Hell In A Cell 2019: Wrestling Talk & Highlights

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive into the chaotic and controversial world of Hell in a Cell 2019. This event, held on October 6, 2019, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, was filled with moments that had fans talking for weeks. From shocking finishes to questionable booking decisions, Hell in a Cell 2019 certainly left its mark on the WWE landscape. In this article, we’re breaking down the key matches, discussing the major highlights, and giving our take on why this particular event is still debated among wrestling enthusiasts today.

The Main Event: Seth Rollins vs. "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt

The Universal Championship match between Seth Rollins and "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt was undoubtedly the most talked-about aspect of Hell in a Cell 2019. Going into the match, The Fiend was one of the hottest and most protected characters in WWE. His terrifying persona and unique in-ring style had captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Seth Rollins, on the other hand, was the reigning Universal Champion, but his reign was starting to lose momentum due to lackluster storylines and fan criticism. The clash between these two forces promised an epic encounter inside the Hell in a Cell structure.

The match itself was brutal, featuring numerous weapon spots and high-impact maneuvers. Rollins unleashed everything in his arsenal, including chairs, tables, and even a sledgehammer, but The Fiend kept absorbing the punishment and coming back for more. The resilience of The Fiend was presented as almost supernatural, adding to his mystique. However, the match's ending is where things went completely off the rails. After Rollins delivered multiple stomps and used a sledgehammer on a pile of weapons covering The Fiend, the referee stopped the match, declaring it a no-contest. This finish was met with immediate and widespread condemnation from the WWE Universe. Fans in attendance voiced their displeasure with loud boos and chants, while online forums and social media erupted with criticism. The no-contest ruling made little sense from a storyline perspective and undermined the established rules of Hell in a Cell matches, which are typically known for their decisive outcomes.

The controversy surrounding this match stemmed from several factors. First, the decision to protect The Fiend at all costs ultimately hurt Seth Rollins and the Universal Championship. Rollins, who had been built as a top star, appeared incapable of defeating The Fiend, weakening his credibility. Second, the no-contest finish felt like a cop-out, denying fans a satisfying resolution to the rivalry. Many felt that WWE had painted themselves into a corner with The Fiend's character, making it difficult to book him in a way that maintained his mystique without undermining other performers. The aftermath of this match saw both Rollins and Wyatt's characters take different paths, but the shadow of Hell in a Cell 2019 lingered over their storylines for months to come. The match remains a prime example of how a poorly executed finish can derail even the most promising of feuds.

Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks: A Hellacious Women's Championship Match

In stark contrast to the main event, the Raw Women's Championship Hell in a Cell match between Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks was a highlight of the night. These two talented performers delivered a brutal and captivating contest that showcased their athleticism, storytelling ability, and willingness to take risks. Becky Lynch, the reigning champion, had become one of WWE's biggest stars, known for her rebellious attitude and in-ring prowess. Sasha Banks, a seasoned veteran, was looking to reclaim her spot at the top of the women's division after a brief hiatus.

The match began at a furious pace, with both women immediately taking the fight to each other. They utilized the Hell in a Cell structure to their advantage, incorporating innovative and dangerous spots. Lynch and Banks traded blows, slammed each other into the steel cage, and used various weapons to inflict punishment. The intensity of the match was palpable, with each competitor displaying a fierce determination to win. One memorable moment saw Lynch hitting a diving senton off the top of the cell onto Banks, who was positioned on a table below. This high-risk maneuver showcased the commitment of both women to delivering a memorable performance.

Throughout the match, Lynch and Banks told a compelling story of two rivals pushing each other to their limits. Banks targeted Lynch's arm, attempting to weaken her and gain an advantage. Lynch, however, refused to back down, fighting through the pain and continuing to mount her offense. The crowd was fully invested in the match, reacting to every near fall and impactful move. In the end, Becky Lynch emerged victorious, retaining her Raw Women's Championship after a hard-fought battle. The match was widely praised by fans and critics alike, with many considering it one of the best women's matches in Hell in a Cell history. Lynch and Banks proved that they were capable of delivering a main-event-caliber performance, further solidifying their status as top stars in WWE.

The success of this match can be attributed to several factors. First, Lynch and Banks had excellent chemistry, having worked together on numerous occasions. They understood each other's strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to create a seamless and exciting contest. Second, the match was given ample time to develop, allowing the story to unfold naturally. Third, both women were willing to take risks and push themselves to the limit, resulting in a memorable and impactful performance. The Hell in a Cell match between Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks served as a reminder of the potential of the WWE women's division and the importance of giving talented performers the opportunity to shine.

Other Notable Matches and Moments

While the Universal Championship and Raw Women's Championship matches dominated the headlines, Hell in a Cell 2019 featured other notable matches and moments worth discussing.

• Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan vs. Erick Rowan & Luke Harper: This tag team match was a continuation of the storyline involving Roman Reigns and his mysterious attacker. The match was a solid, hard-hitting affair with plenty of action. Reigns and Bryan ultimately emerged victorious, but the feud continued to unfold in the weeks that followed.
• Randy Orton vs. Ali: This match was a showcase of Randy Orton's veteran skills against the up-and-coming Ali. Orton, known for his methodical and calculated style, controlled much of the match. Ali, however, showcased his agility and high-flying offense. Orton ultimately defeated Ali with an RKO, proving that experience often prevails.
• Bayley vs. Charlotte Flair: For the SmackDown Women's Championship, this match was relatively short and disappointing. Charlotte Flair defeated Bayley to win the title, ending Bayley's reign abruptly. The match lacked the intensity and drama that fans had come to expect from these two talented performers.

The Aftermath and Lasting Impact

Hell in a Cell 2019 had a significant impact on the WWE landscape, particularly in regards to the Universal Championship storyline. The controversial finish to the Seth Rollins vs. The Fiend match led to a series of changes in the company's booking strategy. The Fiend's character, while still protected, was eventually defeated by Goldberg at Super ShowDown in February 2020, a decision that was also met with criticism from fans. Seth Rollins, on the other hand, transitioned into a new character as the "Monday Night Messiah," leading a stable of followers.

The Raw Women's Championship match between Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks, however, had a more positive impact. The match elevated both women and helped to solidify their positions as top stars in WWE. Lynch continued her reign as champion for several more months, while Banks eventually captured the SmackDown Women's Championship.

Overall, Hell in a Cell 2019 is remembered as a mixed bag. While the event featured some excellent matches and performances, the controversial finish to the main event overshadowed much of the good work that was done. The event serves as a reminder of the challenges that WWE faces in balancing storyline development with fan expectations.

So, what are your thoughts on Hell in a Cell 2019, guys? Let us know in the comments below! Which match was your favorite, and what did you think of the controversial main event finish? We're always up for a good wrestling discussion!