Just two weeks after the first one, World Wrestling Entertainment returns with another PPV extravaganza. This one? The second and now annual Hell In A Cell, in which the two World Title matches of the night are decided within the confines of the structure bearing the same name. This year, the event broadcast live from Dallas, Texas. Several championships were on the line, however none changed hands. But the main shocker of the night, or shockes, as Cena lost and per stipulation must now "join" Nexus, came when the returning "Father of Destruction," Paul Bearer, turned on the very man he accompanied to ringside, costing him the World Title.
I had the pleasure of attending the first Hell In A Cell last year in Newark, NJ. I watched this one last night on PPV. Let's see if this one was worth it for the fans in Dallas.
Daniel Bryan defeated The Miz and John Morrison in a Triple Threat Submissions Count Anywhere Match for the United States Championship
Tonight's opener was one of technical skill and intensity, as new US Champ Daniel Bryan fought former champion the Miz and John Morrison in quite a display of athelticism. Much of the match took place ringside, working its way up the ramp and through the audience. The spot of the night came when the Spiderman-like Morrison scaled the set near the entrance and leaped on top of his opponents. There was some great high flying stunts here with many submission holds applied. After a rather lengthy match, Bryan locked the Lebelle Lock on Miz to force him to tap and retain his newly won title.
Alberto Del Rio then made his way to the ring. He claimed that he was the greatest, blah blah blah, and made a challenge to anyone who wanted to take him on. Out comes Edge to cheers, now apparently a tweener, and tells Alberto off. Jack Swagger strolls out angry at Edge for dissing him on Smackdown. And Surprise! The fight ensues. Edge hit’s a spear or two, and the General Manager chime goes off. It seems Edge and Swagger will have an impromptu brawl per the orders of the mystery GM.
Edge defeated Jack Swagger via pinfall after a spear
Nothing too special here. Edge needed a pay per view match and Swagger has gone from World Heavyweight Champ to mid card mediocrity. Otherwise this was a solid, though not very exciting, time filler.
Randy Orton retained the WWE Championship over Sheamus in a Hell In A Cell match.
Honestly, this was one of the most boring matches I’ve ever seen inside the cell. Interestingly placed only third on the card, allowing some time between the two cell matches, Orton and Sheamus went back and forth in a brawl. A steel chair found a home many times throughout this encounter, as did the steel ringside steps. Eventually Orton was able to hit the RKO on top of the steps to put Sheamus away for the 1-2-3. Afterwards, Orton strapped the title on backwards and scaled the cell to celebrate his victory.
Wade Barrett defeated John Cena. Cena must now join Nexus.
This co-main event started off with a bang as Cena and Barrett went at it, exchanging blow after blow. Out of nowhere, Cena started….WRESTLING! Yes, Super Cena actually performed some moves other than the Five Moves of Death, and actually looked good doing it. This was actually a pretty solid match between these two, with so much riding on the line. Barrett hit his finisher, Cena kicked out. Cena hit a huge Attitude Adjustment, and Barrett kicked out as well. Finally, Nexus runs down to the ring, but Barrett warns them away, as interference would give the victory to Cena. They stand down, and Barrett goes back to work. As Cena recovers, a “fan” suddenly jumps in the ring. He looked a lot like Joe Hennig, aka Michael McGillicuty from NXT Season 2. With Cena and the ref distracted, a second attacker clocks Cena with a lead pipe. This guy was unmistakably Husky Harris, also from NXT Season 2. Uh oh. Barrett then pins Cena…it’s over. The crowd goes silent. Their hero has failed them. Nexus is stronger than ever, and now their main enemy must join forces with them. Yeah, right. We’ll see how this one lasts. Barrett and company happily exit as Cena gives that “I failed” stare in the ring. Children are crying, women are devastated, and the Cena haters are thrilled. He slowly walks to the back, not saying a word. Will Cena really join Nexus? Have Hennig and Husky joined the renegade faction as well? Tune into tonight’s Raw for more.
Unified Divas Champion Michelle McCool w/ Layla defeated Natalya to retain the title
Finally, two decent women wrestlers slugging it out on PPV. The unification turned out to really be good for the titles. Natalya is very underrated, being used mostly as a manager for Hart Dynasty, and it was nice to see her finally get her shot at the gold. Unfortunately, Layla was ringside to make sure that didn’t quite happen. She nailed Natalya with her high heels, allowing Michelle to go home still champion. Rematch necessary.
Kane defeated The Undertaker to keep the World Heavyweight Championship in a Hell In A Cell match when Paul Bearer turned on Undertaker
Just when they bring him back, they turn him heel? No! Say it isn’t so, Paul! Why, Paul, why? Indeed, Paul Bearer has taken the side of Kane once again in the thirteen year saga of the Brothers of Destruction. After a heavy hitting match between the brothers from the dark side, Bearer showed his true colors, blinding Undertaker with a light from the urn and nailing him in the head with it. Cue Kane’s version of the Tombstone Piledriver for the win.
The two battled in quite an encounter, the vengeful eyes of Kane staring down the replenished Undertaker. But it all ended with a series of events beginning with Kane’s striking of the referee, leading a new ref to come into the cell, but allowing Bearer to enter the steel structure behind him. Just when Taker was about to seal the deal, his former manager suddenly opened the urn to reveal a blinding light, disabling Taker long enough for Bearer to whack him and Kane to capitalize. Perhaps ol’ Paul is still upset about being buried in concrete six years ago after all…
And there you have it wrestling fans. Another show in the books. This one was very storyline heavy, leaving a lot to follow up on in the coming weeks. With even another PPV, Bragging Rights, just around the corner on October 24, we’ll have to stay tuned closely for more developments in the world of sweat and spandex. Until then, you’ve been Ringside.
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