Hell In A Cell 2019: WWE Review, Results & Analysis

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into Hell in a Cell 2019. This event, held on October 6, 2019, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, had its highs and lows. Overall, the matches delivered in terms of in-ring action, but some of the finishes left fans scratching their heads. Let's break it down, covering the matches, moments, and controversies that made this event one to remember – or perhaps one to debate.

A Night of High Expectations

Hell in a Cell 2019 came with huge expectations. The card was stacked with major title defenses and intense rivalries set to culminate inside the unforgiving steel structure. From a storyline perspective, the matches had been built up for weeks, promising a night of brutality and decisive outcomes. The Hell in a Cell matches themselves always carry a certain mystique, suggesting that anything can happen, and often does. This year was no exception, though not always in a good way. Heading into the show, fans were eager to see how WWE would deliver on the hype, and whether the event would live up to the legacy of previous Hell in a Cell encounters. The anticipation was palpable, and the wrestling world was watching closely. Hell in a Cell always brings a unique kind of pressure, both on the performers and the creative team. The structure itself is iconic, and the matches held within it are often remembered for years to come. The blend of physicality, drama, and the inherent danger of the cell creates an atmosphere unlike any other. The wrestlers knew they had to bring their A-game, and the creative team had to craft stories that justified the use of such a storied match type. In many ways, Hell in a Cell is a proving ground, a place where careers can be elevated or derailed based on performance and booking decisions. The stakes were high, and the pressure was on. Throughout the night, the echoes of past Hell in a Cell encounters reverberated, reminding everyone of the legendary moments that had taken place inside that very structure. From Mick Foley's infamous fall to Shawn Michaels and Triple H's epic battles, the legacy of Hell in a Cell looms large. This year's participants were not just competing against each other; they were also competing against history itself. The desire to create a memorable moment, to etch their names into the annals of Hell in a Cell lore, drove them to push their limits. Each slam, each strike, each near fall was imbued with the weight of that legacy, adding an extra layer of intensity to the proceedings. As the night unfolded, it became clear that some would rise to the occasion, while others would falter under the immense pressure. The unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, combined with the inherent chaos of Hell in a Cell, ensured that the event would be full of surprises, both good and bad. Ultimately, Hell in a Cell 2019 was a night of contrasts, a mix of exhilarating action and questionable decisions that left fans buzzing long after the final bell. The debates would rage on, the memes would flood social media, and the wrestling world would continue to dissect every moment, searching for meaning and understanding in the aftermath of this unforgettable event. The shadow of the cell loomed large, a reminder of the brutality and unpredictability that define this unique and captivating corner of professional wrestling.

Match Card Highlights

Let's get into the specifics. The card featured several key matches, but a few stood out. Becky Lynch defended her Raw Women's Championship against Sasha Banks in an amazing Hell in a Cell match that stole the show. The two women went all out, using the cell to their advantage and delivering a brutal, hard-hitting contest. Also, Seth Rollins defended his Universal Championship against "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt in another Hell in a Cell match that ended in a controversial no-contest. The match was filled with Wyatt's signature creepy theatrics, but the ending left many fans disappointed and confused. Other notable matches included Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns teaming up against Erick Rowan and Luke Harper, and a Raw Women's Championship match between Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. While these matches had their moments, they were largely overshadowed by the two Hell in a Cell matches. Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks set a high bar for the night, delivering a clinic in aggression and storytelling. Their use of weapons, the innovative spots, and the sheer physicality of the match made it an instant classic. On the other hand, Seth Rollins and "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt faced the unenviable task of following such a stellar performance. Their match had a different feel, leaning more into the supernatural elements of Wyatt's character. The use of red lighting and eerie sound effects created a unique atmosphere, but the match itself was somewhat disjointed. The controversial ending, where the referee stopped the match due to Rollins using a sledgehammer on Wyatt, drew widespread criticism and left a sour taste in many fans' mouths. Despite the mixed reactions to the main event, the overall match card was solid, with a good mix of styles and storylines. The tag team match between Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns against Erick Rowan and Luke Harper provided some much-needed traditional wrestling action, while the Raw Women's Championship match between Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair showcased the talent and athleticism of the women's division. However, it was the Hell in a Cell matches that dominated the conversation, both for their brilliance and their controversy. The image of Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks battling atop the cell, trading blows with reckless abandon, will be etched in the minds of wrestling fans for years to come. Similarly, the image of Seth Rollins standing over a seemingly unconscious Bray Wyatt, sledgehammer in hand, will be remembered for its shocking and divisive nature. Hell in a Cell 2019 was a night of contrasts, a showcase of the best and worst that professional wrestling has to offer. It was a reminder that even the most anticipated events can be unpredictable, and that the creative decisions made by WWE can have a profound impact on the overall perception of the show. The debates and discussions surrounding the event continue to this day, a testament to the enduring power of wrestling to captivate and provoke its audience.

Controversies and Aftermath

The biggest talking point coming out of Hell in a Cell 2019 was undoubtedly the Universal Championship match. The no-contest finish between Seth Rollins and "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt was widely panned by fans and critics alike. The idea that a Hell in a Cell match could end without a clear winner, especially after the brutal beating Wyatt endured, felt like a major letdown. It not only hurt the Rollins-Wyatt feud but also damaged the credibility of the Hell in a Cell concept itself. Many fans felt that WWE had missed a golden opportunity to elevate Wyatt to the top of the card, instead choosing to protect Rollins in a way that made little sense. The aftermath of the event saw a significant backlash on social media, with fans expressing their frustration and disappointment using the hashtag #HIAC. The controversy surrounding the Universal Championship match overshadowed the rest of the show, including the stellar performance by Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks. WWE attempted to address the controversy on subsequent episodes of Raw and SmackDown, but the damage had already been done. The creative decisions surrounding the match were seen as a missed opportunity, a failure to capitalize on the momentum that Wyatt had built up over the previous months. The Fiend's character, which had been one of the most popular and intriguing aspects of WWE programming, was seemingly neutered by the booking decision. Hell in a Cell, once a symbol of brutality and finality, was now viewed as a symbol of creative stagnation and indecision. The long-term effects of the Hell in a Cell 2019 controversy were significant. It eroded fan trust in WWE's creative direction and led to a decline in viewership. The company struggled to regain the momentum that had been lost, and the Universal Championship feud between Rollins and Wyatt never fully recovered. The Fiend's character, while still popular, was never quite the same after the Hell in a Cell debacle. The event served as a cautionary tale for WWE, a reminder that even the most well-crafted storylines can be derailed by poor booking decisions. The fans' reaction to the Hell in a Cell finish was a clear indication that they were not willing to accept illogical or unsatisfying conclusions, especially when it came to such a high-profile match. The controversy also highlighted the importance of listening to the audience and responding to their feedback. While WWE has often been criticized for ignoring the wishes of its fans, the backlash to Hell in a Cell 2019 was so strong that it could not be ignored. The company was forced to acknowledge the criticism and attempt to rectify the situation, although the damage had already been done. In the end, Hell in a Cell 2019 will be remembered not for its in-ring action or its compelling storylines, but for its controversial finish and the negative impact it had on the WWE product. It was a missed opportunity, a creative failure that served as a wake-up call for the company. The lessons learned from Hell in a Cell 2019 continue to resonate within WWE, influencing the way that the company approaches its booking decisions and interacts with its audience.

Final Thoughts

Hell in a Cell 2019 was a mixed bag. While some matches, like Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks, were fantastic, the controversial ending to the Universal Championship match overshadowed everything else. The event highlighted the importance of delivering satisfying conclusions to major storylines and the potential consequences of failing to do so. Despite the high spots, the lasting memory of Hell in a Cell 2019 is one of disappointment and frustration. What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments below!