Hell in a Cell, 2020 - Review

Honestly, I am not that busy but still I had to watch 2020's Hell in a Cell in two sittings. First, that Cell design looks cool up close, but looks weirder as the distance increases.

SPOILERS for WWE Hell in a Cell, 2020.

October 25.

Disappointed: Jey Uso vs. Roman Reigns

I watched this match late, having watched Sasha Banks vs. Bayley earlier. A fairly simple to understand match; no pins, no submissions, match is over when one man says "I Quit!".

Roman Reigns vs. his cousin, Jey Uso was teased in the weeks leading up to HIAC. When the match really happened, it was a good match. Both Superstars used their physical prowess (and not weapons) to beat each other up. Honestly, it was a good match, stakes were high and the fight was also good.

It was good - which is why I was so disappointed.

Before I actually write articles down, I write them in my mind. Initially, I described the match as being "... reminiscent of Undertaker vs. Kane, 1997...". However, as the match proceeded, I thought otherwise. I have never pressed the 'Backspace button' of my mind so fast. This match could have been "Taker vs. Kane" level -

But it wasn't. 

Both Superstars, had their moments and it is not their fault that the match became dull. Reigns did deliver quite a superman punch, while Jey Uso also had his high-flying moments. The use of the long belt was interesting. The banter and taunting between them was alright and made the match more suspenseful. The concept for this match – the only way to win was if the opponent said "I Quit!" – had very high potential.

It wasn't one factor which lead to my disappointment, it was a tandem of many. The exact moment when the match went downhill, I believe, is when the suits and Jimmy Uso ran into the cell. Reigns had used two kicks - one using the metal stairs - to incapacitate Jey. The referee said that the match cannot continue, the suits came to interrupt and it looked like it was over. But tell me, were you seriously expecting Jey to just keel over and surrender? No! We were all watching wide eyed, with bated breath, waiting for Jey to stand up and counter Reigns. In fact, it looked like even Jey was expecting Jey to stand up for the counter.

That moment never happened. The showrunners were probably aiming for an emotional play here using the family storyline. I'm not saying that emotional episodes of WWE are bad - it's just that in this episode, it took away the potential of what Hell in a Cell could be. The ploy was to make Reigns' heel turn (villain role) stand out more; but in doing so, the showrunners forgot one thing; they forgot to make the Superstars look cool. The 'E' in WWE does stand for 'Entertainment'. The end result was that Reigns ended up looking like a spoilt brat. And using Jimmy to make Jay quit made Jay appear be weak and the match, pathetic. And the match became sad.

It does set up the rivalry of Jey and Jimmy against Roman Reigns in the upcoming matches, and that seems to be the plan. However, as for this match (on its own), Samoa Joe and I have the same opinion: Roman Reigns = not good. Always good to hear Joe make comments, it seems he doesn't get quite the chance.

Good: Sasha Banks vs. Bayley

If you want to make a Top Ten Moments montage using only Banks vs. Bayley for reference, you can do it.

From the beginning itself, it was a spectacle to behold. You and I know that WWE is preplanned and performed, however, by looking at the way Sasha Banks kicked the chair out of Bayley's hands as the cell descends - it becomes more impressive to behold. In fact, that chair kick is more appreciated KNOWING that the match is preplanned. It all lined up so impeccably.

Not a single dull moment throughout the match. Banks setting up the dual kendo sticks was nice, and the use of weapons and tools was amazing. They used everything - tables, ladders and chairs. Kendo sticks were used throughout the match in a variety of ways. "The offense in a Hell in a Cell match is limited only by imagination." to quote the announce team.

There was an awkward moment when Bayley tried to tape the two kendo sticks together, but that also lead up to a surprising fire extinguisher spray. Also, Bayley made the awkward moment work - she asked for help from the referee and then, berated the announce team. Bayley made the awkward moment WORK.

"I'm so sweaty, could you help out here...?"

Referee: "No! I can't do that for you."

As I mentioned before, not a dull moment.

The use of spray paint; x marks the spot.

Banks throwing the kendo stick towards the announce team.

The flow of moves as they grappled, changed moves, and not to forget the manner in which Banks jumped from the cell to the ring delivering the hurricanrana.

Banks kicking from under the table to hit Bayley, was also on point.

The use of weapons and moves were done brilliantly, culminating in the chair finish. If there was an example of "Chekhov's Gun" in WWE, it is that chair. This is how a Hell in a Cell Match has to be. 

Spectacular match, overall.