5 Positives From WWE Hell In A Cell 2017

SmackDown Live’s latest brand exclusive PPV, Hell in a Cell didn’t have the biggest fanfare heading in but it is safe to say that the event ended up delivering with two excellent matches inside the demonic structure and some solid matches in-between the show was one that fans won’t forget in a hurry. With that in mind, here are five positives to take from the event.

 

5. A Clean Victory

Whether people are pleased with the fact Jinder Mahal is the WWE Champion or not is a separate issue entirely, there was certainly a silver lining in his championship defense at Hell in a Cell, which was the fact he actually won the match with a clean pin. Of course, it wasn’t entirely clean because of the chicanery that had taken place just moments before but there was no involvement from the Singh Brothers and instead, Mahal actually looked like a dominant champion who can beat the very best that the company has to offer.

If WWE wants fans to take Mahal as a serious threat then it is crucial that they continue to book him in this manner because it will change the perception of him in the WWE Universe’s eyes.

 

4. A Perfect Addition

WWE’s Kick-Off shows are often uneventful and can be skipped without missing anything newsworthy but that wasn’t the case here as Daniel Bryan actually changed the United States Championship match during the warm-up hour, adding Tye Dillinger into the match; a perfect decision.

Dillinger has been a key component in the feud over the championship and deserved to be involved in this match which is why it was good to see him get some time to shine. Ultimately, he was added in the match to take the pinfall, allowing Baron Corbin to win the belt without having AJ Styles actually be pinned, but he got the chance to showcase himself well and hopefully this is the start of WWE using him more.

 

3. The Main Event Delivers

Sometimes matches can suffer from too much hype in the fans eyes but thankfully that wasn’t the case with Hell in a Cell’s show closer as the feud between Kevin Owens and Shane McMahon boiled over inside the cell. Both men gave their absolute best and McMahon once again proved why WWE keep bringing him out for these occasions because he can deliver in spades.

Both men took an absolute beating and added in some really cool spots both inside, outside and on top of the cell which created a big fight feel that the audience just ate up. With the way the match ended it is clear that the feud between these two men is far from over and that is something I am pleased about.

 

2. Sami Zayn Turns Heel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkkyqc2g5nA

When WWE pulls off surprises they are usually moments that change the landscape of their shows and they gave the WWE Universe a big one to end Hell in a Cell, with Sami Zayn seemingly turning heel. The Underdog from the Underground cost Shane McMahon his match, moving Kevin Owens from the announcer’s table as McMahon went crashing through the table after taking a leap of faith from the top of the cell, before putting KO on him to gain the win.

What the motives behind this decision remain unclear but it certainly has fans intrigued ahead of SmackDown Live which is exactly what WWE wants to end a PPV like this. Zayn has been wasted for far too long since moving to the main roster and his involvement in an angle this big can only be a good thing for him which should lead to bigger and better things for him, likely teaming up with his real-life best friend which could create some compelling television.

 

1. A Tag Team Classic

Is there anything better than a great wrestling match? Not just a good bout but a truly excellent, can’t miss match that is so good you just want to watch it again as soon as it’s over because you didn’t want it to end whilst it was happening. Well, that is what we were treated to in the opening match of Hell in a Cell as The Usos and New Day put on, not only one of the best tag matches of the year but in my opinion, one of the best cell matches in history.

It can be incredibly hard to think of new and innovative ways to shake up a match that fans have seen so many times, yet that is exactly what they managed to do here. With unique spots that put over how demonic and dangerous matches inside the structure should be, there was a real feeling of how desperate both teams were to win which was well conveyed to the audience and makes the championships themselves feel even more important which is great for the entire division. It was a match that couldn’t be topped and is one of the stand out matches of the year if you haven’t seen this then head over to the WWE Network immediately.