Hell In A Cell 2019: A Night Of Brutality And Controversy
Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into Hell in a Cell 2019, a pay-per-view event that definitely had everyone talking. This show, held in Sacramento, California, on October 6, 2019, was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring some incredible matches alongside some head-scratching moments. We're gonna break down the key matches, the big controversies, and why this event remains a topic of discussion among wrestling enthusiasts. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's get into it, guys!
The Fiend's Arrival and Seth Rollins' Victory: A Divisive Main Event
Alright, let's start with the big one – the main event. Seth Rollins defended his Universal Championship against The Fiend Bray Wyatt inside Hell in a Cell. Now, The Fiend was a fresh and terrifying character at the time, and the anticipation for this match was sky-high. The match itself was a brutal affair, living up to the Hell in a Cell stipulation. We saw kendo sticks, steel chairs, and all sorts of weapons used to inflict pain. The story was built around the relentless attacks of The Fiend and Rollins' struggle to survive. It was intense, no doubt about it.
However, the ending is where things went completely sideways. The referee, seemingly in response to the action, called for the match to be stopped. This decision led to a no-contest finish, which was met with boos and confusion from the crowd. The fans were left bewildered, and the online wrestling community erupted with anger and disappointment. It's safe to say that the main event's finish overshadowed the match's quality. This decision left a bad taste in many mouths, and it's a testament to how important a proper finish is in a wrestling match. It's a key part of the storytelling, and when it falls apart, it really impacts how people remember the event.
The no-contest finish did accomplish one thing: It made people question the storytelling and the logic behind the booking decisions. This led to discussions about how WWE might have mishandled The Fiend's character and the overall direction of the Universal Championship. The choice left a sour taste and sparked a huge discussion about the direction of the company. It's a reminder that even the most anticipated matches can be derailed by a questionable creative decision.
Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks: A Match of the Year Contender
Now, let's turn our attention to one of the event's highlights: Becky Lynch defending her Raw Women's Championship against Sasha Banks inside Hell in a Cell. This match was a masterpiece of storytelling and in-ring action. The feud between Becky and Sasha had been brewing for months, and this Hell in a Cell match provided the perfect platform to culminate their rivalry. From the moment the bell rang, these two women went to war. The match was filled with intense spots, near falls, and creative use of the cell structure.
Becky and Sasha showcased their talents, delivering a performance that many consider a match of the year contender. The storytelling was on point, with both wrestlers playing their roles perfectly. Becky, the resilient champion, and Sasha, the ruthless challenger, provided a captivating narrative that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The execution was so good that the audience was completely invested in the outcome. Ultimately, Becky retained her title, but the match itself was the real victory. It was a testament to the talent of both women and demonstrated the potential for incredible matches inside Hell in a Cell.
This match not only delivered action but also solidified the women's division's standing in WWE. It showed that female wrestlers can tell compelling stories and deliver high-quality matches. This was a critical step in the ongoing evolution of women's wrestling within the company. For many, it's remembered as the high point of the show and a reminder of how good wrestling can be when the performers have the opportunity to shine.
Other Notable Matches and Moments
Besides the main event and the women's championship match, Hell in a Cell 2019 had other matches that were worth talking about. Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan teamed up to take on Erick Rowan and Luke Harper in a tag team match. This was a good match that had its moments, but it's hard to compare it to the high quality of other matches on the card. The match was fairly standard in terms of wrestling, and it didn't really have the same kind of impact as the other matches. The feud was entertaining, but the match itself didn't stand out as much as it could have.
Another match that stood out was the match between Charlotte Flair and Bayley for the Smackdown Women's Championship. This match was a decent match that provided a good amount of action and entertainment. The match itself was a fine wrestling match, but it didn't leave a huge impact on the event's overall memory. It may not have reached the heights of the women's championship match, but it provided some good action for the crowd. The audience enjoyed the match, but it wasn't the most talked-about part of the event.
These matches provided entertainment, but they didn't have the same level of impact as the other matches on the card. They were enjoyable, but the card was very good, and they didn't stand out the same way that the other matches did. However, each match contributed to the overall show, and added to the night's enjoyment. It's important to remember that not every match can be a masterpiece, and they each contribute to the flow of the night.
The Controversial Ending and Its Impact
We already touched on it, but the main event finish – the no-contest between Seth Rollins and The Fiend – remains the biggest talking point from Hell in a Cell 2019. This controversial decision sparked a massive backlash from fans, and it definitely had a negative impact on the event's legacy. The ending overshadowed the good wrestling that had happened, leaving a sense of disappointment. It just didn't live up to the expectations that were set up beforehand.
The reaction to the finish led to questions about creative decisions and the direction of the product. The booking choice was criticized for undermining The Fiend's momentum and damaging the credibility of the Universal Championship. The ending sparked debates about the role of the referee, the importance of a clear finish, and the overall quality of storytelling. It was a big talking point that lasted for months. It had a long-lasting impact, and many felt it harmed the event overall.
While WWE has produced other Hell in a Cell events, the 2019 show is remembered as one of the most controversial. Despite the quality of some of the matches, the main event's outcome overshadows everything. It serves as a reminder of how important the ending of a wrestling match is and how much it can affect the overall perception of the event.
What Could Have Been Done Differently?
Looking back, what could WWE have done to make Hell in a Cell 2019 better? The most obvious change would have been to give the main event a proper finish. They could have had Seth Rollins win clean, they could have found a more creative finish. Anything would have been better than the no-contest. A conclusive ending would have satisfied the fans. However, this could have come at the expense of The Fiend's character.
Another option would have been to rethink the overall booking of the show. Maybe, they could have changed the match order or the match stipulations. It's hard to tell what would have improved the show. However, improving the booking decisions may have helped avoid some of the controversies. Some wrestlers may have had more time, or others may have been featured more. It's something to think about, considering the overall outcome of the event.
Also, it's worth considering how WWE could have better managed the expectations of the fans. They could have done more to build The Fiend's character, and they could have provided more clarity on the direction of the storylines. This could have kept the audience engaged, despite any decisions in the end. More preparation might have lessened the reaction to the ending.
The Legacy of Hell in a Cell 2019
Hell in a Cell 2019 is an event that will be remembered for its controversies. While the event had some great matches, the main event finish will be its legacy. The show is often used as an example of when creative decisions go wrong. It serves as a lesson about the importance of a well-booked show. This event certainly will be a show that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Despite the controversy, the event had some shining moments. The women's championship match was a match of the year contender, and other matches had their moments. The show had some great wrestling. This shows that despite the mistakes, some good wrestling still happened.
Overall, Hell in a Cell 2019 is a mixed bag. It's a reminder of how important a good finish is, and it's a testament to the skill of the wrestlers who delivered excellent performances. It's a show that will live on in wrestling history for all the right and wrong reasons. It's a show that will continue to be discussed for many years to come. This event continues to be a great topic of discussion among wrestling fans.