.
Also read: WWE Hell in a Cell 2016: Best Twitter Reactions
Nonetheless, full props to WWE for making the match seem important, what with the majestic entrances, especially for Charlotte Flair.
#1 Worst: The ending was a surprise
Sasha was the biggest babyface in the show (despite the babyface reaction that Chris Jericho got from the Boston crowd). The hometown heroine feigned a back injury, wrestled a solid match, and then...lost?
This means that she’s never won the title on PPV! Does this mean that Vince McMahon has no faith in Sasha Banks considering her history of getting injured? Was this done so that Charlotte earns more heel heat? Was to preserve Charlotte’s PPV streak? Sure, Charlotte is probably the better performer of the two women, but this was not the place to have her go over Sasha.
#2 Best: Rollins/Owens had a great match
We knew that Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens would have a solid match, and they did. Rollins was probably moving the best that he has, since his return after his major injury. While the contest would eventually become a handicap match, with Chris Jericho getting involved; the fire extinguisher angle which led to the same was really very funny!
There was enough to enjoy in the match, whether you’re a fan of good in-ring work, hardcore wrestling spots or even good psychology. We don’t know who will feud with whom following this match, but we wouldn’t mind another match from them.
#2 Worst: Roman/Rusev went on too long
We live in a safer, PG, family friendly era, where even the most brutal brawls seem underwhelming because of the lack of blood. So, while Rusev and Reigns did not have a bad match per se, their contest felt a little flat because the brutality they tried to capture was honestly missing.
Moreover, it went on for close to 40 minutes and should have ended long before it actually did. We hope Roman Reigns moves on to a new opponent so that we can finally put this feud to rest for good. At least this match didn’t close the show, what we feared Vince McMahon would push for.
#3 Best: The right people won in most matches
While the matches themselves were nothing to write home about, we are glad that The Club, Bayley and Brian Kendrick finally have some momentum going. They will enter fresh feuds soon, and this builds them as legitimate competitors.
Something that has been missing in their runs, from the time they’ve come to Raw. Enzo and Cass are over despite the loss, Dana Brooke needs to hone her skill set before she’s taken seriously anyway, and T.J. Perkins was really seeming flat as the Cruiserweight Champion.
#3 Worst: ...except the New Day retaining their belts
The New Day have overstayed their welcome at the top. We were certain that Cesaro/Sheamus would lose the match because Vince McMahon wants New Day to break Demolition’s record of most days as Tag Team Champions.
But in doing so, the tag team scenario on Raw has become a joke; because we’re certain of the outcome even before the match even happens. There’s no element of surprise anymore, even though the two teams did put on a good match; Now, WWE will say that New Day did not technically win the match, but we’re not stupid.
#4 Worst: Silence for the Cruiserweights
Here’s a word of advice, WWE Universe. Cheer for the Cruiserweights or Vince will go back to having Titus O’ Neil vs Darren Young matches very soon. Unless Titus hugs him again on camera, of course.
In conclusion, this was a 6.5/10 PPV. Here’s The Boss taking our breaths away:
For latest WWE News, live coverage and rumours visit our Sportskeeda WWE section. Also if you are attending a WWE Live event or have a news tip for us drop us an email at fightclub (at) sportskeeda (dot) com.
