10 Most Underrated Hell In A Cell Matches Of All-Time
Photo Credit: WWE
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When wrestling fans discuss the greatest Hell in a Cell (HIAC) matches, iconic bouts like The Undertaker vs. Mankind and Triple H vs. Cactus Jack often dominate the conversation. These legendary encounters are rightly celebrated for their unforgettable drama and intense action. However, throughout WWE history, numerous HIAC matches delivered phenomenal storytelling and breathtaking performances but remain underappreciated. Here, we highlight ten such underrated classics that deserve greater recognition.
10. Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy (2018)
At Hell in a Cell 2018, Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy engaged in a match that took advantage of Hardy’s penchant for high-risk maneuvers. Their rivalry kicked off when Orton made his spiteful return targeting Hardy after he won the US Title. The match is remembered for Hardy’s stunning moment when he swung from the roof of the Cell only to crash through a table. Orton’s cunning persona paired with Hardy’s daredevil spirit heightened the stakes while contributing an unforgettable spectacle.
9. The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar (2015)
More than a decade after their first encounter in a Hell in a Cell, The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar revisited their rivalry at Hell in a Cell 2015. Each competitor had something to prove following Lesnar’s streak-breaking victory at WrestleMania. This match epitomized brutality—both men endured chair shots and exposed steel beams, with Lesnar eventually securing the win after an F5 onto the steel steps. Despite its high stakes and physical intensity, this bout often sits in the shadow of their earlier WrestleMania match.
8. DX vs. McMahon & Big Show (2006)
Unforgiven 2006 showcased a Hell in a Cell match filled with chaos as DX battled Vince and Shane McMahon, with Big Show joining the fray. This match highlighted the ongoing vendetta Vince McMahon had against Shawn Michaels and Triple H after being consistently humiliated by DX’s antics. The match was brutal and often comedic, with iconic moments such as Vince having his face shoved into Big Show’s exposed buttocks. Although it ended with DX triumphant, the match’s mix of humor and brutality often gets overlooked.
7. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley (2020)
Sasha Banks and Bayley, whose friendship and rivalry have been woven into the fabric of WWE storytelling, finally faced each other in a dramatic Hell in a Cell match in 2020. Following Bayley’s betrayal of Banks, this match provided a fitting platform for Banks to exact revenge and claim the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Their use of kendo sticks, chairs, and innovative spots inside the Cell demonstrated a high level of creativity and emotional storytelling, culminating in Banks forcing Bayley to tap out in a Banks Statement using a chair. Despite its significance, it often doesn’t receive the same spotlight as other more talked-about matches.
6. Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt (2015)
Their feud began as mind games and escalated to family involvement, with Wyatt’s cryptic messages targeting Reigns’ family. At Hell in a Cell 2015, the match symbolized the culmination of their months-long rivalry. Wyatt and Reigns delivered an emotionally charged bout, replete with dangerous ladders and kendo sticks, concluding with Reigns spearheading Wyatt into a table and emerging victorious, signaling the rise of Reigns as a dominant force in WWE’s landscape.
5. The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton (2005)
At Armageddon 2005, The Undertaker and Randy Orton concluded their year-long rivalry, culminating in a brutal Hell in a Cell showdown. The feud began when Orton, then seen as the “Legend Killer,” set his sights on ending The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak. Over several months, fans witnessed a series of betrayals, including Orton setting The Undertaker on fire inside a casket. The culmination of this storied rivalry saw Orton’s father, “Cowboy” Bob Orton, interfere, adding layers of drama to the match’s brutal storytelling, which included Orton being slammed onto steel steps and the Cell’s often untouched panels.
4. Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks (2016)
Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks made history at Hell in a Cell 2016 as the first women’s match to headline a WWE pay-per-view inside the Cell. Their heated rivalry, defined by a battle for supremacy and respect, reached its peak in this historic encounter. Both competitors demonstrated incredible resilience and courage, with memorable moments including Sasha’s impact through tables and Charlotte’s relentless aggression. Despite the historic significance and thrilling narrative, this match does not always receive the recognition it deserves, often overshadowed by other HIAC matches.
3. Edge vs. Seth Rollins (2021)
Edge and Seth Rollins’ rivalry, brewing since Rollins attacked Edge in a nearly career-ending segment in 2014, culminated in a high-stakes Hell in a Cell encounter at Crown Jewel 2021. The match was filled with high spots, including Edge driving Rollins into a table, leveraging multiple finishers, and ultimately ending the bout with a curb stomp onto a chair. This encounter stands as a masterpiece of storytelling and athletic prowess, mixing Edge’s veteran instincts with Rollins’ calculated aggression.
2. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H (2004)
The conflict between Shawn Michaels and Triple H, once inseparable allies in D-Generation X, reached its peak at Bad Blood 2004 inside Hell in a Cell. Their rivalry was deeply personal, stretching back to 2002 when Triple H betrayed Michaels. Their HIAC match was almost 50 minutes of pure intensity, featuring numerous near falls, weapon usage, and dramatic storytelling. The emotionally charged bout ended with Triple H emerging victorious after three consecutive Pedigrees, marking an epic conclusion to their storied rivalry.
1. Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso (2020)
The Hell in a Cell “I Quit” match between Roman Reigns and Jey Uso at HIAC 2020 was steeped in personal drama, focusing on family and respect. Part of the ongoing Bloodline storyline, the match was a testament to Roman’s transformation into a ruthless Tribal Chief, using emotional manipulation to drive Jey to quit. Iconic for its emotional weight and storytelling, it’s a chapter in Reigns’ career that highlighted his new persona, with moments of intense emotional and physical conflict.
Each of these matches has contributed significantly to the legacy of Hell in a Cell, offering layers of storytelling and moments of intense action that have sometimes been underrated or overshadowed by more widely celebrated encounters. From emotionally charged narratives to jaw-dropping spots, these matches exemplify the multi-faceted drama that WWE’s HIAC bouts are known for, making them deserving of recognition in the annals of wrestling history.
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