5 beloved WWE match types and the people who created them

With over 300 live events a year, WWE needs to ensure that its programming is as interesting as possible. This is done by having gritty and engaging feuds amongst its superstars. Furthermore, there are many different match types made to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Many of these come from the Attitude Era when they had to stay innovative to get the upper hand on WCW during the Monday Night Wars.

Here are five match types that have become synonymous with the company and the people who created them.

As this list is not meant to rank the match types on whether one is better than the other, matches are sorted alphabetically.

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#5 In our list of beloved WWE match types and the people that created them: Elimination Chamber (created by Triple H)

The first Elimination Chamber match took place at 2002's Survivor Series and saw match creator Triple H defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Shawn Michaels, Booker T, Kane, Chris Jericho, and Rob van Dam.

Since then, there have been a total of 30 Elimination Chamber matches, with the latest being the 2022 edition that took place in Saudi Arabia and saw Brock Lesnar defeat five other men to become the new WWE Champion.

Triple H is said to have pitched the match type after sketching it on a napkin. The 2002 chamber featured two miles of chain and 10 tons of steel.

Two superstars begin the match while the other four are locked away in plexiglass pods. They enter the match at intervals, with each superstar being eliminated by pinfall or submission. The last remaining superstar wins the match.

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#4. Hell in a Cell (created by former WWE manager Jim Cornette)

The Hell in a Cell match was first used as the climactic ending for Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker’s intense feud at Badd Blood 1997. The match was also made famous as Kane debuted that night, breaking the cell door and costing Undertaker the match.

The Undertaker has appeared in most Hell in a Cell matches, with 14 and is responsible for a majority of its most memorable moments.

Jim Cornette is said to have come up with the idea for the match type by imagining a steel cage that covers the majority of the ringside area. Vince Russo claims that while Cornette may have come up with the concept for the match, the Hell in a Cell name was his idea.

The Hell in a Cell match is the most dangerous match type in WWE lore and is usually reserved for the most intense of feuds. Since Badd Blood 1997, there have been a total of 50 Hell in a Cell matches, with the latest being Edge vs. Seth Rollins, which took place at Crown Jewel 2021.

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#3. Money in the Bank (created by former WWE Superstar Chris Jericho)

The Money in the Bank ladder match is one of the most unique match types in WWE’s catalog.

A briefcase is suspended 20 feet above the ring, and several superstars (usually six) do battle until one obtains it. The winner is guaranteed a title shot against the world champion of their choice anytime they choose.

The first Money in the Bank ladder match took place at WrestleMania 21 and was won by Edge. Edge used his briefcase to cash in on then-WWE Champion John Cena immediately after Cena had successfully defended his championship inside the Elimination Chamber. Edge defeated Cena and thus became the new WWE Champion.

Chris Jericho thought of having a multi-man ladder match for a contract that guaranteed a title shot. Ex-WWE writer Brian Gewirtz then added the idea of having the winner cash in at any time over the following year. This was then pitched to Vince McMahon, who suggested that the contract be put in a briefcase.

It has since become one of the most iconic stipulations in all of World Wrestling Entertainment.

#2. Royal Rumble (created by former WWE Executive Pat Patterson)

Pat Patterson famously created the Royal Rumble match.

The Rumble, a modified battle royal that features superstars entering the ring at timed intervals, is known to fans for its incredible surprises, returns, and debuts. It is one of the most unique and exciting match types offered in WWE’s yearly schedule.

Pat first suggested the idea to Vince McMahon, who brushed it aside as he claimed it would take too long and fans would eventually lose interest. Pat pitched the idea during a meeting with USA Network and Dick Ebersol. They loved the idea, and the Royal Rumble was born.

The first Royal Rumble match was held in 1988 and was won by Jim Duggan.

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#1. Tables, Ladders and Chairs match (created by WWE tag teams The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz, and Edge and Christian)

The Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match was first contested at SummerSlam 2000. It came to be as it was a combination of weapons that each team was known for. The Dudley Boyz used tables as a signature weapon and would do their finishing move, The 3-D to opponents after matches.

The Hardy Boyz were known for their creative use of ladders, and so ladders were associated with them.

Edge and Christian had the “con-chair-to,” which made chairs their signature weapon.

The first four TLC matches were contested between teams. Since then, the majority of TLC matches that have taken place have been singles matches. There have been a total of 28 TLC matches thus far in main-roster programming.

What did you think of this list? Are there any other fan favorites that you think should be here? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.