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The final pay-per-view of the ThunderDome took place tonight, as WWE presented Hell in a Cell.
While not in its usual spot in October, the event was pretty solid. As a result, WWE has not produced a single bad pay-per-view in this setting since its introduction ten months ago. It's an impressive feat, especially with the lack of live fans.
Hell in a Cell featured six matches, including two inside the dreaded structure. Most of them were good, owing to some excellent chemistry between various in-ring pairings. However, a couple of questionable moments brought the event down a little bit. Also, no titles switched hands.
It does seem like WWE is holding out for a few more weeks before exploding with a plethora of memorable moments in front of live fans. The summer of 2021 promises to be great for the company, with Hell in a Cell providing a gateway. How memorable was the event, though?
Here is every match at WWE Hell in a Cell 2021 graded and ranked, from worst to best. What was your favorite match from the event? Let us know by sounding off in the comments below.
#6 Alexa Bliss vs. Shayna Baszler at WWE Hell in a Cell
While most matches at Hell in a Cell featured superior in-ring action, this was the exception. Alexa Bliss wrestled in her first pay-per-view match since betraying The Fiend at WrestleMania 37, as she took on Shayna Baszler. Would this be different from the hokey build we saw on RAW?
Not initially, as Baszler attempted to take the fight to Bliss. However, mind games and a creepy-looking crawl tilted the match in the latter's favor. The Queen of Spades did try to use her technical expertise on her opponent's limbs, though.
Bliss seemed to hypnotize Baszler, causing her to let go of a hold. She did the same to Nia Jax, who was at ringside. Bray Wyatt's former ally caused Jax to slap Reginald before escaping the Kirafuda Clutch and hitting her version of Sister Abigail. She picked up the victory with Twisted Bliss.
While this match was not as bad as feared, it was not very good. The action was alright at best, while the supernatural shenanigans are just not going over well. Alexa Bliss seems to be all in with his character, but it isn't working.
Grade: C-
#5 Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair for the RAW Women's Championship
The in-ring chemistry between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley was on show at Hell in a Cell as the two wrestled in a solid contest. The Queen cheaply used the RAW Women's Championship to distract Ripley to gain control at the start, before The Nightmare fought her way back.
Most of the match was a stalemate, although Flair did use some of Andrade's trademark offense. It seemed like she would get the victory with the Figure Four Leglock, but Ripley survived.
The RAW Women's Champion eventually had enough and blasted her challenger with a piece of the announce table, which caused her to get disqualified. While Rhea Ripley did stand tall at Hell in a Cell, the result was not satisfying. While the action was good, the booking surrounding it wasn't.
Grade: B
#4 Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins at Hell in a Cell
In the first of two rematches from WrestleMania 37 at Hell in a Cell, Seth Rollins took on Cesaro in an entertaining contest. The match started after he assaulted The Swiss Superman during his entrance and the intensity only picked up from there.
Cesaro and Rollins are capable of brilliance together, with their match providing further proof. It was pretty competitive, although the four-time WWE world champion was more on top. Cesaro got back in the contest, though, with a series of uppercuts that stunned his more established rival.
The Swiss Superman came close with a Sharpshooter, then a crossface. However, Seth Rollins was able to pull out the victory at Hell in a Cell with a roll-up. This did lack some of the fire their WrestleMania match had, which saw Cesaro gain an emphatic victory. Nevertheless, it was a solid showing.
Grade: B+
#3 Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens at Hell in a Cell
Despite seeing Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn wrestle each other a lot over the years, Hell in a Cell proved that their chemistry never gets old. Having most recently faced off at WrestleMania 37, Owens and Zayn put on another solid contest against each other.
KO was a little worse for wear at Hell in a Cell, having suffered the devastating Nigerian Nail at the hands of Commander Azeez two days ago on SmackDown. Zayn took complete advantage of this and went on the offensive.
He worked over KO's arm, with him selling the pain to perfection. It seemed to be either a shoulder or wrist injury. Anyway, the babyface got his comeback in and ramped up the physicality of the match. Zayn got a bloody mouth as a result of it. Owens proceeded to hit a Stunner outside the ring.
But Hell in a Cell was Sami Zayn's night, as he sent Kevin Owens throat-first into the bottom rope before hitting the Helluva Kick to pick up the victory. It was great to see Zayn get a big win at a pay-per-view, especially in such a physical match.
Grade: B+
#2 Bianca Belair vs. Bayley for the SmackDown Women's Championship - Hell in a Cell Match
The first match at Hell in a Cell saw Bianca Belair defend the SmackDown Women's Championship against Bayley. While the feud did not warrant the Hell in a Cell stipulation, both women absolutely delivered on the night. This match was gritty, brutal, and innovative.
The EST of WWE showed off her impressive athleticism early on before her challenger took control. Bayley showed her experience in Hell in a Cell, learning from mistakes in her stellar effort opposite Sasha Banks last year. She used the structure wisely.
The Role Model even tried to stifle Belair by tying her hair to the bottom rope before doing the same to a chair. The Champion then turned the tables, tying her hair to Bayley's arm before smashing her around the cell. However, Bayley gained the upper hand again by biting Belair's arm.
The two of them continued to use various weapons, creating some unique spots. Belair slammed Bayley through multiple kendo sticks bridged between the apron and the cell wall before the challenger hit a Rose Plant onto a ladder.
However, the EST stood tall. Bianca Belair ended Bayley's hopes with a massive KOD onto an open ladder. This was a brutal way to end a fun contest. However, the women truly put on a banger. Where would you rank it among every women's Hell in a Cell Match in WWE history?
Grade: A-
#1 Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship - Hell in a Cell Match
The main event of Hell in a Cell saw Drew McIntyre challenge Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship. The two certainly lived up to the structure's brutality, laying into each other with violent shots right from the get-go.
Lashley and McIntyre both showcased their power, while a multitude of weapons were introduced early on. The All-Mighty WWE Champion even used MVP's cane to get the upper hand at one point, while his manager assisted in trapping The Scottish Warrior between a kendo stick and the Hell in a Cell wall.
McIntyre channeled his former best friend, Sheamus, and hit a White Noise onto the steel steps. He also hit a brutal reverse Alabama Slam face-first into a chair. Lashley did get an intense period of domination, only for the babyface to fight back. However, a referee bump forced officials to unlock the Hell in a Cell door.
MVP would enter the cell and break up a pinfall after Drew McIntyre had hit the Claymore Kick. The former WWE Champion hit one on him before sending Lashley through a table as a counter to the Hurt Lock. MVP popped up later in the match and influenced its ending.
His distraction allowed Bobby Lashley to roll up McIntyre for a cheap victory. This was alright in delivering heel heat onto the All-Mighty, but it took away slightly from the match. It was still the best one at Hell in a Cell, as the action was still phenomenal.
A grander ending would have turned this good match into a great one.
Grade: A-
Bayley gives us a HUGE update on a top Superstar's upcoming return RIGHT HERE.
