WWE Hell In A Cell 2019: Results, Review, And Analysis
Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into WWE's Hell in a Cell 2019. This event, held on October 6, 2019, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, was filled with controversy, surprises, and some truly unforgettable moments. Whether you loved it or hated it, Hell in a Cell 2019 definitely got people talking. We will provide a detailed breakdown of each match and give our overall thoughts on the show.
Seth Rollins vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt (Hell in a Cell Match for the Universal Championship)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room right away – the main event. Seth Rollins defended his Universal Championship against "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt in a Hell in a Cell match that ended in a disqualification. Yes, you read that right. In a Hell in a Cell match. The match was brutal, with Rollins using everything he could get his hands on – chairs, tables, ladders, and even a sledgehammer. The Fiend, as usual, absorbed an insane amount of punishment, no-selling much of Rollins' offense and continuously getting back up.
The ending came when Rollins, in a desperate attempt to stop The Fiend, unleashed a series of chair shots while The Fiend had a chair over his head. The referee, deeming it too excessive, stopped the match and declared Rollins the winner by disqualification. The arena erupted in boos, and the wrestling world collectively scratched its head. This finish was universally panned by fans and critics alike. It protected The Fiend, sure, but it completely undermined the Hell in a Cell structure. The point of Hell in a Cell is that anything goes, so a disqualification felt like a massive cop-out. It was a creative decision that left a sour taste in everyone's mouth, damaging both Rollins and Wyatt in the process. WWE received a lot of backlash for this booking decision, and it remains one of the most criticized Hell in a Cell matches ever.
Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks (Hell in a Cell Match for the Raw Women's Championship)
Thankfully, the show wasn't all doom and gloom. Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks tore the house down in their Hell in a Cell match for the Raw Women's Championship. This match was everything the main event wasn't: brutal, creative, and with a definitive finish. Both women used the cell to their advantage, delivering innovative and painful-looking spots. We saw chair shots, kendo sticks, and tables all playing a role in this war. Lynch and Banks had incredible chemistry, and their intensity was palpable. The crowd was invested from start to finish, chanting and cheering for both competitors.
The match culminated in Lynch hitting Banks with a sickening Bexploder Suplex off the second rope through a table, securing the pinfall victory and retaining her Raw Women's Championship. This match was a shining example of what women's wrestling can be: a main event-caliber, brutal, and captivating spectacle. It arguably stole the show and helped to somewhat redeem the event after the disastrous main event finish. If you only watch one match from Hell in a Cell 2019, make it this one!
Other Notable Matches and Moments
While the two Hell in a Cell matches dominated the headlines, there were other matches on the card worth mentioning:
- Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan vs. Erick Rowan & Luke Harper: This tag team match was a solid brawl, with Reigns and Bryan picking up the win after a hard-fought battle. The storyline leading up to this match was convoluted, but the in-ring action was enjoyable. The dynamic between Reigns and Bryan as a team was interesting, and the match itself was a decent showcase for all four men.
- Randy Orton vs. Ali: Orton and Ali had a decent match, with Orton winning with an RKO. Nothing particularly special, but a solid mid-card bout. Ali's high-flying offense was a highlight, and Orton's veteran experience helped to keep the match grounded.
- The Kabuki Warriors vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross (WWE Women's Tag Team Championship): The Kabuki Warriors retained their titles against Bliss and Cross. The match was okay, but nothing memorable. Asuka and Kairi Sane continue to impress as a team, but this match didn't quite reach its full potential.
Overall Thoughts on Hell in a Cell 2019
Overall, WWE Hell in a Cell 2019 was a show of two halves. The undercard was decent, with some solid matches that provided entertainment. However, the infamous main event finish cast a dark shadow over the entire event. The disqualification in the Hell in a Cell match was a baffling decision that angered fans and damaged the credibility of the Hell in a Cell structure. While Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks delivered a fantastic match, it wasn't enough to fully salvage the show.
WWE has a habit of overthinking things and trying to be too clever, and Hell in a Cell 2019 was a prime example of this. Sometimes, the simplest and most logical booking decisions are the best. The company needs to learn from this event and avoid similar mistakes in the future. The fans deserve better than illogical finishes that undermine the matches and the overall product. Despite the few bright spots, Hell in a Cell 2019 will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Final Verdict
Hell in a Cell 2019 is a difficult show to recommend. While the Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks match is definitely worth watching, the rest of the card is largely forgettable, and the main event is downright infuriating. If you're a hardcore wrestling fan, you might want to check out the women's Hell in a Cell match, but otherwise, you're not missing much. This event serves as a cautionary tale for WWE: don't sacrifice logic and fan satisfaction for the sake of a cheap pop or a convoluted storyline. Sometimes, the best approach is the most straightforward one. The final grade for Hell in a Cell 2019 is a C-. The show had potential, but the poor booking decisions ultimately dragged it down.
The Aftermath and Impact
The fallout from Hell in a Cell 2019 was significant. The WWE Universe was vocal in their criticism of the main event finish, and the company had to do some damage control. The controversy fueled further storylines and character developments. Bray Wyatt, despite not winning the title, emerged as an even bigger star, with "The Fiend" becoming a dominant and terrifying force on SmackDown. Seth Rollins, on the other hand, faced a backlash from fans who blamed him for the poor match quality, though the booking was clearly not his fault. The event highlighted the challenges of booking supernatural characters and the importance of delivering satisfying conclusions to major storylines.
Furthermore, the success of the Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks match reinforced the growing popularity of women's wrestling and the ability of female performers to deliver main event-caliber performances. This match helped to pave the way for future women's main events and further opportunities for female wrestlers to showcase their talent. Hell in a Cell 2019, despite its flaws, had a lasting impact on the WWE landscape, shaping storylines and character trajectories for months to come. It serves as a reminder of the power of wrestling to evoke strong emotions and the importance of delivering satisfying and logical outcomes to major events.