Every WWE Hell In A Cell Match Ranked From Worst To Best
How will the likes of Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns compare to this lot on Sunday?
The Hell in a Cell stipulation is one that carries with it a certain pressure. The match type quickly gained a heavy sense of expectation and hype, caused by the early efforts of megastars such as The Undertaker, Mankind, and Shawn Michaels.
Since then - and crucially, since the introduction of annual Hell in a Cell pay-per-view - the stipulation has been accused of watering itself down, with several matches criticised for failing to meet the demands of the cell.
However, in ranking every Hell in a Cell bout (not including one dark match from Raw), we've discovered that its history isn't quite as simple as that. Many disappointing matches on this list come from the so-called classic era of the stipulation, while recent events have seen some genuinely impressive performances.
This has definitely been one of the trickier lists we've compiled, given the subjective nature of any wrestling match, let alone those fought under one of the most iconic stipulations of all time. Still, we've done our best, and are excited to present all 37 Hell in a Cell matches ranked from worst to best.
There are a lot of classics in here, so be prepared...
WWE
Where: Freeman Coliseum - San Antonio, Texas
What: More of an angle than a match, really. This Hell in a Cell came in the middle of a Monday Night Raw - a sure sign that the stipulation was yet to find its feet - and never truly became a proper match. Yes, it featured four of the biggest stars of the Attitude Era, and yes, we had the cool visual of Undertaker bursting through the ring to confront Paul Bearer - but ultimately this was a disservice to the match type.
WWE
Where: Corestates Center - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What: Much like the previous entry, this was far more of an angle than an actual wrestling match. It also came in the middle of an episode of Raw, another devaluation of a stipulation otherwise reserved for big occasions. It did at least feature a clever twist. With a now-heel Undertaker watching on to protect his brother, Steve Austin sprang from under the ring and attacked the Big Red Machine. 'Taker climbed the cell to stomp a hole through the ceiling, but it didn't work, and he was forced to look down helplessly from above.
WWE
Where: First Union Center - Philadelphia Pennsylvania
What: A match commonly regarded as the worst in Hell in a Cell history - but a proper bout at least. This is also often thought of as one of the least impressive entries of Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania streak, and a generally controversial 'Mania moment to boot. After a plodding victory over Big Boss Man, 'Taker decided to hang his opponent from the cell roof (with The Brood's assistance from above). A striking visual, for sure, but one that continues to leave a sour taste in the mouth for its cheap attempt at shock value.
WWE
Where: American Airlines Center - Dallas, Texas
What: Another example of Kane and Undertaker never quite sharing the best example of wrestling chemistry. While the Brothers of Destruction may have shared many iconic storylines and moments in the past, their actual matches have rarely impressed. This bout was also hindered by a clumsy, kitschy heel turn by Paul Bearer, who blinded 'Taker with an unconvincing flashlight from within his mysterious urn. Kane took a more straightforward route, bashing his brother over the head to score an unsatisfying victory.
WWE
Where: Philips Arena - Atlanta, Georgia
What: A Hell in a Cell match settled by a roll-up and a fast count from a corrupt heel referee. It doesn't sound ideal on paper, and it wasn't in practice either. Punk and Ryback did their best given the circumstances, but Brad Maddox's screwing of the Big Guy would have been better under just about any other stipulation. Still, WWE would give the pair a chance to redeem themselves one year later - this time with the face/heel dynamic reversed.
WWE
Where: Prudential Center - Newark, New Jersey
What: The first Hell in a Cell match of the dedicated HIAC pay per view era - and an appropriately disappointing one. Punk and 'Taker would go on to have a classic at WrestleMania 29, but this one was wholly disappointing. The Deadman practically squashed one of SmackDown's brightest stars, defeating him in very straightforward fashion to snatch the World Heavyweight Championship. It wouldn't be long before the Straight Edge Saviour would jump to Raw, where far better things would await him.
WWE
Where: New Orleans Arena - New Orleans, Louisiana
What: Mark Henry's World Heavyweight Championship reign came very late in his career, but was executed with a very real intensity and purpose. His initial title win over Randy Orton is more fondly remembered, but this cell match also saw The World's Strongest Man have The Viper's number. The match itself was an unspectacular one, overshadowed by the weight of expectation the stipulation generates. It's a theme we'll see again and again in the early stages of this list.
WWE
Where: American Airlines Arena - Miami, Florida
What: Punk and Ryback's second attempt, this time with less Brad Maddox and more Paul Heyman. The ECW figurehead was technically a participant in the bout, but spent its entirety hiding atop the cell, having been delivered their via cherry-picker at the beginning. Babyface Punk defeated his larger foe in an improved effort, and was granted the opportunity to lay his hands on Heyman as a result. He did just that (and more), climbing the cell and battering his former manager with a kendo stick - a satisfying, if slightly underwhelming finale.
WWE
Where: TD Garden - Boston, Massachusetts
What: A decent match, but one which suffered due to its predictability. There was no way Reigns was losing to Rusev here, even if he'd taken a slight detour down the card to win the United States Championship. We were treated to a classic babyface comeback, as Roman bravely fought out of a chain-assisted Accolade en route to victory - but the crowd were obviously less than enthused.
WWE
Where: Prudential Center - Newark, New Jersey
What: The first of two Hell in a Cell matches between Cena and Orton, one which caught Randy in the middle of his shaven-headed ultra-heel phase. This bout was the very definition of 'OK' but probably didn't deserve the HIAC stipulation. Still, WWE probably made the right booking decision here, as Orton won with an RKO and a ruthless punt kick.
WWE
Where: American Airlines Center - Dallas, Texas
What: The last of our cell matches that probably should have been standard hardcore bouts - and arguably the smoothest of them all. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton doesn't sound like the most inspiring of match-ups, but both men tried their damnedest to make it exciting. The ring steps featured fairly heavily and played into the finish as Orton retained his WWE Championship with an RKO onto the steel.
WWE
Where: Compaq Center - Houston, Texas
What: A better match than many would have expected - but still not a patch on many other Hell in a Cell encounters, and certainly not the various classics from the early years of the stipulation. However, while the match type often hinders matches through unnecessary hype, it helped Kevin Nash and Triple H here - granting Nash, in particular, an excuse to slow things down. Weapons were used, blood was spilled, and even special guest referee Mick Foley took a hell of a bump, flying from the apron into the cell wall with typical reckless abandon.
WWE
Where: AT&T Stadium - Arlington, Texas
What: A spectacle, but one with little rhyme or reason if we're being totally honest. The background of this match was confusing enough, as it was shoehorned into the WrestleMania 32 card on the back of a thrown-together 'lockbox' storyline, involving Vince McMahon's family secrets that were ultimately never revealed. For many, the idea that Shane could hang with Undertaker in a cell match (at WrestleMania) was preposterous. Still, he earned a great deal of respect with a now-iconic elbow drop from the top of the cell to the announce table below - as raw a 'Mania moment as you can get.
WWE
Where: American Airlines Center - Dallas, Texas
What: An exciting modern take on the stipulation, one well on its way to being a recent classic - only for the finish to cut it off at the knees. Bitter rivals Ambrose and Rollins went all out to impress here, tearing into one another at every opportunity, and taking stereo announce table bumps from high on the cell wall. Then the lights went down, a ghostly hologram appeared in the ring, and a distracted Ambrose was clobbered by Bray Wyatt. This war between two former Shield brothers deserves to be much higher on this list, and an appropriate finish would have seen it land in a far better position.
WWE
Where: Nationwide Arena - Columbus, Ohio
What: A long match. A very long match indeed. A long match. Triple H and Shawn Michaels love to take part in Shakespearean epics inside the squared circle, particularly when they wrestle each other. Add WWE's most climactic stipulation, and you've got all the ingredients for a wrestling marathon. This remains the longest cell match of all time, clocking in at a whopping 47 minutes. It really picks up towards the end, with both men trading desperation finishers and Shawn introducing a ladder - but boy does it take an almighty effort to get there.
WWE
Where: American Airlines Arena - Miami, Florida
What: As we've seen, a handful of Hell in a Cell matches feature disappointing endings - but this is perhaps the only one that worked as intended. Had Bryan overcame Orton here, scooping the vacant WWE Championship in the process, we would never have seen his moment of ultimate triumph at WrestleMania XXX. Perhaps blame can be placed on the need to have a dedicated HIAC pay-per-view, with WWE forcing themselves to book such matches regardless of whether any storyline deserves one. Still, special guest referee Shawn Michaels did a great job of upping the drama here, blasting Bryan with an instinctive Sweet Chin Music after seeing him attack Triple H. Okay, yes, Triple H was unjustly interfering on behalf of Orton, but it appears that The Kliq is for life.
WWE
Where: American Airlines Center - Dallas, Texas
What: Cena and Orton's second Hell in a Cell effort, and a marked improvement over the first. John got his win back here, putting away a resilient Orton with a pair of Attitude Adjustments (the second from the turnbuckle through a table). In doing so he became number one contender to Brock Lesnar's WWE Championship, and with The Authority later adding Seth Rollins into the mix, the scene was set for an all-time great triple threat at Royal Rumble 2015.
WWE
Where: Gaylord Entertainment Center - Nashville, Tennessee
What: Some Hell in a Cell matches simply feel more true to the stipulation than others, through some combination of star power, nostalgia, and the violent freedom of the pre-PG years. Triple H vs. Chris Jericho certainly falls into this category, but can arguably be seen as the weakest of such elite bouts. Still, the pair tried to keep things unique - a hallmark of Y2J's entire career, really - finishing the bout atop the cell.
WWE
Where: American Airlines Arena - Miami, Florida
What: A good match, but one which didn't quite live up to the hype it rightly received. The often amazing chemistry between Undertaker and Batista seemed a little off here, with both Deadman and Animal methodically picking one another apart. The big moves were present, as was the expected blood, but things only really picked up towards the end, where a cameraman revealed himself to be Edge in disguise. The opportunist then decimated 'Taker with a steel chair, allowing a dazed Batista to unknowingly pick up an unjust victory.
WWE
Where: Dunkin' Donuts Center - Providence, Rhode Island
What: An overblown, messy match - but the ultimate Hell in a Cell guilty pleasure too. Four men bleed in this match, despite it being 1 vs. 1. Orton and 'Taker are both busted open, unsurprisingly. Cowboy Bob quickly follows suit on the outside, being yanked into the mesh by a raging babyface Deadman. Even referee Nick Patrick gets involved in the claret-spilling action, yet despite the farfetched anarchy, it still sort of works. It's fun, at least - and isn't that the whole point?
WWE
Where: Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center - Birmingham, Alabama
What: A bout you may have expected to see far higher on this list, given the incredible number of all-time megastars involved. As it turns out, six is probably too high a number for a Hell in a Cell match. There's simply too much going on here to keep track of, and although things (usually) slow down for the big spots, Kurt Angle's cheap stolen pinfall can't help but feel like a bit of an underwhelming conclusion. Still, major props to Rikishi for taking a terrifying bump, flying backwards off the top of the cell into the bed of a truck parked below.
WWE
Where: TD Garden - Boston, Massachusetts
What: Not only the first women's Hell in a Cell match, but the first and only women's bout to headline a main roster pay-per-view (at the time of writing). Sasha and Charlotte's ferocity cannot be denied; both clearly set out here to honour both the stipulation and modern women's wrestling. However, this would have warranted a much higher spot had the finish not been slightly hindered. After multiple attempts, Charlotte simply could not put Sasha through a particularly resilient table. The ending, as a result, was a little out of the blue.
WWE
Where: TD Garden - Boston, Massachusetts
What: On paper, this one sounds very disappointing. A valiant and popular babyface attempts to take the title from a cowardly heel champion, only for said champion's best friend to attack, turning much of the match into a 2-on-1 beatdown. Still, you have to remember that the three men involved were Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, and Chis freaking Jericho. That trio could take just about any stipulation and make it halfway decent - and the action here was fittingly superb.
WWE
Where: Staples Center - Los Angeles, California
What: A hard-hitting, weapons-filled brawl between two of the most underrated and misused men on the current WWE roster. Sometimes matches like this happen, where a particularly smarky crowd may be getting ready to boo the hell out of a particular match - only for the two participants involved to go all-out to impress. There were a few nice set pieces here, including a big Uranage from the apron, and a crunching spear through a table on the outside. Reigns won; of course he did.
WWE
Where: New Orleans Arena - New Orleans, Louisiana
What: This may honestly be one of the most underrated Hell in a Cell matches ever, a very clever match involving a tricky three-man setup. Cena came in as WWE Champion, but found himself locked out of the cell midway through the match. From there, he could only watch on helplessly as Del Rio battered Punk with a lead pipe (cunningly passed to him by Ricardo Rodriguez) en route to stealing his championship.
WWE
Where: Little Caesars Arena - Detroit, Michigan
What: Another exercise in Shane McMahon holding his own against a bonafide pro wrestler, before chancing death with an outrageous high spot. This match was a lot better than his WrestleMania 32 bout against Undertaker, in fairness. Kevin Owens played up to a fear of heights, at one point backing out of a teased dive from the top of the cell. The crowd's bloodlust was satisfied, however, as Shane took another terrifying plummet - this time missing due to a surprise Sami Zayn heel turn, the Canadian springing out of nowhere to drag KO to safety.
WWE
Where: Prudential Center - Newark, New Jersey
What: An oddly strategic take on the classic cell format, this match saw Rhodes and DiBiase cunningly lock Triple H out of the match. They then decimated a stranded HBK, until The Game eventually looked to have walked out on his partner. He returned, however, bolt-cutters in hand, and forced his way into the structure. In an ironic turn of events, DiBiase was then locked out, and Rhodes fell victim to a classic DX double-team assault. They picked up the victory in an odd version of a Hell in a Cell match, but an intriguing one nonetheless.
WWE
Where: Air Canada Center - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
What: For the most part, Hell in a Cell matches are super-serious affairs - full of hatred, blood, and a general sense of danger. This bout had all of these qualities in abundance, but also managed to be tremendously silly at the same time. DX took on Big Show and the McMahons in a 2-on-3 handicap bout, and despite the heels' number advantage, eventually emerged triumphant after a cartoonish affair.
That's not to say it wasn't very entertaining, because it most certainly was. Yes, the tactic of shoving Vince's head into Big Show's bare backside may have been questionable one in hindsight, but there was plenty to enjoy here. From HBK crushing Shane's larynx with an Elbow Drop to Triple H thundering a sledgehammer into the neck of Vince, there was plenty of brutality to balance out the humour.
WWE
Where: Staples Center - Los Angeles, California
What: Hell in a Cell matches are supposed to be personal affairs, but few have been fuelled by as much hatred and history as Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar. Having originally waged war inside the cell back in 2002, two very incarnations of 'Taker and Lesnar met 13 years later. Undertaker was a galvanised legend, rendered immortal by his streak of incredible WrestleMania matches. Lesnar was the returning outcast, having ditched WWE for NFL and UFC with the wrestling world at his feet. Oh, this also may be a crucial detail: he snapped 'Taker's streak at WrestleMania XXX.
Undertaker gained a (dubious) revenge victory at SummerSlam 2015, leading to this blow-off inside the cell. It was perhaps the best match of their recent trilogy, featuring plenty of big exchanges and stiff weapon shots. Lesnar was put over as an utter monster, kicking out of a Chokeslam and Tombstone on the exposed boards of the ring. He won, and although The Wyatt Family attempted to steal the spotlight afterwards, everybody knew they'd just witnessed something special.
WWE
Where: Little Caesars Arena - Detroit, Michigan
What: In the summer of 2017, New Day and The Usos embarked upon an incredible tag team feud - almost in spite of WWE's booking. They lit up arenas on TV and pay-per-view pre-shows, forcing their way into this marquee match at Hell in a Cell 2017. There was little doubt that they would disappoint, despite the pressure of the cell - but a match this good was still quite a surprise.
This was one of the more innovative cell bouts of recent memory, particularly when New Day used a handful of kendo sticks to trap Jey Uso in the corner of the structure. He broke free, however, and with the help of a pair of handcuffs, the heelish Usos were able to fight their way back into the bout. This was an all-action affair from start to finish, as two of WWE's most energetic tag teams ever tore the place down. Eventually, Jimmy and Jey were able to secure victory, taking New Day's tag team titles, and establishing a bond of respect between the opposing squads - one which stands to this day.
WWE
Where: Kiel Center - St. Louis, Missouri
What: Please don't be angry. I understand that this - the first ever Hell in a Cell match - is many people's favourite, and I know it might be a surprise to see it this low on the list. However, I think that says more about the quality of every match above it, and their underrated nature, rather than any particular shortcomings here.
That said, this bout at Badd Blood: In Your House had it all: a merciless Undertaker beatdown, weaselly heel antics from Michaels, a bump from the side of the cell through the announce table, and one of the best debuts of all time. With 'Taker on the verge of victory, the lights dimmed, an unfamiliar entrance theme hit the speakers, and Vince McMahon made one of the most iconic calls in wrestling history: "That's gotta be Kane!". The Big Red Machine ripped the cell door off its hinges, hurled poor Earl Hebner into the wall, and cost his brother the match before setting off that iconic corner pyro. The rest is history.
WWE
Where: Conseco Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, Indiana
What: In 2008, Edge and Undertaker were tasked with putting together a Hell in a Cell match for the PG era. That's no easy task, but my word did they achieve it. Although lacking in blood and barbarism, this bout still featured compelling action, a little innovation, and a few terrifying high spots. The aftermath has divided opinion, but we'll get to that in a second.
The action spilled to the outside when Edge speared 'Taker through the side of the cell, before smashing him clean through the announce table. Back in the cell, the Rated R Superstar took a big bump of his own, plummeting into a stack of tables from the top rope. Undertaker picked up the win, but the biggest bump came after the match, as a vengeful Deadman Chokeslammed Edge from the top of a ladder, sending him crashing through the ring itself. Then, just to make sure, the hole was set on fire.
WWE
Where: Thomas & Mack Center - Las Vegas, Nevada
What: Some of the best cell matches are those that take a simple heel vs. babyface storyline and amplify it. That's exactly what happened when World Heavyweight Champion Batista took on his twisted former mentor at Vengeance 2005. Having taken the belt from Triple H at WrestleMania, the Animal had a chance to see off The Game once and for all.
For all the criticism aimed at Triple H and his dominance of the title scene around this time, few wrestlers are more compelling when getting their just desserts. Although both men took a battering, Batista owned the ring here, dishing out huge amounts of punishment to the heel while the crowd roared him on. The final sequence was simply perfect, as Batista hoisted Triple H for a final Batista Bomb, only for The Game to raise his sledgehammer in defiance. Before he could connect, Batista snapped him into the canvas anyway, establishing himself as Raw's new top dog in the process.
WWE
Where: Alltel Arena - North Little Rock, Arkansas
What: Some Hell in a Cell matches get across the brutality of the stipulation with preposterous bumps, and that's fine. But Undertaker and Lesnar decided to go a slightly different route with their first cell encounter in 2002 - by simply going into the ring and beating the daylights out of one another. By the end of this one, both men were totally caked in their own blood - as was Paul Heyman, and he wasn't even inside the structure!
It sounds quite silly considering what happened to either man's career next, but at the time, this was something of a passing of the torch. Lesnar, despite absorbing an ungodly amount of punishment, was somehow able to hoist 'Taker and put him away with a climactic F5. As he celebrated atop the Cell itself, it seemed as though the Next Big Thing had truly arrived in WWE.
WWE
Where: Civic Arena - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What: Quite simply, one of the most iconic matches in WWE history. It's not the easiest bout to watch, given Foley's two terrifying falls, but Undertaker vs. Mankind remains one of the most groundbreaking (and controversial) contests ever. While not as good a wrestling match as many others on this list, it's impossible to overlook the violence and drama of this King of the Ring 1998 clash - particularly in a modern context, with the remainder of the Attitude Era stretched out in the aftermath.
For the benefit of those who (somehow) haven't seen it, I'll give a brief recap. The pair begin the bout atop the cell, which is already buckling sickeningly underfoot. Then, with an almost humorous simplicity, Undertaker grabs his opponent and simply carts him off the edge of the structure. Foley's plummet has entered wrestling folklore, but his second bump was the more damaging: a Chokeslam from the top of the cell, through the roof itself, all the way to the canvas below. Exciting and shocking, for sure, but I'm quite glad bumps like this didn't become a more regular part of the product.
WWE
Where: Sun Life Stadium - Miami Gardens, Florida
What: For all the bluster and hype that featured in the build to this 'End of an Era' match, you can't argue that it didn't deliver. In comfortably one of the most epic WrestleMania matches of all time, Triple H attempted to end Undertaker's undefeated streak inside the now-iconic cell. To tip the odds in Hunter's favour, the special guest referee was to be none other than his best friend and former tag partner, Shawn Michaels. Oh yes, and Undertaker had forced HBK to retire two years prior.
Triple H and Undertaker are two of the most respected men in all of wrestling, and their mastery of psychology and storytelling was never more evident than in this bout. The pair fed off each other wonderfully, and treated us to one of the best near-falls ever, as 'Taker kicked out of a Sweet Chin Music/Pedigree combination to keep his streak alive. The image of all three men at the top of the ramp afterwards is a poignant symbol - not only of the physical sacrifices made by those in the wrestling business, but also the raw power of storytelling.
WWE
Where: Hartford Civic Center - Hartford Connecticut
What: No other Hell in a Cell match contains such an effective blend of brilliant wrestling and shocking set pieces as this. As if the stipulation wasn't big enough, Mick Foley's career was also on the line. Coming off the back of a similarly iconic street fight at the Royal Rumble, the pair headed into No Way Out looking to somehow top an incredible, brutal bout.
Of course, with Foley willing to put his body on the line, and Triple H in the form of his career, anything is possible. The pair waged war in an utterly brutal encounter, one laced with unmatched intensity. The action gradually spilled to the outside (after Cactus Jack used his own body to break a hole in the wall), and then up to the top of the structure. As if that wasn't foreboding enough - given Foley's history with the cell - a flaming two-by-four was thrown into the mix as well. Eventually, the match's signature moment arrived as Foley set up Triple H for the Double-Arm DDT - only to be backdropped through the cell roof to the canvas below.
Triple H sold the terrifying nature of the bump immaculately, edging towards Foley and kicking nervously at him with an outstretched foot, before recoiling in horror and disbelief as his opponent stirred.
From start to finish, this match provided compelling action and suspense on a level rarely reached - and for that reason, I believe it to be the best Hell in a Cell match of all time.
Since then - and crucially, since the introduction of annual Hell in a Cell pay-per-view - the stipulation has been accused of watering itself down, with several matches criticised for failing to meet the demands of the cell.
However, in ranking every Hell in a Cell bout (not including one dark match from Raw), we've discovered that its history isn't quite as simple as that. Many disappointing matches on this list come from the so-called classic era of the stipulation, while recent events have seen some genuinely impressive performances.
This has definitely been one of the trickier lists we've compiled, given the subjective nature of any wrestling match, let alone those fought under one of the most iconic stipulations of all time. Still, we've done our best, and are excited to present all 37 Hell in a Cell matches ranked from worst to best.
There are a lot of classics in here, so be prepared...
37. The Undertaker & Steve Austin Vs. Mankind & Kane - Raw, 15 June 1998
WWEWhere: Freeman Coliseum - San Antonio, Texas
What: More of an angle than a match, really. This Hell in a Cell came in the middle of a Monday Night Raw - a sure sign that the stipulation was yet to find its feet - and never truly became a proper match. Yes, it featured four of the biggest stars of the Attitude Era, and yes, we had the cool visual of Undertaker bursting through the ring to confront Paul Bearer - but ultimately this was a disservice to the match type.
36. Mankind Vs. Kane - Raw, 24 August 1998
WWEWhere: Corestates Center - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What: Much like the previous entry, this was far more of an angle than an actual wrestling match. It also came in the middle of an episode of Raw, another devaluation of a stipulation otherwise reserved for big occasions. It did at least feature a clever twist. With a now-heel Undertaker watching on to protect his brother, Steve Austin sprang from under the ring and attacked the Big Red Machine. 'Taker climbed the cell to stomp a hole through the ceiling, but it didn't work, and he was forced to look down helplessly from above.
35. The Undertaker Vs. Big Boss Man - WrestleMania XV
WWEWhere: First Union Center - Philadelphia Pennsylvania
What: A match commonly regarded as the worst in Hell in a Cell history - but a proper bout at least. This is also often thought of as one of the least impressive entries of Undertaker's undefeated WrestleMania streak, and a generally controversial 'Mania moment to boot. After a plodding victory over Big Boss Man, 'Taker decided to hang his opponent from the cell roof (with The Brood's assistance from above). A striking visual, for sure, but one that continues to leave a sour taste in the mouth for its cheap attempt at shock value.
34. Kane Vs. The Undertaker - Hell In A Cell 2010
WWEWhere: American Airlines Center - Dallas, Texas
What: Another example of Kane and Undertaker never quite sharing the best example of wrestling chemistry. While the Brothers of Destruction may have shared many iconic storylines and moments in the past, their actual matches have rarely impressed. This bout was also hindered by a clumsy, kitschy heel turn by Paul Bearer, who blinded 'Taker with an unconvincing flashlight from within his mysterious urn. Kane took a more straightforward route, bashing his brother over the head to score an unsatisfying victory.
33. CM Punk Vs. Ryback - Hell In A Cell 2012
WWEWhere: Philips Arena - Atlanta, Georgia
What: A Hell in a Cell match settled by a roll-up and a fast count from a corrupt heel referee. It doesn't sound ideal on paper, and it wasn't in practice either. Punk and Ryback did their best given the circumstances, but Brad Maddox's screwing of the Big Guy would have been better under just about any other stipulation. Still, WWE would give the pair a chance to redeem themselves one year later - this time with the face/heel dynamic reversed.
32. CM Punk Vs. The Undertaker - Hell In A Cell 2009
WWEWhere: Prudential Center - Newark, New Jersey
What: The first Hell in a Cell match of the dedicated HIAC pay per view era - and an appropriately disappointing one. Punk and 'Taker would go on to have a classic at WrestleMania 29, but this one was wholly disappointing. The Deadman practically squashed one of SmackDown's brightest stars, defeating him in very straightforward fashion to snatch the World Heavyweight Championship. It wouldn't be long before the Straight Edge Saviour would jump to Raw, where far better things would await him.
31. Mark Henry Vs. Randy Orton - Hell In A Cell 2011
WWEWhere: New Orleans Arena - New Orleans, Louisiana
What: Mark Henry's World Heavyweight Championship reign came very late in his career, but was executed with a very real intensity and purpose. His initial title win over Randy Orton is more fondly remembered, but this cell match also saw The World's Strongest Man have The Viper's number. The match itself was an unspectacular one, overshadowed by the weight of expectation the stipulation generates. It's a theme we'll see again and again in the early stages of this list.
30. CM Punk Vs. Ryback & Paul Heyman - Hell In A Cell 2013
WWEWhere: American Airlines Arena - Miami, Florida
What: Punk and Ryback's second attempt, this time with less Brad Maddox and more Paul Heyman. The ECW figurehead was technically a participant in the bout, but spent its entirety hiding atop the cell, having been delivered their via cherry-picker at the beginning. Babyface Punk defeated his larger foe in an improved effort, and was granted the opportunity to lay his hands on Heyman as a result. He did just that (and more), climbing the cell and battering his former manager with a kendo stick - a satisfying, if slightly underwhelming finale.
29. Roman Reigns Vs. Rusev - Hell In A Cell 2016
WWEWhere: TD Garden - Boston, Massachusetts
What: A decent match, but one which suffered due to its predictability. There was no way Reigns was losing to Rusev here, even if he'd taken a slight detour down the card to win the United States Championship. We were treated to a classic babyface comeback, as Roman bravely fought out of a chain-assisted Accolade en route to victory - but the crowd were obviously less than enthused.
28. John Cena Vs. Randy Orton - Hell In A Cell 2009
WWEWhere: Prudential Center - Newark, New Jersey
What: The first of two Hell in a Cell matches between Cena and Orton, one which caught Randy in the middle of his shaven-headed ultra-heel phase. This bout was the very definition of 'OK' but probably didn't deserve the HIAC stipulation. Still, WWE probably made the right booking decision here, as Orton won with an RKO and a ruthless punt kick.
27. Randy Orton Vs. Sheamus - Hell In A Cell 2010
WWEWhere: American Airlines Center - Dallas, Texas
What: The last of our cell matches that probably should have been standard hardcore bouts - and arguably the smoothest of them all. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton doesn't sound like the most inspiring of match-ups, but both men tried their damnedest to make it exciting. The ring steps featured fairly heavily and played into the finish as Orton retained his WWE Championship with an RKO onto the steel.
26. Triple H Vs. Kevin Nash - Bad Blood 2003
WWEWhere: Compaq Center - Houston, Texas
What: A better match than many would have expected - but still not a patch on many other Hell in a Cell encounters, and certainly not the various classics from the early years of the stipulation. However, while the match type often hinders matches through unnecessary hype, it helped Kevin Nash and Triple H here - granting Nash, in particular, an excuse to slow things down. Weapons were used, blood was spilled, and even special guest referee Mick Foley took a hell of a bump, flying from the apron into the cell wall with typical reckless abandon.
25. The Undertaker Vs. Shane McMahon - WrestleMania 32
WWEWhere: AT&T Stadium - Arlington, Texas
What: A spectacle, but one with little rhyme or reason if we're being totally honest. The background of this match was confusing enough, as it was shoehorned into the WrestleMania 32 card on the back of a thrown-together 'lockbox' storyline, involving Vince McMahon's family secrets that were ultimately never revealed. For many, the idea that Shane could hang with Undertaker in a cell match (at WrestleMania) was preposterous. Still, he earned a great deal of respect with a now-iconic elbow drop from the top of the cell to the announce table below - as raw a 'Mania moment as you can get.
24. Seth Rollins Vs. Dean Ambrose - Hell In A Cell 2014
WWEWhere: American Airlines Center - Dallas, Texas
What: An exciting modern take on the stipulation, one well on its way to being a recent classic - only for the finish to cut it off at the knees. Bitter rivals Ambrose and Rollins went all out to impress here, tearing into one another at every opportunity, and taking stereo announce table bumps from high on the cell wall. Then the lights went down, a ghostly hologram appeared in the ring, and a distracted Ambrose was clobbered by Bray Wyatt. This war between two former Shield brothers deserves to be much higher on this list, and an appropriate finish would have seen it land in a far better position.
23. Triple H Vs. Shawn Michaels - Bad Blood 2004
WWEWhere: Nationwide Arena - Columbus, Ohio
What: A long match. A very long match indeed. A long match. Triple H and Shawn Michaels love to take part in Shakespearean epics inside the squared circle, particularly when they wrestle each other. Add WWE's most climactic stipulation, and you've got all the ingredients for a wrestling marathon. This remains the longest cell match of all time, clocking in at a whopping 47 minutes. It really picks up towards the end, with both men trading desperation finishers and Shawn introducing a ladder - but boy does it take an almighty effort to get there.
22. Daniel Bryan Vs. Randy Orton - Hell In A Cell 2013
WWEWhere: American Airlines Arena - Miami, Florida
What: As we've seen, a handful of Hell in a Cell matches feature disappointing endings - but this is perhaps the only one that worked as intended. Had Bryan overcame Orton here, scooping the vacant WWE Championship in the process, we would never have seen his moment of ultimate triumph at WrestleMania XXX. Perhaps blame can be placed on the need to have a dedicated HIAC pay-per-view, with WWE forcing themselves to book such matches regardless of whether any storyline deserves one. Still, special guest referee Shawn Michaels did a great job of upping the drama here, blasting Bryan with an instinctive Sweet Chin Music after seeing him attack Triple H. Okay, yes, Triple H was unjustly interfering on behalf of Orton, but it appears that The Kliq is for life.
21. John Cena Vs. Randy Orton - Hell In A Cell 2014
WWEWhere: American Airlines Center - Dallas, Texas
What: Cena and Orton's second Hell in a Cell effort, and a marked improvement over the first. John got his win back here, putting away a resilient Orton with a pair of Attitude Adjustments (the second from the turnbuckle through a table). In doing so he became number one contender to Brock Lesnar's WWE Championship, and with The Authority later adding Seth Rollins into the mix, the scene was set for an all-time great triple threat at Royal Rumble 2015.
20. Triple H Vs. Chris Jericho - Judgement Day 2002
WWEWhere: Gaylord Entertainment Center - Nashville, Tennessee
What: Some Hell in a Cell matches simply feel more true to the stipulation than others, through some combination of star power, nostalgia, and the violent freedom of the pre-PG years. Triple H vs. Chris Jericho certainly falls into this category, but can arguably be seen as the weakest of such elite bouts. Still, the pair tried to keep things unique - a hallmark of Y2J's entire career, really - finishing the bout atop the cell.
19. Batista Vs. The Undertaker - Survivor Series 2007
WWEWhere: American Airlines Arena - Miami, Florida
What: A good match, but one which didn't quite live up to the hype it rightly received. The often amazing chemistry between Undertaker and Batista seemed a little off here, with both Deadman and Animal methodically picking one another apart. The big moves were present, as was the expected blood, but things only really picked up towards the end, where a cameraman revealed himself to be Edge in disguise. The opportunist then decimated 'Taker with a steel chair, allowing a dazed Batista to unknowingly pick up an unjust victory.
18. The Undertaker Vs. Randy Orton - Armageddon 2005
WWEWhere: Dunkin' Donuts Center - Providence, Rhode Island
What: An overblown, messy match - but the ultimate Hell in a Cell guilty pleasure too. Four men bleed in this match, despite it being 1 vs. 1. Orton and 'Taker are both busted open, unsurprisingly. Cowboy Bob quickly follows suit on the outside, being yanked into the mesh by a raging babyface Deadman. Even referee Nick Patrick gets involved in the claret-spilling action, yet despite the farfetched anarchy, it still sort of works. It's fun, at least - and isn't that the whole point?
17. Kurt Angle Vs. Steve Austin Vs. Triple H Vs. The Undertaker Vs. The Rock Vs. Rikishi - Armageddon 2000
WWEWhere: Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center - Birmingham, Alabama
What: A bout you may have expected to see far higher on this list, given the incredible number of all-time megastars involved. As it turns out, six is probably too high a number for a Hell in a Cell match. There's simply too much going on here to keep track of, and although things (usually) slow down for the big spots, Kurt Angle's cheap stolen pinfall can't help but feel like a bit of an underwhelming conclusion. Still, major props to Rikishi for taking a terrifying bump, flying backwards off the top of the cell into the bed of a truck parked below.
16. Sasha Banks Vs. Charlotte Flair - Hell In A Cell 2016
WWEWhere: TD Garden - Boston, Massachusetts
What: Not only the first women's Hell in a Cell match, but the first and only women's bout to headline a main roster pay-per-view (at the time of writing). Sasha and Charlotte's ferocity cannot be denied; both clearly set out here to honour both the stipulation and modern women's wrestling. However, this would have warranted a much higher spot had the finish not been slightly hindered. After multiple attempts, Charlotte simply could not put Sasha through a particularly resilient table. The ending, as a result, was a little out of the blue.
15. Kevin Owens Vs. Seth Rollins - Hell In A Cell 2016
WWEWhere: TD Garden - Boston, Massachusetts
What: On paper, this one sounds very disappointing. A valiant and popular babyface attempts to take the title from a cowardly heel champion, only for said champion's best friend to attack, turning much of the match into a 2-on-1 beatdown. Still, you have to remember that the three men involved were Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, and Chis freaking Jericho. That trio could take just about any stipulation and make it halfway decent - and the action here was fittingly superb.
14. Roman Reigns Vs. Bray Wyatt - Hell In A Cell 2015
WWEWhere: Staples Center - Los Angeles, California
What: A hard-hitting, weapons-filled brawl between two of the most underrated and misused men on the current WWE roster. Sometimes matches like this happen, where a particularly smarky crowd may be getting ready to boo the hell out of a particular match - only for the two participants involved to go all-out to impress. There were a few nice set pieces here, including a big Uranage from the apron, and a crunching spear through a table on the outside. Reigns won; of course he did.
13. John Cena Vs. CM Punk Vs. Alberto Del Rio - Hell In A Cell 2011
WWEWhere: New Orleans Arena - New Orleans, Louisiana
What: This may honestly be one of the most underrated Hell in a Cell matches ever, a very clever match involving a tricky three-man setup. Cena came in as WWE Champion, but found himself locked out of the cell midway through the match. From there, he could only watch on helplessly as Del Rio battered Punk with a lead pipe (cunningly passed to him by Ricardo Rodriguez) en route to stealing his championship.
12. Kevin Owens Vs. Shane McMahon - Hell In A Cell 2017
WWEWhere: Little Caesars Arena - Detroit, Michigan
What: Another exercise in Shane McMahon holding his own against a bonafide pro wrestler, before chancing death with an outrageous high spot. This match was a lot better than his WrestleMania 32 bout against Undertaker, in fairness. Kevin Owens played up to a fear of heights, at one point backing out of a teased dive from the top of the cell. The crowd's bloodlust was satisfied, however, as Shane took another terrifying plummet - this time missing due to a surprise Sami Zayn heel turn, the Canadian springing out of nowhere to drag KO to safety.
11. D-Generation X Vs. Legacy - Hell In A Cell 2009
WWEWhere: Prudential Center - Newark, New Jersey
What: An oddly strategic take on the classic cell format, this match saw Rhodes and DiBiase cunningly lock Triple H out of the match. They then decimated a stranded HBK, until The Game eventually looked to have walked out on his partner. He returned, however, bolt-cutters in hand, and forced his way into the structure. In an ironic turn of events, DiBiase was then locked out, and Rhodes fell victim to a classic DX double-team assault. They picked up the victory in an odd version of a Hell in a Cell match, but an intriguing one nonetheless.
10. D-Generation X Vs. Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, & Big Show - Unforgiven 2006
WWEWhere: Air Canada Center - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
What: For the most part, Hell in a Cell matches are super-serious affairs - full of hatred, blood, and a general sense of danger. This bout had all of these qualities in abundance, but also managed to be tremendously silly at the same time. DX took on Big Show and the McMahons in a 2-on-3 handicap bout, and despite the heels' number advantage, eventually emerged triumphant after a cartoonish affair.
That's not to say it wasn't very entertaining, because it most certainly was. Yes, the tactic of shoving Vince's head into Big Show's bare backside may have been questionable one in hindsight, but there was plenty to enjoy here. From HBK crushing Shane's larynx with an Elbow Drop to Triple H thundering a sledgehammer into the neck of Vince, there was plenty of brutality to balance out the humour.
9. The Undertaker Vs. Brock Lesnar - Hell In A Cell 2015
WWEWhere: Staples Center - Los Angeles, California
What: Hell in a Cell matches are supposed to be personal affairs, but few have been fuelled by as much hatred and history as Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar. Having originally waged war inside the cell back in 2002, two very incarnations of 'Taker and Lesnar met 13 years later. Undertaker was a galvanised legend, rendered immortal by his streak of incredible WrestleMania matches. Lesnar was the returning outcast, having ditched WWE for NFL and UFC with the wrestling world at his feet. Oh, this also may be a crucial detail: he snapped 'Taker's streak at WrestleMania XXX.
Undertaker gained a (dubious) revenge victory at SummerSlam 2015, leading to this blow-off inside the cell. It was perhaps the best match of their recent trilogy, featuring plenty of big exchanges and stiff weapon shots. Lesnar was put over as an utter monster, kicking out of a Chokeslam and Tombstone on the exposed boards of the ring. He won, and although The Wyatt Family attempted to steal the spotlight afterwards, everybody knew they'd just witnessed something special.
8. New Day Vs. The Usos - Hell In A Cell 2017
WWEWhere: Little Caesars Arena - Detroit, Michigan
What: In the summer of 2017, New Day and The Usos embarked upon an incredible tag team feud - almost in spite of WWE's booking. They lit up arenas on TV and pay-per-view pre-shows, forcing their way into this marquee match at Hell in a Cell 2017. There was little doubt that they would disappoint, despite the pressure of the cell - but a match this good was still quite a surprise.
This was one of the more innovative cell bouts of recent memory, particularly when New Day used a handful of kendo sticks to trap Jey Uso in the corner of the structure. He broke free, however, and with the help of a pair of handcuffs, the heelish Usos were able to fight their way back into the bout. This was an all-action affair from start to finish, as two of WWE's most energetic tag teams ever tore the place down. Eventually, Jimmy and Jey were able to secure victory, taking New Day's tag team titles, and establishing a bond of respect between the opposing squads - one which stands to this day.
7. Shawn Michaels Vs. The Undertaker - Badd Blood: In Your House
WWEWhere: Kiel Center - St. Louis, Missouri
What: Please don't be angry. I understand that this - the first ever Hell in a Cell match - is many people's favourite, and I know it might be a surprise to see it this low on the list. However, I think that says more about the quality of every match above it, and their underrated nature, rather than any particular shortcomings here.
That said, this bout at Badd Blood: In Your House had it all: a merciless Undertaker beatdown, weaselly heel antics from Michaels, a bump from the side of the cell through the announce table, and one of the best debuts of all time. With 'Taker on the verge of victory, the lights dimmed, an unfamiliar entrance theme hit the speakers, and Vince McMahon made one of the most iconic calls in wrestling history: "That's gotta be Kane!". The Big Red Machine ripped the cell door off its hinges, hurled poor Earl Hebner into the wall, and cost his brother the match before setting off that iconic corner pyro. The rest is history.
6. The Undertaker Vs. Edge - SummerSlam 2008
WWEWhere: Conseco Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, Indiana
What: In 2008, Edge and Undertaker were tasked with putting together a Hell in a Cell match for the PG era. That's no easy task, but my word did they achieve it. Although lacking in blood and barbarism, this bout still featured compelling action, a little innovation, and a few terrifying high spots. The aftermath has divided opinion, but we'll get to that in a second.
The action spilled to the outside when Edge speared 'Taker through the side of the cell, before smashing him clean through the announce table. Back in the cell, the Rated R Superstar took a big bump of his own, plummeting into a stack of tables from the top rope. Undertaker picked up the win, but the biggest bump came after the match, as a vengeful Deadman Chokeslammed Edge from the top of a ladder, sending him crashing through the ring itself. Then, just to make sure, the hole was set on fire.
5. Batista Vs. Triple H - Vengeance 2005
WWEWhere: Thomas & Mack Center - Las Vegas, Nevada
What: Some of the best cell matches are those that take a simple heel vs. babyface storyline and amplify it. That's exactly what happened when World Heavyweight Champion Batista took on his twisted former mentor at Vengeance 2005. Having taken the belt from Triple H at WrestleMania, the Animal had a chance to see off The Game once and for all.
For all the criticism aimed at Triple H and his dominance of the title scene around this time, few wrestlers are more compelling when getting their just desserts. Although both men took a battering, Batista owned the ring here, dishing out huge amounts of punishment to the heel while the crowd roared him on. The final sequence was simply perfect, as Batista hoisted Triple H for a final Batista Bomb, only for The Game to raise his sledgehammer in defiance. Before he could connect, Batista snapped him into the canvas anyway, establishing himself as Raw's new top dog in the process.
4. Brock Lesnar Vs. The Undertaker - No Mercy 2002
WWEWhere: Alltel Arena - North Little Rock, Arkansas
What: Some Hell in a Cell matches get across the brutality of the stipulation with preposterous bumps, and that's fine. But Undertaker and Lesnar decided to go a slightly different route with their first cell encounter in 2002 - by simply going into the ring and beating the daylights out of one another. By the end of this one, both men were totally caked in their own blood - as was Paul Heyman, and he wasn't even inside the structure!
It sounds quite silly considering what happened to either man's career next, but at the time, this was something of a passing of the torch. Lesnar, despite absorbing an ungodly amount of punishment, was somehow able to hoist 'Taker and put him away with a climactic F5. As he celebrated atop the Cell itself, it seemed as though the Next Big Thing had truly arrived in WWE.
3. The Undertaker Vs. Mankind - King Of The Ring 1998
WWEWhere: Civic Arena - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What: Quite simply, one of the most iconic matches in WWE history. It's not the easiest bout to watch, given Foley's two terrifying falls, but Undertaker vs. Mankind remains one of the most groundbreaking (and controversial) contests ever. While not as good a wrestling match as many others on this list, it's impossible to overlook the violence and drama of this King of the Ring 1998 clash - particularly in a modern context, with the remainder of the Attitude Era stretched out in the aftermath.
For the benefit of those who (somehow) haven't seen it, I'll give a brief recap. The pair begin the bout atop the cell, which is already buckling sickeningly underfoot. Then, with an almost humorous simplicity, Undertaker grabs his opponent and simply carts him off the edge of the structure. Foley's plummet has entered wrestling folklore, but his second bump was the more damaging: a Chokeslam from the top of the cell, through the roof itself, all the way to the canvas below. Exciting and shocking, for sure, but I'm quite glad bumps like this didn't become a more regular part of the product.
2. The Undertaker Vs. Triple H - WrestleMania XXVIII
WWEWhere: Sun Life Stadium - Miami Gardens, Florida
What: For all the bluster and hype that featured in the build to this 'End of an Era' match, you can't argue that it didn't deliver. In comfortably one of the most epic WrestleMania matches of all time, Triple H attempted to end Undertaker's undefeated streak inside the now-iconic cell. To tip the odds in Hunter's favour, the special guest referee was to be none other than his best friend and former tag partner, Shawn Michaels. Oh yes, and Undertaker had forced HBK to retire two years prior.
Triple H and Undertaker are two of the most respected men in all of wrestling, and their mastery of psychology and storytelling was never more evident than in this bout. The pair fed off each other wonderfully, and treated us to one of the best near-falls ever, as 'Taker kicked out of a Sweet Chin Music/Pedigree combination to keep his streak alive. The image of all three men at the top of the ramp afterwards is a poignant symbol - not only of the physical sacrifices made by those in the wrestling business, but also the raw power of storytelling.
1. Triple H Vs. Cactus Jack - No Way Out 2000
WWEWhere: Hartford Civic Center - Hartford Connecticut
What: No other Hell in a Cell match contains such an effective blend of brilliant wrestling and shocking set pieces as this. As if the stipulation wasn't big enough, Mick Foley's career was also on the line. Coming off the back of a similarly iconic street fight at the Royal Rumble, the pair headed into No Way Out looking to somehow top an incredible, brutal bout.
Of course, with Foley willing to put his body on the line, and Triple H in the form of his career, anything is possible. The pair waged war in an utterly brutal encounter, one laced with unmatched intensity. The action gradually spilled to the outside (after Cactus Jack used his own body to break a hole in the wall), and then up to the top of the structure. As if that wasn't foreboding enough - given Foley's history with the cell - a flaming two-by-four was thrown into the mix as well. Eventually, the match's signature moment arrived as Foley set up Triple H for the Double-Arm DDT - only to be backdropped through the cell roof to the canvas below.
Triple H sold the terrifying nature of the bump immaculately, edging towards Foley and kicking nervously at him with an outstretched foot, before recoiling in horror and disbelief as his opponent stirred.
From start to finish, this match provided compelling action and suspense on a level rarely reached - and for that reason, I believe it to be the best Hell in a Cell match of all time.
Written by Jack King
jack.king@cultaholic.com Twitter: @JackTheJobber
