Hell In A Cell 2019: A Night Of Brutality And Controversy

Hey wrestling fans! Let's dive deep into the Hell in a Cell 2019 event, shall we? This pay-per-view, which took place on October 6, 2019, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, was one for the books – and not always in a good way. It was a night filled with high expectations, brutal matches, and enough controversy to fuel wrestling discussions for months. I'm going to break down the key moments, talk about the good, the bad, and the downright ugly, and give you my take on what made this event so memorable (or, perhaps, infamous). So, buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get into it.

The Build-Up: What Were We Expecting?

Going into Hell in a Cell 2019, the WWE Universe was buzzing with anticipation. The card was packed with potential, featuring some of the biggest names in the industry locked in heated rivalries. The main event was particularly intriguing, promising a clash of titans inside the unforgiving steel structure. You had to have been living under a rock to miss all the hype. The matches were set, the feuds were hot, and everyone expected a night of unforgettable action. We, the fans, were ready for some good ol' fashioned wrestling mayhem! The anticipation was almost palpable. The advertising was clever. The superstars were on fire. The stage was set for a memorable night.

The storylines leading up to the event were compelling. Seth Rollins and Bray Wyatt's feud was arguably the most talked about heading into the event. Bayley and Charlotte Flair were set to go head-to-head. Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan were ready to face off. These were not just matches; they were personal conflicts with deep roots and high stakes. The anticipation was fueled by weeks of intense promos, surprise attacks, and escalating animosity. We expected to see these rivalries culminate in a series of brutal, memorable matches inside and outside the iconic steel cell. The expectation was that each match would tell a story, further developing the characters and leaving a lasting impact on the WWE landscape. The pressure was on to deliver, and deliver they were supposed to.

The concept of Hell in a Cell itself always adds an extra layer of excitement. The cage is supposed to create a sense of finality and unleash the ultimate level of brutality. It's a match type with a reputation for intense violence and career-defining moments. The enclosed structure promises to eliminate interference and allow for truly personal grudges to be settled. Fans look forward to seeing the limits of human endurance tested. The very sight of the cell is enough to send chills down your spine. The expectation is that the performers will put everything on the line, leaving no doubt about their commitment to their craft. Hell in a Cell is more than just a match; it's a spectacle, a test, and a story all in one. Going into this particular event, expectations were soaring, with a high chance of becoming one of the most memorable nights of the year.

The Controversial Seth Rollins vs. The Fiend Match

Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room: Seth Rollins vs. The Fiend. This match was arguably the most anticipated of the night. The Fiend, Bray Wyatt's alter ego, had taken the WWE Universe by storm with his terrifying persona and dominant performances. Seth Rollins, the then-Universal Champion, was the man who had to stop him. The match was designed to be a brutal, hard-hitting affair, the kind of match that defines a Hell in a Cell encounter. However, what we got was… well, something else entirely.

The match was ultimately stopped by the referee, due to Rollins's brutal offense being considered too much. The crowd, however, was not pleased with the finish. The match was filled with near falls, but it failed to deliver on the brutality that fans expected. The referee's decision to stop the match by TKO – due to the lights failing – left many feeling cheated and confused. The crowd erupted with boos, and the arena was filled with chants of “AEW! AEW!” This moment marked a turning point in the evening, as it completely derailed the momentum and left the fans feeling angry and unsatisfied. This was, in many ways, the event's defining moment, and not in a good way. The aftermath saw a lot of online discussion and debate. Did the WWE make the right choice? Was it an intentional swerve? Many fans and critics felt that the ending damaged the credibility of The Fiend and undermined the prestige of the Hell in a Cell match itself.

The match's structure itself played a part in the disappointment. The reliance on near falls and the abrupt ending made it feel as though the match had not reached its natural conclusion. The overbooking, rather than enhancing the match, detracted from it. The use of red lighting also divided fans; some found it atmospheric, while others found it distracting and difficult to watch. The match failed to live up to the hype and ultimately became a symbol of the event's shortcomings. The WWE's decision to end the match in such a way, without a clear finish, left fans feeling like their time had been wasted and their expectations unmet. This match is a prime example of how even with the most intense buildup, the execution of the match can make or break the experience.

Bayley vs. Charlotte Flair: A Solid But Unremarkable Match

Compared to the main event, the Bayley vs. Charlotte Flair match for the SmackDown Women's Championship was a more traditional wrestling match. The two women are experienced performers with a history of great matches, so the expectations were high. The match was a decent one, with both women showcasing their skills, but it didn't quite reach the level of the classics. It was a well-structured match, with a clear story and good in-ring action, but it lacked the intensity and memorable moments that define great Hell in a Cell matches.

The match's pacing was steady, allowing both wrestlers to get their offense in. Flair and Bayley demonstrated their skills, but they were unable to elevate the match to the heights that fans were hoping for. The storyline was a typical face-heel dynamic, and while well-executed, it felt somewhat predictable. The match felt like it was missing something, a sense of danger or an element of surprise that could have elevated it. The crowd reacted with a respectable level of enthusiasm, but the match never truly captured their imagination. It was a good match, but it wasn't a great match. Ultimately, it served its purpose but failed to leave a lasting impression on the fans. The match was a step up from the chaotic main event, but it did not leave a mark.

The fact that it followed the disastrous main event, may have hindered the match's impact. The crowd was still reeling from the earlier match, and it's possible that the mood in the arena affected the match's reception. The lack of a strong ending also made the match less memorable. The match's placement on the card, sandwiched between the main event's chaos and the other matches, may have contributed to it being overlooked. While it was a solid performance, it was overshadowed by the events surrounding it. It highlighted the importance of a well-balanced card and a captivating main event.

The Undercard: Mixed Results and Missed Opportunities

The undercard of Hell in a Cell 2019 had some bright spots, but also some missed opportunities. Let's take a look:

• Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks: This match was a highlight. Lynch and Banks delivered a hard-hitting, competitive match for the Raw Women's Championship. It was a brutal affair that lived up to the Hell in a Cell stipulation, and the crowd was invested. It was an example of how a Hell in a Cell match should be executed, setting a new standard for women's wrestling in the cell.
• Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan vs. Erick Rowan & Luke Harper: This match was decent, with a strong performance from Rowan and Harper. It was a fast-paced match with high spots that satisfied the audience. The tag team match, while entertaining, didn't live up to the intensity of the cell.
• Other Matches: The other matches on the card were okay, but none stood out as particularly memorable. The show had a mix of matches that either had the potential to be a classic, or just served the purpose of entertainment.

The Aftermath: Impact and Legacy

Hell in a Cell 2019 had a significant impact on the WWE landscape. The negative reaction to the main event and the questionable finishes led to numerous discussions about the quality of WWE's booking and the direction of its top stars. The event became a case study in how not to book a pay-per-view. The event also sparked a wave of critical assessment of the WWE product. Many fans and critics felt that the event exposed some of the WWE's weaknesses in storytelling and match execution. The event highlighted the importance of delivering satisfying conclusions and meeting fan expectations.

The event also affected the careers of some of the performers. The disappointing ending of the Seth Rollins vs. The Fiend match certainly had ramifications, particularly for The Fiend's momentum. The event’s failure to deliver left a stain on the careers of those involved. The event served as a reminder that even the most talented performers can be let down by poor booking decisions. The event's impact was widespread, resulting in a collective examination of WWE's practices and an increased focus on the importance of storytelling in wrestling.

Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember (For the Wrong Reasons)

In conclusion, Hell in a Cell 2019 was a night of highs and lows. While the event offered moments of brilliance, the controversial main event ultimately overshadowed everything. The event will be remembered for the wrong reasons – primarily for the disappointing conclusion of the Seth Rollins vs. The Fiend match. It was a night that underscored the importance of strong storytelling, satisfying finishes, and meeting fan expectations. It served as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between delivering thrilling wrestling and disappointing an audience. Overall, the event fell short of expectations, leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling community.

For the wrestling fanatics who are reading this, what did you think of the event? Were you there? Let me know in the comments! And as always, thanks for reading!