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

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive headfirst into Hell in a Cell 2019, a WWE pay-per-view that, to put it mildly, left many of us scratching our heads. While Hell in a Cell is typically known for its brutal matches and shocking moments, the 2019 edition sparked considerable controversy and divided the WWE Universe. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s break down what went down, what worked, and what… well, didn’t.

The Good, the Bad, and the Confusing: A Match-by-Match Breakdown

To really understand the impact of Hell in a Cell 2019, we need to dissect each match and examine its contribution to the overall narrative – or lack thereof. From championship clashes to personal vendettas settled inside the unforgiving steel structure, this event had a lot to unpack. We'll look at the highs, the lows, and those moments that just left us wondering, "What were they thinking?"

Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks: A Helluva Opener

The night kicked off with a bang as Becky Lynch defended her Raw Women's Championship against Sasha Banks in a Hell in a Cell match. These two athletes have amazing chemistry, and it showed. The match was brutal, innovative, and everything you'd expect from a Hell in a Cell encounter. Both women used the cell and various weapons to their advantage, creating a memorable and hard-hitting contest. Becky and Sasha delivered a compelling narrative of resilience and determination.

Lynch's victory was a great start to the show, setting a high bar for the rest of the card. The physicality and the intensity were on point, and it was a definite highlight of the night. The crowd was hot, and this match did exactly what an opening match should do: get everyone invested and excited for what was to come. The use of tables, chairs, and kendo sticks amplified the brutality, reminding us why Hell in a Cell matches are so captivating.

Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan vs. Erick Rowan & Luke Harper: A Solid Tag Team Brawl

Next up, Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan teamed up to take on Erick Rowan and Luke Harper in a tag team match. This feud had been brewing for weeks, with Rowan and Harper targeting Reigns. While the match was solid and entertaining, it felt somewhat underwhelming considering the build-up. Bryan and Reigns worked well together as a team, showcasing their impressive in-ring skills and teamwork.

Rowan and Harper brought their signature intensity and aggression, making for a hard-hitting contest. Ultimately, Reigns and Bryan emerged victorious, but the match didn't quite reach the level of excitement many fans had anticipated. It was a decent match, but it lacked the spark needed to elevate it to a truly memorable encounter. Perhaps the storyline leading up to the match had raised expectations too high, or maybe the match itself simply didn't deliver the level of innovation or surprise that fans were craving.

Bayley vs. Charlotte Flair: A Divisive Decision

Bayley defended her SmackDown Women's Championship against Charlotte Flair. This match was relatively short and ended with Charlotte defeating Bayley to win the title. The brevity of the match and the title change surprised many fans, with some criticizing the decision to have Bayley lose so quickly. Bayley had been working hard to establish herself as a credible champion, and this loss felt like a setback for her momentum.

Charlotte's victory, while impressive, felt somewhat rushed and lacked the emotional impact it could have had. The match itself was technically sound, but it didn't have the time to develop into a truly compelling narrative. This outcome left many fans questioning the long-term booking plans for both Bayley and Charlotte, and it sparked debates about the value of short title reigns. Was this a strategic move to shake things up, or a missed opportunity to build a more meaningful storyline?

The Kabuki Warriors vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross: A Decent Title Defense

The Kabuki Warriors defended their Women's Tag Team Championships against Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. This match was a decent showcase of tag team wrestling, with both teams displaying good chemistry and teamwork. The Kabuki Warriors retained their titles, continuing their reign as dominant champions. The match provided a solid mid-card offering, but it didn't necessarily stand out as a must-see encounter. It was a well-executed match that served its purpose in filling out the card, but it lacked the drama or excitement to elevate it to the next level.

Braun Strowman vs. Tyson Fury: A Celebrity Spectacle

Braun Strowman faced Tyson Fury in a singles match. This was a celebrity attraction match, with Fury, a professional boxer, making his WWE in-ring debut. The match was what you'd expect from a celebrity appearance: a spectacle designed to draw attention and generate buzz. Fury showcased some surprising athleticism and held his own against Strowman.

However, the match was relatively short and ended with Fury winning by count-out. The count-out finish was somewhat anticlimactic and left many fans wanting more. While the match succeeded in generating media attention, it didn't necessarily deliver a satisfying wrestling experience. It was a spectacle, pure and simple, designed to appeal to a broader audience and introduce new fans to WWE. Whether it achieved that goal is debatable, but it certainly got people talking.

Seth Rollins vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt: The Match That Divided the WWE Universe

The main event saw Seth Rollins defend his Universal Championship against "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt in a Hell in a Cell match. This match is, without a doubt, the most controversial aspect of Hell in a Cell 2019. The match was filled with bizarre moments, questionable booking decisions, and a finish that left fans in disbelief. Rollins unleashed a barrage of offense on The Fiend, including multiple stomps and chair shots, but The Fiend kept getting up.

Eventually, Rollins used a sledgehammer on The Fiend, leading to the referee stopping the match and awarding the victory to Rollins via referee stoppage. The crowd erupted in boos and chants of "AEW" and "refunds," expressing their displeasure with the outcome. The decision to have Rollins win in such a weak manner undermined The Fiend's aura of invincibility and damaged the Hell in a Cell concept. This match is widely considered one of the worst Hell in a Cell matches of all time, and it significantly impacted the perception of the entire event.

The Aftermath: Fallout and Fan Reactions

The fallout from Hell in a Cell 2019 was immediate and intense. Fans took to social media to express their anger and disappointment, with many criticizing the booking decisions and the overall quality of the show. The main event, in particular, drew widespread condemnation, with fans questioning the logic and the long-term implications of the finish. The controversy surrounding the event sparked debates about the creative direction of WWE and the company's willingness to listen to its audience.

The negative reaction to Hell in a Cell 2019 served as a wake-up call for WWE, prompting discussions about the need for better storytelling and more consistent booking. The event became a symbol of the frustrations that many fans felt towards the company, and it highlighted the importance of delivering satisfying and logical outcomes. In the weeks and months following the event, WWE attempted to course-correct and address some of the concerns raised by fans, but the damage had already been done. Hell in a Cell 2019 will forever be remembered as one of the most controversial and divisive pay-per-views in WWE history.

Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity

Hell in a Cell 2019 had the potential to be a great event, but ultimately it fell short of expectations. The show was plagued by questionable booking decisions, anticlimactic finishes, and a main event that left fans feeling cheated. While there were some bright spots, such as the opening match between Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks, the overall impression was one of disappointment. The event served as a reminder that even the most established concepts and match types can be undermined by poor execution and a lack of attention to detail. WWE has since worked to rebuild trust with its audience, but Hell in a Cell 2019 remains a cautionary tale of what can happen when creative decisions don't align with fan expectations.