Nothing resolves a feud better than an old-fashioned fight in a cage. However, not many wrestlers dare step inside the cage, especially if it’s a Hell in a Cell match. Before it became the cash cow that it is today, Hell in a Cell was a truly brutal and thrilling experience where one could see the best WWE has to offer. Unlike steel cage matches, these rings offered no chance for escape, making it much more entertaining. Since a huge number of wrestlers participated into this deadly challenge, it is quite difficult to determine what matches were the best. We’ve compiled a list of matches trying to do just that.
John Cena vs Cm Punk vs Alberto del Rio
We’ll start with this unique three-way match. There was a lot of bad blood between Cena, Punk and del Rio that it could only end in a merciless prison that is Hell in a Cell. What started off as an exciting match between the three turned quickly into a battle of wits as del Rio managed to lock Cena out of the ring, staying alone with Punk. To further up his chances, del Rio got himself a steel pipe with which he managed to overcome Punk and snatch away his title. Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without Cena raging outside of the ring and del Rio taunting him occasionally.
Batista vs Triple H
Those closest to us usually end up hurting us the most. This valuable lesson is something we could have learned (quite literally) from the Batista and Triple H encounter. The two were once both members of the Evolution stable, but have since gone their separate ways. This match was a true display of villainous brutality. They fought adamantly and heartily, using everything at their disposal to help them tip the scale in their favor. Steel chain, barbed wire chair and Game’s special sledgehammer were all used in this ultimate fight. Batista won in the end, strengthening his name at the throne.
Triple H vs Cactus Jack
Mick Foley is a man of many faces and personalities, but it is the Cactus Jack one that he chose to confront Triple H. At the very start of the match, Cactus Jack ran towards the door, trying to escape. But it is only when Triple H came up to him that Jack revealed it was a cunning trick and used it against Trips. After a while, the fight continued outside of the cage and the Barbie was introduced. In case you don’t know, Barbie is Jack’s favorite weapon made up of a club and barbwire. In the final act, the fight moved to the top of the cage where we could see some exquisite moves ending in Jack falling to the ground. It was Triple H who ultimately won this amazing match.
Triple H vs Shawn Michaels
Yet another Triple H match worth mentioning here is the one against Shawn Michaels. Both being former members of the Degeneration-X, the two had many unresolved issues. While the match started like any other with both sides equally punishing the other, soon chairs came into play and, before you knew it, there was blood all over the ring. Although Triple H won in the end, it is safe to say that the match was extremely demanding on both sides. Lasting 47 minutes, this was also one of the longest matches in WWE history.
Brock Lesnar vs The Undertaker
Now it is time to introduce The Undertaker to the list, and who will do it better than Brock Lesnar, the current champion. The highlight of the match was Undertaker’s cast on his arm that made his fight with Lesnar much more challenging. However, at the very start, showing how he is not afraid of his own vulnerability, Undertaker bashed Lesnar with the cast and set off gloriously. Soon after that, though, he was covered in blood after Lesnar’s heavy blow. The crown of the match was probably the moment Brock lifted The Undertaker up and threw him down, confirming his right to the throne.
The Undertaker vs Edge
The Undertaker’s next fight was against Edge. They both seemed equal, fighting in the ring until Edge ran Undertaker through the cage’s wall and onto the announcing table. In a truly spontaneous moment, the TV equipment that was there became a source of weapons for them both. Undertaker managed to toss Edge from the top rope and hurt him quite badly. It was obvious who was the winner as soon as The Undertaker took control of the match.
The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels
Now, let’s look at an old fantastic match between Triple H’s former opponent, Shawn Michaels and veteran cager The Undertaker. This match happened in 1997 and was the first Hell in a Cell ever. Though inexperienced in this new environment, the two made quite a show, climbing the cage and Michaels even falling at one point. What makes this match even more exciting is the fact that it was the match that introduced the mighty Kane. It was quite a show.
The Undertaker vs Mankind
Mick Foley’s second personality, Mankind encountered The Undertaker in a Hell in a Cell that is considered by many to be one of the most exciting shows ever. Mankind decided to start the match from the top of the cage, inviting Undertaker up. However, he soon regretted his decision as he plummeted down to the announcer’s table in what looked like a really heavy blow. Mankind’s dedication in this match was simply amazing and a must-see for anyone who calls himself a true wrestling fan.
Hell in a Cell is a truly powerful tool for settling feuds in WWE, and a place where the best wrestling happens. Whoever invented it was a genius, a sadist or both. Either way, use this list to help you find what will likely become your all-time favorite fight.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
